LETTERS AND PAPERS
RELATING CHIEFLY TO THE
trb dintAI   5ibstar            of tannsuIania
WITII SOME
NOTICES OF THE WRITERS.
PRIVATELY PRINTED.
PtHILADELPHIA:
CRISSY & iMIAIKLEY, PRINTERS, GOLDSMIITIIS HALL, LIBRARY ST.
1855.




ENTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OF CONGRESS,
in the year 1855, by
THOMAS BALCIH,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern'District of Pennsylvania.




PREFACE.
Some time ago, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania passed a
resolution, requesting me to edit certain letters written by Chief
Justice Shippen. The duty was begun, but in the course of its
execution, other materials were tendered to me, consisting in part
of the'Shippen MSS.' in the archives of that Society, in part of
masses of letters, accounts, and other papers in the possession of
descendants of some of the families prominent in the Province.
The interest which had been created by the occupation itself, and
the desire to add something to the stores of the future historian of
this State, induced me to sift with care these miscellaneous MISS.
and to print such as were of some, even though not remarkable,
value.
The greater portion of them are purely private in their character.
I therefore thought it well to print only a very-small number of
copies, so as to prevent any, except those connected by'kindred' ties,' from obtaining the volume.
I have endeavored to make the genealogical notices, and also the
notes appended to the letters, full and accurate. In my efforts, 1
have been greatly assisted by Mr. J. F. Fisher, Mr. Edward
Shippen, Mr. Joseph Swift, Dr. G. W. Norris, Mr. Samuel Powel,
and other gentlemen. To them are due the best thanks, not only
of myself as Editor, but of all who prize an honorable ancestry,
such as the following pages disclose.
Some of the letters relate to public affairs, and aid in supplying
gaps in Pennsylvania history. At a future day I will print extracts from these.
Philadelphia, March, 1855.








GENEALOGICAL NOTICES
OF
THOSE FAMILIES
WHOSE MEMBERS HAVE, MORE OR LESS, CONTRIBUTED
TO THE
FOLLOWING CORRESPONDENCE.
WILLIAM  SHIPPEN,* of Yorkshire, England, (gentleman,)
had issueTwo sons, which died young:
A daughter, m. to Mr. Leybourne, of Yorkshire; she
died there:
He had also, WILLIAM SHIPPEN, afterwards Rector of
St. Mary's Church, Stockport:
EDWARD SHIPPEN, b. 1639, who emigrated to America,
and was the founder of the family here.t
M* S. Pedigrees which formerly belonged to the late Judge
Yeates, Judge Shippen, E. S. Burd, &c. Bible Entries of Joseph
Shippen, (son of Edward, the emigrant,) now in possession of Col.
John Hare Powel. Hazard's Reg. IV. 241, (reprinting from the
Portfolio:)'A gentleman of fortune and family, in the county
York.'
t It will be seen by the following pages that Mr. Griswold has
been misled (Republican Court, p. 15) as to the pedigree of Edward
Shippen.




vi
The particulars of the first William Shippen's parentage,
birth, marriage, death, or place of residence are unknown.
In the Memoirs of James Logan,* his son Edward is made
to say, that'Alethey' was, at the time of his birth, the
residence of his father. This, however, is presumed to be
a misprint, or an error of the copyist; there being no such
place, as far as ascertained. It is conjectured, from the
name, that the family was originally of Flemish or Dutch
extraction; a conjecture to which some countenance is
given by the circumstance that the part of Yorkshire in
which Mr. Shippen is supposed to have lived,-that lying
between Pontefract and Wakefield, —had many  Flemish
families settled in it; so much so, that Bigland, says,t'The Don.''This last part is called the Dutch River,' being a canal cut by Cornelius Vermuiden and his Dutch
and Flemish settlers.'
That the vicinity of Pontefract or Wakefield was his place
of residence, appears reasonably certain from the fact, that
his son,' William, was elected to the scholarship in Uni* Edward Shippen was father-in-law to Thomas Story, and went
early into Pennsylvania from Boston, whither he had gone from
England in 1675. There he was persecuted for his religion, as a
Friend, and received from the zealots in power, a public whipping.
He was very successful as a merchant in Philadelphia, and amassed
a large fortune, etc. He retained a strong interest towards his fellow professors in old England. In a letter to William Ellis, dated
27th of Seventh Month, 1699, he alludes to his having forwarded
for poor Friends, a present of gold. "I have sent by our dear
Friend, Aaron Atkinson, 123 ozs. of gold. It cost here ~76 10s.
currency. I suppose it will sell in London for something above ~50
sterling, the which I have desired Aaron to sell; and I leave the
disposing of it to thee and him, among poor Friends, where there is
most need, and where it may be most helpful." He adds, " and if
there be a meeting at Alethey, where I was born, I desire to know;
and whether they be in want." —Memoirs of James Logan, by WilsonArmistead. London, 1851, p. 39, (n.)
t' I'istory of Yorkshire,' p. 900, London, no date.-Thorne.




vii' versity College, Oxford, to which natives of Yorkshire are,'alone, eligible; and a preference is given in the first in-' stance, by the college statutes, to all persons who are either' natives of those localities, or who have been educated at the' Grammar School, in one of those two towns.'*
1653, May 26, his son, the Rev. WILLIAM SHIPPEN, was
matriculated at University College, Oxford.
1656, January 29: took his degree of A. B.t
1657, July 22, elected to Scholarship.
1659, June 16, elected Fellow of Union College.
1659, received degree of A. M.
1663, elected Proctor.
1668, resigned.'He was afterwards Proctor of the University, 1664,4' and at length Rector of Stockport in Cheshire; and author
of " the Christian's Triumph over Death,"  a sermon' preached at the funeral of Richard Leigh, Esq.  lie is' D. D. not of this University, if I mistake not, but by the'diploma of Dr. Wm. Sancroft, Archbishop of Canter-' bury.' ~
The family here have no information as to the date of his
birth or marriage. He died in 1693, and was buried under
the chancel of the Church.  From what Lord Mahon says, I
he was probably not a man of wealth, but left rather an
indifferent estate.
* Rev. Dr. Gresswell to Bishop Doane. MS. in possession of Mr.
J. Francis Fisher.
t 2 Wood's Fasti Oxon. 125.
t Ibid, 111, 157.
{ Extracts from Printed Register of Oxford. Dr. Gresswell. MS.
2 Wood cit. ante, 125.
History of England, (3d ed.) III. P. 30




viii
In the Bible-entries of his nephew, Joseph Shippen, son
of Edward, it is stated,' My relations in England are my'uncle, William Shippen's children:' 1. ROBERT SHIPPEN, Doctor of Divinity.' 2. WILLIAM SHIPPEN, Doctor of Law, and a parliamentman.'3. EDWARD SHIPPEN, a Physician.'4. JOHN SHIPPEN, a Spanish merchant.'
1. ROBERT SHIPPEN, of Brazennose College, Oxford, received 1693, July 22, the degree of A. MI.
1699, July 4, made D. D., and was subsequently principal of Brazennose, and Vice Chancellor of Oxford University. There is said to be a fine bust and monument of
him, yet remaining in that College. There appears to have
been a certain degree of intimacy between Robert and his
cousin Joseph; but his letters, as well as those of Joseph,
are lost. His bookplate is preserved in the American
branch of the family, and bears underneath the coat of
arms, the following inscription:
" Robertus Shippen. S. T. P."
"Coll. En: Nas: Principalis."
2. WILLIAM SHIPPEN, the " downright Shippen"
of Pope,* the famous leader of th~ Jacobites, m. Frances
Stote, d. of Sir Richard Stote.t  Of him and his wife
Lord Mahon thus speaks:'Shippen, whom  the public voice still proclaimed as'the great leader of the Jacobites, was thought by them
* I love to pour out all myself, as plain
As downright Shippen, or as old Montaigne.
POPE.
* Burke's Landed Gentry. s. v. Bewicke. Mr. Burke calls him'William Shippen, the patriot.'




ix
so weak as to be left out of all their consultations.*  Ship-'pen, at this time,t was sixty-eight, and his energy, perhaps, much impaired.4  But as it seems to me, even his
earlier reputation grew much more from  his courage, his'incompatibility, his goodhumored frankness of purpose,'than from any superior eloquence or talent. Horace Walpole, the younger, describes his speeches as spirited in sen-' timent, but generally uttered in a low tone of voice, with'too great rapidity, and with his glove held before his
mnouth:~ certainly not the portrait of a great orator.  It'is said, that he had some skill in poetry, yet it does not
seem that he was known or prized by any of the eminent'men out of the House of Commons. His father was Rector
of Stockport, and his paternal inheritance had been small:
he acquired, however, an ample fortune by marriage. His
wife was extremely penurious, and, as a relation gently
expressed it, " with a peculiarity of temper,1I and unwilling to mix in society.  She was much noticed by Queen
Caroline, but steadily  declined all connection with the
Court. Shippen, himself, like Pulteney, was not free from
the taint of avarice; when not attending Parliament, he'lived chiefly in a hired house on Richmond Hill, and it is' remarkable, that neither of these distinguished politicians,'though each wealthy, possessed that chief pride and delight'of an English gentleman, a country seat."'~
* History of England, III. p. 30. (3d ed.) and auth's cit.
t 1740.
5 Stuart papers. Lord Sempill's Letter, June 13th, 1740.
Q Coxe's Memoirs of Walpole. I. 672.!1 Judge Willes, her grand nephew. Coxe's Walpole, I. 673.
Shippen survived her several years, in full possession of her fortune.
~ Coxe's Walpole, I. 673. As to Pulteney, see Pope to Swift,
May 17, 1739-Swift's Works, XIX. 291.
1*




Whether or not, Lord Mahon, who claims to present a
fair and impartial narrative to his readers, has done full
justice to Shippen, may be a question.  That Shippen possessed, in a high degree, all the virtues ascribed to him by
the historian, is, of course, unquestionable. The courage
and integrity which animated him in such dangerous and
agitated times, were truly noble; such as neither danger could
daunt, nor temptation undermine, nor discouragement diminish.*  With what a fine spirit does he protest against a
*' For my part I am not ashamed nor afraid to affirm, that thirty' years have made no change in any of my political opinions; I am' now grown old in this house, but that experience which is the con-'sequence of age has only confirmed the principles with which I' enter'd it many years ago; time has verified the predictions which'I formerly utter'd, and I have seen my conjectures ripen'd into'knowledge. I should be therefore without excuse, if either terror' could affright, or the hope of advantage allure me from the decla-'ration of my opinions; opinions, which I was not deterred from'asserting, when the prospect of a longer life than I can now ex-'pect might have added to the temptations of ambition, or aggra-' vated the terrors of poverty and disgrace; opinions, for which I'would willingly have suffered the severest censures, even when I'had espoused them only in compliance with reason, without the'infallible certainty of experience. Of truth it has been always'observed, Sir, that every day adds to its establishment, and that' falshoods, however specious, however supported by power, or esta-'blished by confederacies, are unable to stand before the stroke of' time: Against the inconveniences and vexations of long life, may' be set the pleasure of discovering truth, perhaps the only pleasure'that age affords. Nor is it a slight satisfaction to a man not' utterly infatuated or depraved, to find opportunities of rectifying'his notions, and regulating his conduct by new lights. But much' greater is the happiness of that man, to whom every day brings a' new proof of the reasonableness of his former determinations, and' who finds, by the most unerring test, that his life has been spent' in promotion of doctrines beneficial to mankind. This, Sir, is the' happiness which I now enjoy, and for which those who never shall'attain it, must look for an equivalent in lucrative employments,' honorary titles, pompous equipages, and splendid palaces. These,' Sir, are the advantages which are to be gained by a seasonable'variation of principles, and by a ready compliance with the pre-'vailing fashion of opinions; advantages, which I indeed cannot'envy, when they are purchased at so high a price.'-Debates in
Parliament, (1741-2,) pp. 102, 103.




xi
standing army, though his earnest efforts against' a burden'heavy and dangerous to the people' had so often failed.'Sir; I now  stand up to make my anniversary  oration'against a standing army.  I have made one and twenty
Shippen's character and conduct are so well illustrated in the
report of the proceedings, when he was sent to the Tower, that I
can not forbear giving it. Parlt. Debates, 1717, Dec. 4, p. 20, &c.' In this speech, Mr. Shippen overshot himself so far in his ex-'pressions, as to give too much advantage against him, to such as' perhaps were not over-backward to lay hold of it: IHis words that'gave the offence were to the following purpose, That the second'paragraph of the Kings' speech seemed rather to be calculated for the'meredian of Germany, than Great Britain; and that'twas a great' misfortune, That the King was a Stranger to our language and con-' stituition. These expressions gave offence to several members, and'in particular to Mr. Lechmere, who having taken them down in'writing, urged,' That those words were a scandalous invective' against the King's person and government, of which the house' ought to shew the highest resentment, and therefore moved, That' the member who spoke those offensive words should be sent to the'Tower.' Mr. Lechnzere was seconded by Mr. Cowper, brother to'the Lord Chancellor, and back'd by Sir Joseph Jekyll, and some
others: Upon which Mr. Robert Walpole said,' That if the words'in question were spoken by the member on whom they were'charged, the Tower was too light a punishment for his rashness;'but as what he had said in the heat of this debate might have'been misunderstood, he was for allowing him the liberty of ex-'plaining himself.' Mr. Snell, Mr. Hutchinson, and some other'gentlemen, spoke also in behalf of Mr. Shippen, intending, chiefly,'to give him an opportunity of retracting or excusing what he'had said; which Mr. Shippen not thinking proper to do, several'speeches were made upon the question, Whether the words taken'down in writing were the same as had been spoken? A gentleman'having suggested, That there was no precedent of a censure passed'on a member of the house, for words spoken in a Committee, Sir
Charles Hotham produced instances of the contrary; and, on the' other hand, Mr. Shippen having maintained what he had ad-'vanced, it was, at last, resolved by a majority of 196 voices'against about 100, That the words taken down in writing were'spoken by Mr. Shippen. It was then about nine o'clock in the' evening, and it being moved and carried, That the Chairman leave'the chair; Mr. Speaker resumed his place, and  Mr. Farrer'reported from the said Committee,' That exceptions having been' taken to some words spoken in the Committee, by William Ship-'pen, Esq., a member of the house, the Committee, had directed' him to report the words to the house.' Which being done accord-'ingly, and candles ordered to be brought in, Mr. Shippen was




Xii'already, of which fifteen have never been seconded, and
this will probably be the sixteenth.'*  Not the less, though,
was he bound to do his duty.
But courage, integrity and good temper, though sufficient
to render him a prominent actor amongst the Jacobites, were
not enough to constitute him their leader in a body like the
I-louse of Commons; that too, during a long service of
many years, with such men as Walpole, Pultney, Stanhope,
Barnard, as associates and antagonists. He must have
had, as the debates fully show, both the sagacity and the
eloquence of an accomplished statesman.
Perhaps Lord Mahon's judgment was warped by the fact,
that Shippen was at the head of the commission appointed
to examine and sift General Stanhope's accounts, as Envoy
and as Commanlder-in-Chief.t However candid or correct
his recital may be as to other matters, it looses those characteristics whenever the individual or the subject touches
the house of Stanhope or the American Revolution.- His
partiality for his family is a weakness excusable in the eyes
of many; and harmless, except where it presents his story'heard in his place, and then withdrew. After this it was moved,'that the question might be put,' That the words spoken'by Wil-' liam Shippen, Esq., (a member of this house) are highly dishonor-' able to, and unjustly reflecting on his Majesty's person and govern-' went." Which occasioned a debate that lasted'till past 11 o'clock;'when the question being put, was carried in the affirmative by 175'voices against 81; and thereupon ordered,'That William Ship-'pen, Esq. be, for the said offence, committed prisoner to his Ma-'jesty's Tower of London. and that Mr. Speaker do issue his war-'rant accordingly.'- Debates in Parliament, 1717-21, (Dec. 4,
1717,) p. 20.
* Parlt. Debates, 1739. p. 138. See also his speech in favor of
Triennial Parliaments.-Debates in Parliament, 1716, p. 454.
t 1 Mahon's Eng. 109.
$ Some of the errors as to this country, to be found in his work,
have been exposed by that learned and accurate American Antiquary, Mr. Peter Force, in an able and severe critique.




xiii
to the injury of others.  Such is the case as to the character which he has drawn of this'Parliament man;' *
and though not disposed, to use his own words, and say'that it implies not merely literary failure, but moral
guilt;'t we may at least protest against the manner in which
he appears to'lower the fame of a political adversary.'l. 3. EDWARD SHIPPEN, of Brazennose College,
received 1693, July 22, the degree of A. M.  He was a
Physician, and is supposed to have married, Frances, d.
of Peter Leigh, of Lyme, widow of Sir Gilbert Clarke.~
4. JOHN SHIPPEN, was, as already stated, according to his cousin Joseph's bible-entries, a Spanish merchant; and was baptized 1678, July 5, by hisTather, in
Mary's Church, at Stockport; and was British Consul at
Lisbon.
It would also seem that he had a daughter named ANNE;
for Edward Willes, son of the Lord Chief Justice Willes,
m. Anne niece of William Shippen, M. P.  She d. 1799,
leaving issue.ll
*' Honest Will Shippen,' as he was called, or'Downright Shippen,' as Pope terms him, was a zealous Jacobite member of parliament, possessed of considerable talents, and a vehement opposer of
Sir Robert Walpole's government. He, however, did justice to that
able minister, for he was accustomed to say,'Robin and I are
honest men; but as for those fellows in long perriwigs' (meaning
the Tories of the day,)'they only want to get into office themselves.' He was the author of a satirical poem, entitled,' Faction
Displayed,' which possesses considerable merit.-D.  [Shippen
was born in 1672, and died in 1743. Sir Robert Walpole repeatedly declared, that he would not say who was corrupted, but
he would say who was not corruptible-that man was Shippen.
His speeches generally contained some pointed period, which he
uttered with great animation. lie usually spoke in a low tone of
voice, with too great rapidity, and held his glove before his mouth.
-Horace Walpole's letters, ed. by Lord Dover, I. 101, (note.)
London, 1840.
t 1 Mahon. Introd. 2.
t 1 Mahon. Introd. 2.
Q Burke's Land. Gent. s. v. Tatton.
II Burke's Land. Gent. s. v. Willes.




xiv
EDWARD SInIPPEN, son of the first mentioned William, and
the founder of the family in America,
1639, was born in Yorkshire, England,
1668, emigrated to Boston: persecuted into removing
1693-4, to Philadelphia, where,
1712, October 2d, he died, AE. 73.
Of his history in England, nothing is known except
that he was bred to mercantile pursuits, in which he engaged after his arrival in Boston: very successfully too,
as it appears, that he was, on removing to Philadelphia,
computed to be worth at least ~10,000 stg.-a sum by
no means inconsiderable in those days, particularly in a new
country. His sagacity and ability largely increased his fortune during his residence in Philadelphia.
1669.  He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company, and in
1671, married Elizabeth IJybrand; which marriage, it
is conjectured, led to his embracing Quakerism: and, so
zealous was the convert, that we find
1677, Aug't 16.  Governor Coddington of Rhode Island,
in a letter from  Boston, under this date, mentions that on
the 9th of that month, Shippen, together with others, was
arrested for attending Friends meeting, and'publickly'whipped, and again on the next day of Public worship,'when he suffered in the same way.' That Shippen had
the courage not only to suffer as a martyr, but also to defy
his oppressors, is shown by the following extract from
Thomas Story's Journal.*
* Thomas Story's Journal. London 1718, pp. 195-6. See also
pp. 223-26. See also Southey's Corm. Place Book.




xv
1699.'And the next day, accompanied by some friends,'we went to Boston: near which, on a green, we observed a'pair of gallows; and being told, that was the place where'several of our friends suffered death for the truth, and had'been thrown into a hole, we rode a little out of our way to'see it: which was a kind of pit, near the gallows, and full'of water, but two posts at each end, which had been set'there by Edward Shippen of Philadelphia, a reputable'Friend, formerly of Boston: who would have erected some' more lasting monument there, with leave of the magistrates,'but they were not willing: since it would too frequently'and long bring to remembrance that great error of their'ancestors, which could not now be repaired: so that he had'only leave to put down those posts, to keep the place in'remembrance, till something further might be done, at a'time when it might be less obnoxious.'
Great as were the persecutions which he, together with
his unfortunate fellow'sectaries,' endured at the hands
of the Pilgrim Fathers and their descendants, yet he continued in Boston; for
1687, Sept. 12, during Andross' usurpation, he presented a petition to Sir Edmund, upon consideration of
which the following order was made:'That whereas Edward Shippen of Boston, Merchant,'hath by his petition set forth that for many years past he,'and those under whom he claims, have been possessed of'a certain house and ground wherein he now liveth: one'other house and ground in the occupation of Thomas'Savage: one other house and ground in the occupation of' George Dawson: several warehouses and grounds belonging'thereto; and about four acres of ground in pasture; all'within the town of Boston; and moreover petitions to have




xvi'them  confirmed to him: Whereupon the Governor, Sir'Edmund Andross, ordered them  to be surveyed, so that a'patent for them might be granted unto him.'*
Besides the above mentioned houses, warehouses, lots
and pasture, there belonged to Mr. Shippen several wharves,
somewhere near Fanueil Hall, known in the last century as'Shippen's Wharves;' but now  far inland, and covered
by well built streets, in consequence of the extensive fillings
up, which have so much expanded the limits of Boston.
1689-90, March 14. It appears from the record of the
Council and General Court,' that Mr. Edward Shippen,'now intending a journey to Jennsylvania, be desired to pur-'chase fifty barrels of gunpowder, if there to be had; and'more, if it can be bought at a reasonable rate.' A very singular commission: one more suitable to the ancient artilleryman than the twice-flogged Quaker.
1692, June 16.  Mr. Shippen is mentioned as the bearer
of letters from Easton, Secretary of Rhode Island,er to
Addington, Secretary of MIassachusetts.t
1693-4.  The persecutions of the Quakers in Boston
reached such a pitch, that Mr. Shippen was driven into
taking refuge in Pennsylvania.~
It may have been that he was banished, such having been
a usual mode of punishing the Quakers; or as these'jail-'ings, whippings, and banishments' were frequent, and
occurred'in season and out of season,' not only in conse* Petitions of this kind were abundant about this time, as Governor Andross denied that the holders of Real Estate had any legal
claim to it. J. B. Felt.
t Mr. Shippen had married his second wife in Rhode Island,
about a year before this, as will be presently seen.
5 Mr. J. B. Felt says he can find no further records.
Q Dr. W. E. Horner says,'he was invited by Penn.' Address,
Wc. in Hazard's Reg. X. 66.




xvii
quence of provocations by the Quakers themselves, but on
the mere'appearance of a meteor in the heavens,' Mr.
Shippen may have grown'weary of well doing' as a martyr, and so betaken himself to a government less disposed' to promote the Reformation of manners.'*
It would seem to have taken him about a year to effect the
disposal of his estate in Boston, and transfer it to Philadelphia. In this latter city, Mr. Shippen's wealth and character
speedily obtained for him such position and influence, that
1695, July 9th, he was elected speaker of the Assembly: and William Penn named him in the Charter,
1701, Octr. 25, as the first Mayor of the City of Phila.
delphia. Penn, as is well known, gave the most anxious
consideration to his selection of officers to govern the new
city. He thoroughly appreciated the importance of a correct choice. It was, to borrow a military phrase, the baseline of his operations. The success of his whole enterprise
turned upon it: the consciousness of which, apart from any
other motives, political or philanthropic, was sufficient to
stimulate him to the utmost caution and deliberation in his
choice of incumbents. In Shippen, he found a man of courage, energy, integrity, intelligence and sagacity; whose
unspotted moral character was ample earnest to the citizens,
that the executive power would be exercised with the strictest
justice and fidelity; whose active business habits and bravery
equally assured them  of the chief magistrate's resolution
* Oldmixon. Vol. I. p. 112.' Another persecution. I must not' forget, that upon the appearance of a meteor here, the magistrates'wrote a circular letter to the Elders and Ministers of every town, to'promote the reformation of manners-a good work certainly with'or without a comet, which if it prognosticates any thing, I should'rather incline to think it ought not to be applyed to a new perse-'cution of Baptists and Quakers, whom they did not indeed hang,'but ruined many honest men, says the Reverend historian, by'fines, imprisoments and banishment,' &c.




xviii
and promptness: whilst his high social position gave
dignity to the office.
1702-4.  He was President of the Governor's Council.
In this last year, he contracted his third marriage, which
led to his separation from  the Society of Friends.  After
which he appears to have retired altogether from public
life; except that he continued to advise upon public affairs,
as we find from Penn's letter, dated 24th 5th mo. 1712,
where Mr. Shippen is addressed, in connection with I. Norris,
T. Story, &c.*
1712, Octr. 2: He died in Philadelphia, aged 73.
No one could wish to detract in the slightest degree from
Penn's merits; but we are taught to render'honor to' whom honor is due.' In doing so, we must needs say -that
a great, if not the greatest portion of the glory of building
up the Commonwealth which was'founded by deeds of'peace' is due to Shippen, Norris, and Logan, and men like
them: the men, who here, in the new country itself, fostered
commerce, developed the resources of the province, set the
best of examples, by disdaining no proper toil in their
respective vocations, yet neglected not the refinements and
graces of letters and polite society.t
* 1 Watson's Annals, 83. He also served in the City Councils.
Watson makes an error, I. 523. He says that in 1709, Mr.
Shippen petitioned Common Council to remit a fine of ~7 10 for an
assault and battery on Thos. Clark, Esq., one half remitted on his
paying other half. It was Edward Shippen, Junr. —Minutes of
Council, p. 63.
t The following extracts serve to show the style in which Mr.
Shippen lived:' There are very fine and delightful gardens and orchards in most'parts of this country; but Edward Shippen, who lives near the'capital city, has an orchard and gardens adjoining to his Great'House, that equalizes, if not exceeds, any I have ever seen; having'a very famous and pleasant summer-house erected in the middle'of his extraordinary fine and large gardens abounding with tulips,'pinks, carnations, roses (of several sorts), lilies, not to mention




xix
1671. EDWARD SHIPPEN'S first wife was Elizabeth
Lybrand of Boston. They had issue,
1. FRANCES, b. at Boston, Feb. 2, 1672. d April 9, 1673.
2. EDWARD, b.    "        Octr. 2, 1674.  d. Nov. 2, 1674.
3. WILLIAM,  b.    "      Octr. 4, 1675.  d.         1676.
4. ELIZA, b.              Augt., 1676  d. an infant.
5. EDWARD, b. at Boston, Dec. 10, 1677-8.
d. at Philadelphia Dec'r. 26, 1712:
Hie married Anna Francina Vanderheyden, near Bohemia River, Maryland, daughter of Matthias and Anna
Margaret Vanderheyden.*  They had issue, one daughter, Margaret, m. to John Jekyll, Esq. a younger
Brother of Sir Joseph Jekyll, (Master of the Rolls and
Secretary of State to Queen Anne,) then Collector of
the port of Boston.  After Mr. Jekyll's death, she
lived, as a widow till about the year 1750, in Philadelphia,t where she died.  She was handsome, wealthy' those that grow in the fields.'-Gabriel Thomas' Account of Pennsylvania-London, 1698. p. 43.'This venerable edifice long bore the name of "the Governor's
"House."  It was built in the early rise of the city-received then'the name of " Shippey's Great House," while Shippen himself was'proverbially distinguished for three great things-" the biggest
"' person, the biggest house, and the biggest coach."' It was for many years after its construction beautifully situated,'and surrounded with rural beauty, being originally on a small emi-'nence, with a row of tall yellow pines in its rear, a full orchard of'best fruit trees close by, overlooking the rising city beyond the'Dock creek, and having on its front view a beautiful green lawn,'gently sloping to the then pleasant Dock creek and Drawbridge,'and the whole prospect unobstructed to the Delaware and the'Jersey shore. It was indeed a princely place for that day, and'caused the honest heart of Gabriel Thomas to overflow at its recol-' tion, as he spoke of it in the year 1698.' —Watson, (2 ed.) I. 368.
* Her sister Ariana was m. to James Frisby, of Sassafras River,
Md. Mrs. Shippen was godmother to their child, Francina Augustina Frisby.-MS. pedigree compiled by Judge Brice of Baltimore,
now in possession of Dr. Caspar Morris, of Philadelphia.
t In Second street, just below the Shippen or Government House,
in a house still standing; after her death the residence of Thomas
Fisher, grandfather to J. Francis Fisher, Esq.




XX
and very fashionable.* Of her descendants there is
found only the following.
1758, July 19.  Fanny Jekyll was m. to William, son
of Edward Hicks, Esq.t
A Mr. Jekyll also appears as one of the subscribers to the' Falls Fishery,' 1763.4
*'I have also preserved a card of admission, of the year 1749,'addressed to Mrs. Jeykell, a lady of pre-eminent fashion and'beauty, the then leading lady of the ton. She was the grand-'daughter of the first Edward Shippen, a mayor, merchant, and' Quaker. She was married to the brother of Sir Joseph Jeykell,'the secretary of Queen Anne; and when in her glory in Philadel-'phia, she dwelt in and owned the house next southward of " Ed-'"ward Shippen's great house" in south Second street, where is'now Nicholas Waln's row.'- Watson, (2 ed.) I. 285.
t Chief Justice Shippen to his Father. July 20, 1758.
+ The MS. list of subscribers, the rules to govern them, and'a'bill of fare' of one of their entertainments, are worthy of preservation. They are as follows:'A List of Gentlemen proposed to be subscribers to the Mount
Regale Fishing Company for 1763.
His Honour The Governor,  21. Mr. Allen,
1. Mr. Gilbert Berkley,      22. Mr. Bache,
2. Mr. Benj. Chew,           23. Mr. Clymer,
3. Mr. Will. Coxe,           24. Mr. Chapman,
4. Mr. John Coxe,            25. Mr. Clifton,
5. Mr. Redmond Conyngham,  26. Mr. Dickinson,
6. Mr. David Franks,        27. Mr. Turbutt Francis,
7. Mr. Tench Francis,        28. Mr. Hopkinson,
8. Mr. John Gibson,          29. Mr. Jeykill,
9. Mr. T. Gilbert,           30. Mr. Kidd,
10. Mr. B. Levy,              31. Mr. Chalmers,
11. Mr. Arch. McCall,         32. Mr. Meredith,
12. Mr. John Lawrence,        33. Mr. R. Morris,
13. Mr. John Relfe,           34. Mr. Nixon,
14. Mr. Edward Shippen,       35. Mr. Nesbit,
15. Mr. Richard Stevens,      36. Mr. Robt. Ritchie,
16. Mr. George Smith,         37. Mr. Smythe, lawyer,
17. Mr. Jos. Swift,           38. Mr. Joseph W. Shippen,
18. Mr. Tilghman,             39. Mr. Jos. Shippen, Junr.,
19. Mr. T. Lloyd,             40. Mr. Willing,
20. Dr. Shippen, Jr.,         41. Mr. Peter Wikoff,
42. Mr. Alex. Wilcox.'Falls Fishery, at Peter Robinson's.'To be commenced on Thursday, the 6th of June, and to continue




xxi
6. JOSEPH, b. at Boston, Feb. 28, 1678-9. of whom, more
presently.
7. MARY, b. May 6, 1681. d. 1688.
8. ANNE, b. at Boston, June 17, 1684. m. at Phila. 10th'every other Thursday, till the last Thursday in September, inclu-'sive. Tickets to be sent to any Ladies or Gentlemen, Strangers'that are in town, by the managers, not exceeding    gentlemen at'one time.' The Wine and Spirit to be provided in bottles with sealed corks,'and to be sent to Peter Robinson, who is to be allowed a profit, on'each bottle of Wine, is. 6d., on each bottle of Spirit, Os. 6d., and'on the whole quantity of Sugar bought of 4d. per lb., and 6d. per'head for each person present, for the tea table, the Company to'find the Tea.' Mr. Robinson to furnish Lemons, and to be allowed 50 per cent.'profit.' Dinners to be prepared for 30 persons by Mr. Robinson, who is'to be allowed is. 6d. per head, whether that number be present or'not. If more than that number be present, he is to be paid at'is. 6d. per head.
~  s. d.'A small round of Beef, stuffed, -     -                8  4'A loin of Veal, 121 lb. a 8d.,    -        -        0  8  0'8 Chickens, roasted, -       -        -        -   O  8  0'2 Tongues, a 2s. 6d.,                               0  5  0'Beef Steaks, 10 lb. a 8d., These two to be sent out   0  6  8'Live Fish, if to be had,  f  undressed.'Beans, Peas and Sallad,      -           -     -   0  5  0'Cherry Pie,     -        -        -        -        0  2  6'4 Quarts Rasberries or Strawberries,  -        -    0  5  6'1 Cream Cheese, -        -        -        -        0  1  3'1 doz. large Spoons, -       -        -        -       0 6  0'. Gallon Spirit, -       -        -        -           3  9'Biscuits,   -                                          1  6' 1 Loaf Sugar, which you must send to Mr. Meredith's for, 0  6  3'Lemons,'Bread,    -         -        -        -        -       2  8
3  2  5'For my trouble,     -        -        -        -   0 15  0
~3 17  5' MR. BURNs: —Please procure the above articles against Tuesday'next, and I will take care to see you paid for them, and am
Your humble servant,' Philada., July 2d, 1763.            NATHL. CHAPMAN.




xxii
July, 1706. Thos. Story, d. s. p. She was buried in
Friends' New Burying Ground, in Phila.
Mr. Story was first Recorder of the City of Phila., 5Master of the Rolls, and Keeper of the Great Seal. He
came out from England in 1699. By his marriage, he
received a large property; part of which was the large
house in Second street, afterwards sold to James
Logan, afterwards pulled down to afford the site, in
part, of the present Bank of Pennsylvania. After her
death he returned to England, and subsequently reconveyed this estate by his will to his wife's family.*
In 1706, he was chosen Mayor, but on refusing was
fined ~20 by the Council.t  His career is so well known'Dn. Sir:-Please to pay Mr. Burns ~3 17s. 5d. for the within' Bill for Mt. Regale Fishing Cympany, and charge it to that ac-'count. 1 am, sir,
Your most humble servant,'To JOSEPH SHIPPEN, Esq.              NATHL. CHAPMAN.
Philadelphia, 8th July, 1763.' Received, August 16, 1763, of Joseph Shippen, Jr., ~3 17s. 5d.'in full of the within account.          JAMES BYRNE.'
This was a different'Fishing Club' from that still in existence.
* Edward Shippen to Chas. Willing.' Lancaster, 8th April, 1754.' DEAR SIR:-Your favor of the 27th ulto. did not come to hand'till last Saturday night. Kepler keeps letters sometimes a. month'in his drawers. I have several letters by me from uncle Thomas' Story, in which I can find nothing relating to the London Company' except the following paragraph, dated at Carlisle, in Cumberland,'in April, 1742: " I have about one hundred and two shares of the'"lIands and interest in the London Company, which my friend,'"John Estaugh, very well knows cost me very dear, and much
"' trouble. I am thy loving uncle, Thomas Story."'I think you have a copy of the will or else I would trouble the'bearer with it. I have no other papers or writings relating to'that affair. We enjoy our health very well, and are going next' week to pay our children a visit at Shippensburgh. We conclude'with our best regards to yourself, sister and cousins, as if parti-'cularly named.
Your affectionate brother-in-law,
EDWARD SHIIPPEIN.'
t Minutes of Councils, p. 42.




xxiii
through his Journal, that it is unnecessary to say more
of him. lie was not regarded as a sufficiently fashionable match, by some of the family.*
1690. EDWARD SHIPPEN, m. 2dly. at Newport, R. I.
Rebecca Richardson, widow of Francis Richardson of New
York, merchant, by whom, he had issue,
Elizabeth, b. 1691. d. 1692, about which time also
MIrs. Shippen died.
1704.  EDWARD SHIPPEN. m. 3dly. Elizabeth James,
widow of Thomas James, of Bristol, England, (her maiden
name was Wilcox,) by whom he had
John, died an infant.
William. d. 1731, aged about 25 years. He d. s. p. and
left the large estate, bequeathed to him by his Father,
to a half brother or sister ex parte materna, through
whom it was transmitted to the Powel family, and
formed the principal portion of their landed estate.t
* Extract from a letter of Isaac Norris, now (1855,) in possession of Dr. G. W. Norris:' 11th 5 mo. 1706.'T. Story and Ann Shippen were married yesterday. Ned was'at the wedding, but Joe appears so disgusted, that nobody can'reconcile his actions to reason. IIe went to New Castle to be out'of the way.'-See also:ife of Logan, p. 19, (cit. ant.)
t Mr. Fisher's MSS., Judge II. Shippen's MSS., &c.




xxiv
JOSEPH SHIPPEN, before mentioned,* was b. in Boston,
February 28, 1678-9; m. at Boston, July 28, 1702,
ABIGAIL GROSSE, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth Grosse.
She d. June 28, 1716, at Philadelphia.
In 1704 he removed to Philadelphia; thence, after his
first wife's death, to Germantown, where he resided in the
house now known (1855) as'the Buttonwood Tavern,' until
his death, which occurred in 1741. After the death of his
first wife, he m. 2dly. Mrs. Rose Plumley, by whom he had
no issue. She was the mother of Sarah Plumley, who was
m. to his son Edward.
Of his first wife, Abigail Grosse, but very little is known.
Her connexions in Boston appear to have been most respectable. Tradition says, with what foundation cannot
now be accurately ascertained, that she was a near kinswoman of Gov. Bowdoin's wife. During a long series of
years her children kept up a friendly intercourse with their
relatives.
Augt. 9, 1725. Edward Shippen, (the above mentioned
son of Abigail and Joseph,) then on a visit to Boston,
writes to MIiss Plumley, to whom he was engaged and afterwards married:-' All last week I was visiting my friends.'I believe there never was a more loving and kind people'in the world. My grandmother lives handsomely, but has'nothing to spare except good will and kindness, until she'dies. All my aunt's and uncle's daughters are extraordi-'narily well married. They get me to dinner at one place'to-day, then make me promise to dine at another to-mor-'row, and to sup at another; and so they carry me about.
*Ante, p. xxi.




xxv' I have a maiden aunt who lives with my grandmother, the
very image of my own mother.  Both of them  bid me'remember their kind love to you.'
Nov. 26, 1753. Edward Shippen, (eldest son of Abigail
and Joseph,) writes to his'Dear Cousin,' Thomas Fayerweather, at Boston, a most confidential letter as to family
affairs, in reply to one of the same character.
Octr. 5, 1774. Chief Justice Shippen, writing to his
father at Lancaster, says-' Cousin Tom  Greenough from'Boston dined with me last week.  He made me promise'to transmit to you his hearty love.'
Octr. 16, 1775.  Mr. Fayerweather, then at Cambridge,
(near Boston,) writes to the same Edward Shippen, thanking
him for a letter of introduction presented by'Cousin Burd.'
A Mr. Erving appears to have been a near kinsman.  The
same Mr. Erving would also seem to have been a brother-inlaw of Governor Bowdoin.*
Of Mr. Shippen himself there remain but few memorials.t
The only letter from him which has been preserved, so far
as is known, is the following. It shows him to have been
an industrious, energetic rman.   It was written, as will be
seen, when he was more than sixty years of age.
*' She was certainly related to rov. Bowdoin by his mother;' also to the Ervings, (Mr. Erving, our minister to Spain some years'ago, and Col. Erving of the U. S. Army were of this family.')-Air.
Fisher's MSS.' Gov. Bowdoin m. Elizabeth Erving.' —Hon. R. C..Winthrop.
t The following notice of'the Buttonwood,' appeared in the editorial columns of the Germantown Telegraph, 1March 13th, 1855:-5'AN OLD SOLDIER. —A few days ago, one of the old trees which'had for some years given up the ghost, standing in front of the' Buttonwood Hotel, opposite this office, was removed, and we pre-'sume'cast into the burning.'  The other, which had been its'companion for about eighty years, still stands, alive and well, in' all the majesty of its prime, it having recovered from the disease'which so seriously attacked this kind of tree all over the country,'some five or six years ago.'
2




xxvi'JJuly 15th, 1740.'SON  EDWAR):-I have finished my hay  and have' reaped my wheat. I am getting it in to-day, and am cut-'ting my rye, and must pay my men.  When you was here'last, I told you I must come to town for rent. You said'you would help me to get it. Joe has been here since,'and I told him the same. So I desire you will speak to'him  and bring me up ~20 this afternoon, for I cannot'leave my people.'I am your loving father?'JOSEPH SHIPPEN.'
Mir. Shippen may be justly included amongst'the men'of science' of his day.  He was a member of'The Junto,'/*
and bestowed much attention upon such pursuits; amongst
others, practical anatomy.t
Mr. Shippen had by his first wife the following children:
1. EDWARD, b. in Boston, July 9th, 1703; of whom more
presently.
2. ELIZABETII, b. in Philadelphia, April 17, 1705; d.
June 8th, 1714.
*'The Junto was instituted by Dr. Franklin in 1727, for mutual'information and the public good. Nearly, if not all, were born in'the same year, 1706. The association consisted of Benjamin'Franklin, Joseph Shippen, Hugh Roberts, William Coleman, Philip
Syng, Enoch Flower, Joseph Wharton, William Griffiths, Luke' Morris, Joseph Turner, Joseph Trotter, Samuel Jervis, Samuel' Rhodes, Joseph Brintnall; also Nicholas Scull, William Parson,' and Thomas Godfrey. —lazard's Register, XV. 184.  See also
Sparks' Franklin, I. 83.
-I'It is most probable that here he (the elder Shippen) acquired' those ideas of the importance of the study (Practical Anatomy),' which induced him to press upon. his son the propriety of making' himself master of the science, in order to the establishment of' those lectures he afterwards so ably delivered.'- Contributions to
the Medical History of Pennsylvania by Dr. Caspar Morris, 4 Ilaz.
Reg. 332.
His portrait is in the possession of Miss Burd, at her house in
Chestnut street.




xxvii
3  JOSEPH, b. in Philadelphia, Nov. 2Sth, 1706; d. June
1793.  He m. Mary Kearney.  His only son, Joseph,*
d. July, 1766. His daughter Kitty was m. to a Mr.
Wallen of Jamaica, and d. shortly afterwards. In
1742 (Oct. 5th,) he was elected to the City Council,
in which he served for some years.t  He went, in the
family, by the name of'Gentleman Joe,' by reason
of the gay, luxurious life which he led; and which,
as appears from his brother's letters,T wasted his
patrimony.    He subsequently removed to Germantown, where he died.
4. WILLIAM, b. August 31, 1708; d. Deer. 29, 1710.
5. ANNE, b. August 5, 1710; m. to Charles Willing. Of
her more hereafter.
6. WILLIAM, b. October 1, 1712. Of him more hereafter.
7. ELIZABETH, b. Sept. 28, 1714; d. Decr. 3, 1714.
* Most probably the'Joseph WV. Shippen' who subscribed to the
Fish Club, (ante, p. xx.)
t Minutes, 417.
t EDWARD SHIPPEN TO CH. J. SHIPPEN, AT PHILADELPHIA.' Lancaster, 15th December, 1753.'DEAR SON:-That evening I left you I lodged in Germantown'with my poor disconsolate brother. I let his wife know she must'instantly change her most unkind behaviour to him or he would'become broken-hearted, and then she would lose soon a most' affectionate husband, and their children a most tender father.' The Doctor is to sell the house wherein T. L. lives, and Mr. Mo-'land is to be paid, and one or two more, and then my brother's'creditors are all to be called together and some method proposed'for payment, and when his creditors meet, it will be proper for'yourself and Mr. Plumsted, and also the Doctor, to be present,'that the creditors may be prevailed upon to give time for the dis-'posal of things; for this is not a proper season to sell.' Also
Edward Shippen to Thomas Willing, Lancaster, 1lth January, 1754.




EDWARD, the eldest child of Joseph and Abigail Shippen,
EDWARD, the eldest child of Joseph and Abigail Shippen,
was b. in Boston, July 9, 1703; m. at Philadelphia,
Sept. 20, 1725, to Sarah Plumley, dau. of Charles and
Rose Plumley. She was born in Philadelphia, Nov.
8, 1706; d. April 28, 1735. They had issue,
1. ELIZABETH, b. Aug. 17, 1726; d. Aug. 29, 1726.
2. JOSEPH,  ).   b. Sept. 1727.
3. WIIA, J'twns3. YWILLIAM, j       d. same month.
4. EDWARD, b. Feb. 16, 1728-9: afterwards Chief Justice
of the State of Pennsylvania.
5. SARAH, b. Feb. 22, 1730: afterwards the wife of Col.
James Burd.
6. JOSEPH, b. Octr. 30, 1732: afterwards Colonel under,
and Secretary to, the Province of Pennsylvania.
7. RosE, b. Sept. 10, 1734; d. an infant.
Mr. Shippen m. 2dly, August, 1747, Mary Gray, dau. of
William and Mary Gray. She was b. in London, January
13th, 1705-6, and d. at Lancaster, May 3d, 1778. The
two or three of her letters yet remaining, and the affectionate terms in which she is always mentioned by her husband and step-sons, warrant us in believing her to have been
a most estimable woman.* By her, Mr. Shippen had no
children.
Mr. Shippen was brought up as a merchant by James
Logan, and was in business (1732)t first, as Logan & Shippen, and afterwards, in 1749, with Thomas Lawrence in the
*'Peggy and the baby are well. Molly is its name, for mam-'my's sake.'-Ch. J. Shippen to his Father, Aucgt. 25, 1757. Col.
Shippen also called a daughter' Mary,' after her.
t I have before me a curious bill against' the Proprietors,'' for' sundrys sent to Stenton for the Delawares,' Sept. 7th, 1732.




xxix
fur trade, as Shippen & Lawrence.*  He was elected, October 3, 1732, to, and served for many years, in the City
Council, and in 1744 was Mayor of the City. In May,
1752, he removed to Lancaster,t where he was appointed
Prothonotary, and continued such till 1778. He had large
transactions as paymaster for supplies for the British and Provincial forces, when commanded by Gen. Forbes, Gen. Stanwix, and Col. Bouquet; and managed them with so much integrity as to receive public thanks.1 He was a county judge
The following extract from Mr. Swift's MSS. serves to show
the profits realized on merchandise in those days. It is taken from
a letter dated 20th September, 1747, written by Mr. John Swift to
a correspondent in England:' The China I sold altogether at 1671 pr. ct.; Damasks, 26 yds.'sold at 75s.; ditto 40 yds. 133s. 4d.; broad Don Camblett 132s.;'Boyled ditto ~8 5s.; Silk Camblettees 82s. 6d.; Women's thimbles'12s.; Lovers' knots, No. 20, at 80s., yd. wd.; Stanctts 88s.; Ser-'pentines, No. 22, at 88s.; plain Camblettees, 41 yds. at 85s.;'Tammys at 58s. The men's gloves won't sell.  Sealing Wax 5s.;'black Ribbon 16s.; Duke William Ribbon, and the platted Ribbons'sold at 200 pr. ct.; Caps of all sorts at 175 pr. ct.; Men's stock-' ings, No. 1, at 47s.; shaded duroys at 44s.; stars and garters, No.'31, at 88s.; plain Camblettees, No. 32, at 60s.; Ivory Combs at'200 pr. ct.; Horn ditto at 2s. 9d.; Ink powder at 9s. and 10s. pr.'doz.; 3-4 Checks at 2s. 3d., 2s. 2d., 2s. ld. anud 2s. pr. ell; 6-4'ditto 4s. 2d. pr. ell: yd. wide ditto at 2s. 7d. pr. ell; new fash-' tioned Diapers, 15 yds. at 41s.; Flowered quilting, 20 yds. at 54s.;'Spotted Rugs at 200 pr. ct.; Felt Hats at 200 pr. ct.; Pins at' above 200 pr. ct.; India Pictures at 10s.; Chamber Glasses at 70s.;'2 of the large Sconces I sold for ~23; the works of charity at 29s.'each. The Dowlas sold at 175 pr. ct.; Long Lawns at 175 pr. ct.;'Printed Calicoes, 12~ yds. sold at 55s., 54s. and 53s.; do. 2 colors,'18 yards, 80s.; purple ground, 18 yds. 85s; Linen handkf. 2s.;'Chintz Ponabaggarrees at 28s. and 30s.; the ~ ps. Chintz Dor-'gurrecs at 24s. and 25s.; Niccanees at 32s.; Cotton Rdmals at'23s.; Silk Romals at 80s. and 82s. 6d.; Bandannahs at 53s. and'54s., all sold; Nuns thread sells but low at don the number;'Rolled tapes, No. 19, at 10s.; do. 29, at 18s.; Dutch pretties 14s.;' Writing paper 20s. and 28s., only three rms. unsold. Shallons, No.'23, at 80s.; do. No. 22 at 75s., 4 ps. unsold.'
t Hence generally designated as'Edward Shippen, of Lancaster,' to distinguish him from the others of the same name.
T Chief Justice Shippen to his Father, in a letter dated /lay 10th,
1760, expresses great gratification at'having settled your accounts,




xxx
under both the Provincial and State governments. In early
life he laid out Shippensburg, with so much judgment as to
its situation and advantages for settlers, that it speedily grew
to be a flourishing village. In 1746-8 he was one of the
founders of'The College of New Jersey,' at first located
at Newark, subsequently (1753) at Princeton, now so well
known and honored as NASSAU HALT, and was one of its
first Board of Trustees; a position which he resigned in
1767, after twenty years' service.* Nor was this his only
service to the cause of education; the value of which his
own accomplishments enabled him fully to appreciate.t'and received the thanks of the General:' and in another, dated
May 28th, 1760, he says,' General Stanwix told me, he never saw'fairer accounts, and that his Majesty himself and the whole army' were greatly indebted to you.'
* Catalogus Collegii Neo-Ccesariensis, MDCCCLIV.
t He was also one of the subscribers to the Philadelphia Academy,
which became afterwards the University of Pennsylvania.-Charles
Thomson to Col. Shippen, January 31, 1755.
He was, amongst other things, a fine French scholar,-a rare
species of knowledge in those days, —and got, through his son
Edward, many of the letters found in French vessels, taken by the
privateers.
EDWARD SHIPPEN, JR., TO HIS FATHER.'Philadelphia, June 23d, 1758.'HON'D SIR:-You wrote me to send you the French letters that'came in the prize. I would cheerfully have procured them for you'if there had been any, but the French Captain, when he struck,'threw overboard every letter. There is a French flag of truce'taken in our bay, by the Spry privateer, as she was running sugars,'but you know she can contain no letters.' We have no news, but are in daily expectation of hearing from'Louisburg. Our kind love to mammy, sister, &c.'I am, dear sir, your affectionate and dutiful son,' EDWARD SHIPPEN, JR.'
Some of these letters are quite curious. Amongst them is one,
translated by Mr. Wm. Duane, which gives some insight into the
manners of the day, and the intercourse then existing between the
people of France and her colonies.'Near Louisburg, NIay 26, 1744.'SIR AND DEAR FRIEND:-I have just received the letter of the' 11th of last February, in duplicate, which you do me the honor




xxxi
His public duties as a citizen, Mr..Shippen, as is shown
by the foregoing condensed statement, discharged in a manner eminently praiseworthy and honorable.  In his private
intercourse, he showed himself virtuous and upright.  Mr.'to write me. The critical time in which we now are here, to learn'by the first vessels that will arrive from Europe the declaration of'war between France and England, which appears inevitable, and'the fear that the Dutch will join this latter crown against us, ac-' cording to the last news which we have just received of the engage-' ment of our Brest squadron, joined to that of Spain, against Ad-'miral Mathews, to which is added that the Toulon squadron is'about to carry over the Pretender into England with some troops'to support his party in that nation and place him on the throne,'no longer permit me to spend this year in France, as I had previ-'ously signified to you, and I cannot even think of making this'voyage until we have a certainty of peace at least with the mari-'time powers, so that this motive prevents my deciding positively'upon the proposal that you make me, besides the fact that you do'not tell me if the 50,000 French money that are asked for are pay-'able in cash at the celebration of the marriage, or if it is meant,'as I suppose, that this sum shall be discharged in many payments'made annually. This is what you would oblige me by explaining'in your first (letter) in reply.'I can assure you, my dear friend, in advance, that this alliance'is infinitely flattering to my daughter and myself, and that we are'very sensible.of the honor which Mons. and Madame De Launcey' do her in asking her in marriage for their nephew. If it were not'for this uncertainty of war I would not hesitate to go to France'next spring, if the parties should agree after having seen each' other, and I do not think that there would be the least obstacle on'my daughter's part, if the gentleman is known to you. See, my'dear friend, if he intends waiting until we shall have a certainty'of peace; without that, I cannot expose myself to proceeding to'France, and in one word that is the essential point of all. The'business may perhaps be arranged in the interval of time that will'elapse until I receive your reply thereupon. This is what I can'do for my daughter. I will give her for a dower the fifty thousand'livres French money that are demanded of me, payable 10,000 in'cash at the celebration of the marriage, and the 40,000 remaining'four years afterwards in one payment, and I will pay besides an'annual income of two thousand livres in France, (and every year'in advance,) by way of interest for the long time that I take for'the payment of the 40,000 livres. And you will observe that if I'gave the 50,000 of the dowry in cash, I would still have to make'use of it in real estate that will not produce the income that I offer'above, and which seems to me much more advantageous to the'gentleman.




xxii
Lawrence blames hinl for being'too religious.' His piety
never degenerated into ascetecism.*
As a husband and a father he was affectionate and indulgent; manifesting at all times a tender solicitude for the
temporal advancement and moral health of his children.
He was most anxious to preserve their love for each other
in its fulness and integrity after his death. To prevent,
therefore, its being impaired by anything concerning the
distribution of his property after his death —that most prolific source of alienation and controversy in families-he
submitted his proposed will to his two sons; who, to their'Finally, if my proposal suits the parties interested, you have'only to acquaint me with it promptly, and draw up the form of'the contract which they wish to have made, which you will have'the kindness to send me in duplicate, that I may make my arrange-'ments thereupon, and send you a positive answer.' It now remains for me to give you all the thanks that I owe you'for the continued proofs that you give me and my daughter of'your friendship.  I assure you that our gratitude on this account'is most lively, and no one has a more inviolable attachment.'Sir and dear friend,' Your very humble and very obedient servant,' DISSAT.'Accept also Madame Thomas Des Veaux' thousands of assurances'of respect from my daughters and all my family. Present them'also, I pray you, on behalf of my daughters and myself, to MIon-'sieur and Madame De Launcey.' The vessels wherein this present (letter) and its duplicate will'go, having postponed their departure until to-day the 10th of June,'we have just learnt by two ships from Nantes and two from Bor-'deaux, which arrived at the Cape two days ago, that the king of' France has declared war against England, and that he also wishes'that the Dutch should declare themselves for or against. Behold' all that I feared besides has happened; so, my dear friend, there'is no longer any way of thinking of the project of marriage in' question, now that they are unwilling to await the return of peace,' which perhaps will be nearer at hand than they suppose. God' grant it!                                     DISS AT.'
* The first mention which I find of MSr. Shippen's participating
actively in church affairs is, that, Septemrnber 17th, 1730, he took
his seat as an elder in the Synod of Philadelphia.-Records 1'resbyterian Chllrch, 98.




xxxiii
honor be it said! fearing that he haed not given their sister
quite enough) suggested an addition to her portion.  A
codicil, prepared by his son Edward, increasing her share
in his estate, was accordingly signed.*
3Ir. Shippen's advanced age prevented  his taking any
very active part, except as a committee-man, during the
Revolution.  His judgment was fixed as to the rights of the
Colonies, and  his sentiments were warmly expressed in
behalf of his country, not only during that eventful contest,
but throughout that long period of oppression and resistance
which preceded the final struggle.t  IIe did not live to hear
of the surrender of Cornwallis, but his faith in the success of
the righteous cause seems to have never once wavered.4
EDWARD, the eldest son of Edward Shippen and Sarah
Plumley, was b. Feb. 16, 1729, at Philadelphia.' EDWARD SIIiPPEN,~ the subject of this memoir, followed' the honorable course of his father, and fully sustained the' reputation derived from him. Having completed his ele-' mentary education with distinguished diligence and success,
e Judge Yeates to his father-in-law, (Col. Burd,) Sept'r 25th,
1781.
t See his letters passim.' His portrait, also, is in the possession of Miss Burd.
} There are various biographical sketches of him; one of which,
taken from the National Portrait Gallery, is reprinted here, as being
better than any which I could present. It follows that written by
Dr. Charles Caldwell, Portfolio, 1810. Hazard's Reg. IV. 241, as
to Judge Shippen's lienage, and accordingly makes the same error
in confounding Edward Shippen, of Lancaster, with Edward, who
emigrated to America. I give Dr. Caldwell as the writer of this
sketch, in the Portfolio, (reprinted in Hazard,) on his own authority:
Autobiography of Dr. Caldwell, 430, (Philadelphia, 1855.) His portrait, by Stuart, is in the possession of AMiss Burd, at her residence
in Chestnut street.
2*




xxxiv'he commenced the study of the law under the direction of'Tench Francis, Esquire, then the attorney-general of Penn-'sylvania.  In 1748, Mr. Shippen, having prosecuted his' legal studies for about two years, went to London to com-'plete them in the Temple.  In our day, this is no longer' necessary; nor indeed are our American youth required to' go abroad for instruction, in any of the learned professions'more than in the mechanic arts.  After spending two years'in London, not in frivolous dissipated pursuits, but in the'acquirement of the knowledge of his profession and the' general cultivation of his mind, MIr. Shippen was admitted'a barrister of the MIiddle Temple; and he returned to'Philadelphia, to commence his career of life, and enter'upon the duties of a lawyer and a citizen.  Hie was so'occupied, when the war of our revolution interrupted the'civil pursuits of our citizens, and suspended, more or less,' their private business.*'On the happy conclusion of this momentous struggle,'the departments of government, as well as the occupations'of the people, returned to their regular action and course.'To furnish the judiciary with men of suitable qualifications,'as to character and knowledge, was obviously an object of'primary  importance.  Professional learning and moral'integrity in the administration of the laws, were indispen-'sable to secure the public confidence for the courts of
* CH. J. SHIPPEN TO EDWARD SHIPPEN, AT LANCASTER.' December 31st, 1776.' HON'D SIR:-I did not receive your favor of the 16th inst. till'yesterday. It has been laying in Dr. Shippen's house ever since'it came-the Doctor himself having rode to Bethlehem at the time' of the alarm.' I still keep my family near town, at my place near the Falls of'Schuylkill, where I purpose to spend the winter, keeping only a'maid servant in the house in town, to prevent its being filled with'soldiers.'




XXXV'justice; and in searching for them, bMr. Shippen could not'be overlooked. lie was accordingly appointed president'of the court of common pleas of the county of Philadel-'phia, a place of high trust; and was also the presiding'judge of the court of quarter sessions for the city and'county.  These appointments were made under the consti-' tution of the state, adopted in 1776. A more perfect' organization of the judiciary was made by the constitution' of 1790.'In 1791, MIr. Shippen was appointed one of the judges' of the supreme court, whose jurisdiction extended over the'whole state, and whose duties and powers called for the'highest grade of profe ional learning and talents, as well'as of personal character and public confidence.  On the' election of Chief Justice M'Kean to the executive chair of'the commonwealth in 1799, Judge Shippen succeeded him
on the bench, and was appointed Chief Justice by Gover-'nor MI'Kean, who was perfectly well acquainted with the'qualifications the office demanded, and with the fitness of'the person he selected for it. Chief Justice Shippen con-'tinued to perform the duties of his exalted station with'undiminished  ability, and  unimpaired  confidence  and'respect, until the close of the year 1805, when the infirmi-'ties of age, he being then nearly seventy-seven years old,'admonished him to retire to repose. A few months after'his resignation of office, on the sixteenth day of April,
1806, he found his final resting place, placidly leaving the'world, in which, from his earliest youth, he had been conC spicuous for his virtues and usefulness. The volumes of' our judicial reports are enriched with many of his opinions,' of great importance; and these are now received with the
C same respect which they commanllded when they were sus



xxxvi; tained by his personal and official influence andi authority.'Much of our law which is now well settled, was, at the' period of his judicial administration, in a state of uncer-'tainty, long usages sometimes interfering with positive'legislative enactments.  Principles were to be established'suitable to our system of jurisprudence, and constructions'to be given to doubtful laws. His sound mind, his excel-'lent legal education and great experience, his cool temper'and discriminating sagacity, were all admirably calculated'for the performance of such functions; and he did perform' them in a manner to satisfy his contemporaries, and to be' approved and unshaken to this day. Judicial qualifications'and services are not of a character to catch the multitude,' or to be the subjects of popular applause; but there is no' officer concerned in the administration of the affairs of a' people, whose duties are more anxious and arduous to him-' self, or more important to the community, than those of'the judge. The preparatory education and long study;'the painful and attentive experience, which are indispen-'sable for the attainment of the qualifications befitting the'bench; the habits of close and careful investigation; the' faculty of discovering the true ground of controversy, of''distinguishing between real and apparent resemblances,'between sound reasoning and ingenious sophism; the'firmness never to yield principles to expediency, nor to'sacrifice or disturb the great system of jurisprudence for' particular cases; and withal, to hold a perfect command' over every feeling that might irritate the temper or mis-' lead the judgment, present to our contemplation a combi-' nation of rare and valuable qualities, deserving our highest' consideration and respect. The laws must be sustained' with independence and intelligence, or it is in vain that' they are wise and salutary; justice must be rendered faith



xxxvii'fully to the parties who appeal for it to the judicial tribu-'nals, or it is a mockery to promise them protection and'redress. The active, efficient, vital operations of the gov-' ernment are performed by the courts. No man is so high
C or so humble as to be beyond their reach; they bring the
c laws into every man's house, to punish or to protect them.*'Such are the responsibilities of a judge.  It was on the' judgment seat of the law, that the high qualities of Chief'Justice Shippen were brought into their best exercise and'use. He seemed by nature as well as education to have'been especially prepared for this station.  Patient, learned,'discriminating and just, no passion or private interest, no'selfish or unworthy feeling of favor or resentment ever held'the slightest influence over his conduct or decisions.' Few situations expose the temper to more irritating'trials than that of a judge.  He must occasionally encoun-'ter ignorance, impertinence, stupidity, obstinacy, and chi-' canery, and he must take care that they do not move him'from  his line of duty.  The bland and equal temper of'Chief Justice Shippen never forsook him amidst such'trials, but, on the contrary, threw a charm over his manner'of repelling or submitting to them.  The young and the'timid advocate was encouraged by his kindness, and flat-' tered by his attention. He knew and practiced the lesson'of Lord Bacon, that "patience is one of the first duties of'a judge;" and he felt that he was bound to hear every'party and every advocate, before he decided his cause. A'suitor might go from his court disappointed by the judg-'ment, but he could not be dissatisfied with the judge.
* Possibly the writer of the above sketch may have had in his
mind, whilst penning some of the foregoing sentences, Hooker's
magnificent Apostrophe to Law; (Eccles. Polity, Book I. p. 194, Am.
ed. 1844.)




xxxviii'Of the private character and deportment of Chief Jus-'tice Shippen, it may be truly said that he has left few imi-'tators of his manners. His politeness was of the kind'that has its foundations in a well regulated temper and the'best feelings of a benevolent heart, polished by a familiar'intercourse, from his birth, with refined society. He com-'bined, in a remarkable degree, benignity with dignity, con-'ciliating the affections while he commanded a perfect'respect; and, as a valuable citizen, and an accomplished'lawyer and judge, remarkable for the great extent and'minute accuracy of his knowledge, he must ever be con-'spicuous, among those worthies who have won, by their
virtues and their talents, an imperishable name.'
Judge Shippen was, as has been alleged, a loyalist, and
Mr. Sabine, whose research and impartiality entitle his
opinions to the most respectful consideration, has so regarded
him.  It seems to me, that setting aside the fact of his
having been subsequently appointed Chief Justice, and the
bearing which that has as showing the esteem in which he
was held by his contemporaries, his letters show him to have
been, if a loyalist, one of the most moderate kind.  He was
evidently a man of quiet and peaceable temper; shrinking
not only'from  war and war's alarms,' but even from the
less dangerous and exciting strife of party politics.* The
boyish folly of his son,t who allowed himself to be misled
by his elder companions, no doubt contributed largely, if
not altogether, to the belief in the loyalism of his father;
but, even in this matter, the comments made by Judge
* Mr. Wharton (State Trials, p. 46) has given us a most vivid
picture of the manner in which, in the times of political strife just
after the Revolution, the Pennsylvania judges, as well as those of
other States, wielded their high offices to serve their respective parties. To no such censure was the judicial career of Mr. Shippen
obnoxious.
t See post, letters, p. 255.




xxxix
Shippen in his letter to his father at Lancaster, show the
real feelings and spirit of the man; and the manner in which
Gen. Washington disposed of it may be considered as proving, that the sentiments which that great patriot entertained
concerning Judge Shippen, were not those with which he
regarded active or well known loyalists.*
Many persons in the Colonies regarded the taxation and
other oppressions of their country, as proceeding wholly
from the Ministry, and not from the Crown. They termed
the war'a wicked ministerial war,' and whilst disposed to
venture everything for their liberty and rights, they were
not prepared to recognize the necessity of a separation.
It was to this class, including many'men of undoubted'patriotism,' I believe Judge Shippen to have belonged.t
Mr. Shippen married a daughter of Mr. Tench Francis,
* Sparks' Washington, III. 343.;t Mr. Sabine, in his manly and impartial essay prefixed to his
Loyalists, has so fully considered this subject that a reference to it
is sufficient for the purposes of these notices.  One short extract
from it (p. 67) will serve to show that even ardent Whig leaders were
not without doubts as to the wisdom of a separation.'All, both Whigs and Tories, were born and had grown up under'a monarchy; and the abstract question of renouncing it or of con-'tinuing it was one on which men of undoubted patriotism differed'widely.  Very many of the Whigs came into the final measure of'separating from the mother country with great reluctance, and'doubt and hesitation prevailed even in Congress.  Besides, the'Whig leaders uniformly denied, that Independence was embraced'in their plans, and constantly affirmed, that their sole object was'to obtain concessions, and to continue the connection with England' as hitherto; and John Adams goes further than this, for, says he,' "there uwas not a moment during the revolution, when I would not have'given everything I possessed for a restoration to the state of things' before the contest began,provided we cotld have had a sflitcient security'for its continuance."  If Mr. Adams be regarded as expressing the'sentiments of the Whigs, they were willing to remain Colonists,'provided they could have had their rights secured to them; while'the Tories were contented thus to continue, without such security.' Such, as it appears to me, was the only difference between the two' parties prior to hostilities, and many Whigs, like Mr. Adams, would'have been willing to rescind the declaration of independence, and'to forget the past, upon proper guarantees for the future.'




xl
with whom he studied.* Of her family I have obtained
the following information.
The first of the family of Francis, of whom the American
descendants have any account, was
* The following letter is characteristic of the'manners of the'time,' as to marriages:
WILLIAM ALLEN TO EDWARD SHIIPPEN, AT LANCASTER.'DEAR SIR: —Your son delivered me your favor, by which I ob-'serve that he has requested your consent to his marriage, and that'you would be so good as to give him your assistance in setting him'forward in the world; and, by what you write, I perceive he has'signified to you that Mr. Francis would expect that something'should be done for him which would bear a proportion to what he'gives his daughter. I have perused the estimate of what you'intend for both your sons, and have well weighed the reasons you' give for your conduct on the occasion, and I have made so free as'to confer with my mother about the affair, and to communicate the'contents of your letter. As both she and I have had a sincere'regard for you and your family, and have heartily wished their'welfare, and as you have been pleased to regard us in that light'by communicating your thoughts on the occasion, I shall, with the' freedom and candor of a friend, give you my sentiments; which,'however, are submitted to your better judgment. And, as you'know your own circumstances better than I possibly can, you can'more rightly determine what is expedient for you to do.
I would first mention that you seem to think there is danger of'your removal from your offices, and that you hold them by a pre-' carious tenure. To this give me leave to answer that Sam Blens-'ton was the only prothonotary ever removed in the Province, as'far as I can learn; and it was done because he set himself against'and insulted government to a high degree. I very well know that'Mr. Hamilton was of opinion that he could not be legally removed,'and told Governor Thomas that Sam would contest it; but he,' being a proud, rich fellow, was either ill advised or did not think'it worth while to have any contention about it. The office of pro-'thonotary is, in its nature, during good behavior, and until a'person is legally convicted of ill behavior, he cannot, in my opin-' ion, be legally ousted from the office. Ill behavior may be made'out in sundry ways, such as notorious crime, neglect of the records,'&c. In some conversation with Mr. Francis on this subject, on a'former occasion, I found he was of opinion that the office was for'life. All of them in England are on that footing. Bordly, of'Maryland, was removed, and he brought his action against the'person appointed in his place, and recovered damages against him.'But, in case the Proprietor should contemplate such a step, can'you believe that your. interest with the present Governor and his'friends, your alliance with Mr. Francis and his family, to say no




xli
PHILTP FRANCIS,* Mayor of Plymouth in 1644, during
the civil war. He was a Royalist, and it is said, that the
subsequent preferment of his son and grandson in the
Church of Ireland was owing to his services in the cause of
the King.  His son,
The Very Rev. JOHN FRANCIS, D.D., was Dean of Leighlin, about the close of that century, a position which he held'more, would not be sufficient to prevent anything of the sort being'put into execution?  Believe me, I think you are as safe from any'danger of removal as I am from being dispossessed of the house in'which I live. Your prudence is such that you will ever recommend'yourself to the Proprietor and his friends.' I have dwelt thus long upon this matter in order to set it in a'right light. As, therefore, you have an honorable subsistence for'yourself; and as, when you made application for the office, you'very handsomely said, that your object in asking it was that you'might have it in your power to do something for your children;'these considerations make me presume so far as to give you my'opinion that what you propose to make over to your son upon his'marriage, is not sufficient. It is not equal to the fortune which'MTr. Francis gives his daughter; and as you have the name about'town of having a good estate, and own sundry houses, the world' will think it strange, if, on the marriage of your eldest son, you do'not give him a house to live in; and, if this match should be bro-'ken off, where, do you think, is he like to succeed, when it is told'that his father disregarded him so much that he would give him'little or nothing. I think it will be putting a slight on your son,' who is generally well thought of, and who, if no accident happens'to depress, will make a figure in the Province.' I observe, likewise, the estimate you make of what you intend'to give your son Joseph. If a house to each of them were added'-that where Evans lives, and that where Mr. Burd did live-it' would be of service to them, and would not be missed by you.' My mother joins me in opinion as to this matter. But I beg'leave to assure you, that nothing would have induced me to be'thus free, were I not persuaded that you would be so kind as to'believe it to proceed from my hearty friendship and good will.' Your son knows not the contents of this. I think it not advisable'for me to say anything of the affair to Mr. Francis for many very'good reasons, too tedious to mention.'I beg leave to assure you that I am, sir,'Your affectionate friend, kinsman and humble servant,'WILL. ALLEN.'
* The coat of arms is-' Per bend or and sa. a lion ramp. counterchanged.  Crest. An eagle displ. erm. beaked and membered or.




xlii
until 1704 at least; when he appears to have sat in the
Convention at Dublin.* He seems to have been a scholar
and a great collector of books, and the itinerant Bibliopole,
John Dunton, who was very grateful for his patronage, describes him as a very eloquent preacher. His son,
The Very Rev. JOHN FRANCIS, was Dean of Lismore,
1722, and held besides, the Rectory of St. Mary's Church,
Dublin; from which, it is said, he was ejected for his
Jacobitism. From this, it is inferred, that he inherited the
attachment to the Stuarts, to which the advancement of his
family in the Church of Ireland has been attributed.
He married Miss TENCH, a lady of good family, and by
her had, amongst others,
TENCH, of whom more hereafter, as head of the American
branch of the family.
RICHARD, an eminent lawyer, author of a work,'Maxims'in Equity,' well thought of and esteemed by his professional brethren.  It has been frequently reprinted.t
PHILIP, who entered the Church. He abandoned the Tory
principles of the family, became the chaplain to Lord
Holland, and obtained through his influence a Rectorate
* Ware's History of the Church in Ireland.
t Maxims of Equity, &c. By Richard Francis, of the Middle
Temple, Esq. First American Edition. By William Waller Hening,
Counsellor at Law, Editor of the Statutes at Large of Virginia, &c.
RICHMOND:
1823.
Preface to the First American Edition.
Francis's Maxims have long held a distinguished rank among
books of authority. They were first published in London, in 1728,
in a thin folio volume; and although the title pages of 1739 and
1746, purport to be the second and third editions, yet, all the books
are of the same impression. [See Clarke's Bibliotheca Legum,
or Law Catalogue, p. 275.] In 1791, an octavo edition was published in Dublin.




xliii
in Suffolk. He received the degree of D.D. 1762, from
the University of Dublin, and died in 1773.*
He is most bitterly satirized by Churchill, in'The Au-'thor,'t and, it is said, not very highly esteemed
by his American relatives, whom he visited. But
he was a man of fine talents and learning, as exhibited in his translations of Horace, Demosthenes,
and other publications, amongst which were several Plays, which have received a fair share of
commendation.
His son, b. 1740, at Dublin, was the celebrated SIR
PHILIP FRANCIS,t K. G. C. B., now generally supposed to have been the author of JuNIus.
TENce  FRANCIS, above mentioned, emigrated to Maryland shortly after the year 1700. He had received a learned
and legal education in his own country, and established
himself in Kent County, where, 1724, he m. ELIZABETH
TURBUTT, a lady of great beauty and good family. But he
was soon attracted to Philadelphia as a better field for his
talents. In 1744 he was made Attorney General, and held
the position till 1752; and from 1750 to 1754, he was Recorder of the City.
* Rose (Biog. Dict.) says, that Gibbon was for a short time one
of his pupils, and that his Rectory at Barrow in Suffolk, and also
the chaplainship of Chelsea College, were the rewards of his services
as a political writer.
t The Editor of Churchill's Works, London, 1804, seems, in a
prefaratory note to' The Author,' to cast a doubt upon the supposed reference to this Dr. Francis; and attributes Churchill's
enmity, if Dr. Francis be the person spoken of, to political feelings.
$ For a sketch of Sir Philip, see Rose's Biog. Dict. s. v.




xliv
He was highly considered as a man, a lawyer, and a
scholar. He was also something of an author. One of his
pieces on'Paper Currency,' is printed in Pownall's work
on the Colonies, and has received the praise of political
economists of the present century, as showing him to have
been far in advance of his times.*
He died Aug. 14, 1758.
His children were,
1. JOHN, b. 1725; d. unm.
2. ANNE, b. 1727; d. 1771. She was m. to JAMES
TILGHMAN, Secretary of the Land Office in Pennsylvania.t   They had a large family, among whom were,
TENCH, a Colonel in the Revolutionary army, aid
to Gen. Washington, &c.
ANNE, m. to Wmn. Hemsley, Esq.
ELIZABETH, m. to James Lloydl, Esq.
* The portraits of himself and wife, also of James Tilghman and
wife, the latter holding Chief Justice Tilghman, then a child, are in
possession of Miss Burd.
t From an exceedingly curious MS.'account of births and' deaths, &c.' of various Maryland families, I extract the following:
Richard Tilghman, (whose pedigree is given in the MS. to Richard
Tilghman, living 1399 in the reign of Henry IV,) b. 1626; m. Miss
Foxley. He came to Maryland in 1675, was bred a surgeon, and
was one of the signers to' have justice done' on Charles I, and left
England for fear of the consequences. His tenth child,
Richard, m. 1672 Anna Maria Lloyd, and had, with others,
James Tilghman, m. Ann Francis.
Anna Maria, second dau. and fourth child of Matthew Tilghman
and Anne his wife, was born on the 17th day of July, 1755. She
m. Col. Tench Tilghman, one of Gen. Washington's aids-de-camp,
whose likeness, with that of the General and the Marquis de Lafayette, was taken by order of the Legislature of Maryland, and suspended in the room occupied by the House of Delegates, where it
now remains. They had children,
Margaret, who m. Tench Tilghman, of Talbot county, Maryland, and d. leaving one son, Tench.
Elizabeth, who m. Nicholas Goldsborough, of Talbot county,
Maryland.




xlv
WILLIAM, afterwards Chief Justice of Pennsylvania,* m. Margaret Allen.
PHILIP, who entered the English Navy, and married a daughter of Admiral Milbank.
3. MARY, b. 1729; d. 1801; m. WILLIAM COXE, of New
Jersey, by whom she had a large family. Among
them were,
TENCH, of some note as an author and politician,
m. Miss McCall.
JOHN, a Judge of the District Court.
WILLIAM, an eminent pomologist.
DANIEL W., m. Margaret Burd.
SARAH, m. to Andrew Allen, Esq.
REBECCA, m. to Dr. Winm. McIlvaine, an eminent
physician.
4. TENCH, b. 1730; d. 1800; m. 1762, ANNE, eldest dau.
of Charles and Anne Willing. They had issue,
1. JOHN FRANCIS, b. 1763; m. Abby, dau. of
Hon. John Brown, of Rhode Island, and was
the father of the Hon. JOHN BROWN FRANCIS, Senator of the United States, Governor
of Rhode Island, &c.
2. THOMAS WILLING FRANCIS, b. 1767, an eminent merchant in Philadelphia. He m. Dorothy, dau. of Hon. Thomas Willing, by whom
he had a large family, of whom now survive
only,
ELIZABETH, m. to her cousin, the Hon.
John B. Francis, above mentioned.
* See Mr. Binney's eloquent eulogium, Appendix to 16 Sergeant
4 Rawle's Reports.




xlvi
ANNE, m. to Hon. James A. Bayard, U.
S. Senator from Delaware.
3. SOPHIA FRANCIS, m. to George Harrison, Esq.,
of Philadelphia. She d. 1851.
4. CHARLES FRANCIS, b. 1771; d. unm. 1845.
5. ELIZABETH POWEL FRANCIS, b. 1777; m.
1806 to Joshua Fisher. She still survives.
She is the mother of Mr. J. Francis Fisher,
who m. Elizabeth, dau. of the Hon. Henry
Middleton, Governor of South Carolina, and
Minister to the Court of St. Petersburg.
Mrs. Middleton was the dau. of Col. Julines
Hering, of Jamaica, whose wife was Mary
Helen, dau. of John Inglis, and Mary
McCall, of Philadelphia.
5. ELIZABETH, b. 1733; d. 1800; m. John Lawrence, by
whom she had one child,
ELIZABETH, m. to James Allen, son of Chief
Justice Allen.* They had,
JAMES, who d. s. p.
ANNE PENN, m. to James Greenleaf.
MARGARET, m. to Chief Justice Tilghman.
MIARY, (still living) m. to Harry Walter Livingston, of Livingston's Manor, New York.
6. MARGARET FRANCIS, b. 1735; d. 1794; m. to Edward
Shippen, Chief Justice, as above mentioned. They
had issue,
1. ELIZABETH, m. to Edward Burd, Major in the
American Army during the Revolution, son
of Col. James Burd and Sarah Shippen.
* Sabine's Loyalists. s. v. Allen.




xlvii
They had issue,
EDWARD SHIPPEN BURD, m. Miss Sims.
MARGARET, m. to D. W. Coxe.
SARAH, still living.
2. SARAH, m. to Thomas Lea, and had,
ROBERT.
MARGARET, m. to Dominick Lynch, of
New York. They had six children.
JANE, m. to Julius Izard Pringle, of S. C.,
and has issue.
DOMINICK, m. Antonia Arquimba, of Port
Mahon.
MARGARET SHIPPEN, m. to Stewart C.
Maitland, of Scotland.*
GEORGE HARRISON.
3. EDWARD, m. Elizabeth Footman. They had,
EDWARD,
MARGARET,
ELIZABETH,
RICHARD,
MARY,
FANNY.
4. MARY, m. Dr. Win. McIlvaine. They had,
WILLIA M,
EDWARD BLOOMFIELD,
MIARIA,
MARGARET.
5. JAMES.
6. MARGARET, m. April 8,1779, to Gen. Arnold.t
They had issue,
* Burke's Landed Gentry.
t Arnold of Little Messenden Abbey. Burke's Landed Gentry.




xlviii
EDWARD SIIIPPEN, Lieut. 6th Bengal Cavalry,
and Paymaster of Muttra; d. at Dinapoor
in India, Dec. 13, 1813.
JAMES ROBERTSON,* Major General, K. IT. and
K. Crescent, m. Virginia, dau. of Bartlett
Goodrich, Esq., of Saling Grove, Essex.
* Lieut. Gen. Robertson Arnold died in London on December
27th, 1854. IIe was a second son of Benedict Arnold by Margaret
his wife, daughter of Chief Justice Shippen, of Pennsylvania. He
entered the corps of Royal Engineers in 1798, and served more than
half a century.  He married Virginia, daughter of Bartlett Goodrich, Esq., of the Isle of Wight, and for his military services was
created a Knight of Hanover, was appointed Aid-de-camp to William
IV, and was presented with a costly sword.
The above-named officer was the second of five children which
Arnold's second wife, Miss Shippen of Philadelphia, bore him, viz:
Edward, James Robertson, George, Wm. F., and Sophia.  His first
wife bore three sons, viz: Benedict, Richard and Henry. Benedict, the
eldest, an officer of artillery in the British army, died young in the
West Indies. Henry entered the King's service after his father's
defection, and was a lieutenant of cavalry in the American Legion.
He lived afterwards at Troy, New York, with his aunt Hannah, and
was engaged in mercantile pursuits. At a subsequent period he
removed to Canada, where he is now a man of property. He received half pay and a grant of lands from the British government.
Richard in 1782 was also a lieutenant of cavalry in the American
Legion, commanded by his father. In almost every particular his
history is identical with that of his brother Henry.
James Robertson entered the British army in 1798, and rose to the
rank of Colonel of Engineers. He was stationed at Bermuda from
1816 to 1818, and from the last-named year until 1823, was at Halifax, and the commanding officer of engineers in Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick. While thus in command he was at St. Johns, and
on going into the house built by his father, in King street, which is
still standing, he wept like a child. He was a small man; his eyes
were of remarkable sharpness, and in features bore a striking
resemblance to his father. A gentleman, who has been in service
with him, and was intimately acquainted with him, speaks of him
in terms of high commendation, and relates that he has often heard
him express a strong desire to visit the United States. Since the
accession of Queen Victoria, he has been one of her majesty's aidsde-camp. In 1841, he was transferred from the engineer corps and
appointed Major General, and a Knight of the Royal Hanoverian
Guelphic Order. See Sabine's Loyalists. s. v. Arnold.




xlix
GEORGE, Lieut. Col. 2d Bengal Cavalry; d. in
India, Nov. 1, 1828.
WILLIAM FITCH, of Little Messenden Abbey,
county Bucks, a magistrate for Bucks,
late Capt. 19th Lancers, b. June 25, 1794;
m. May 19, 1819, Elizabeth Cecilia, only
dau. of Alexander Ruddach, Esq., Capt.
R. N., of Dorkney and of the island of
Tobago, and has issue,
EDWARD GLABURN,
MARGARETTA STEWART,
WILLIAM TRAIL,
ELIZABETH SOPHIA,
GFEORGIANA PHIPPS,
LOUISA RUSSELL.
SOPHIA MATILDA, m. to Col. Pownall Phipps,
E. I. C. service; related to the Mulgrave
family, and has one son and two daughters.
Arms.-Gu. three pheons, arg. on a chief of the
second, a bar nebulee, az.
Crest.-A demitiger, sa. bezantee, maned and
tufted or, holding a broad arrow, stick, gu.
feathers and pheon, arg.
3rotto. —Nil desperandum.
7. RACHIAEL FRANCIS,  b. 1737;. m. 1st, Mr. Relfe;*
2dly, Matthew  Pearce, by whom  she had several
children.
*'Feb. 19, 1760.' My sister, Rachel Francis, is to be married in a fortnight to Mr.'John Relfe.'
3




8. TURBUTT FRANCIS, b. 1740; d. 1797.  ITe was a Colonel in the British Continental army, and distinguished
in the French and Indian wars. He m. Rebecca, the
only dau. of Samuel Mifflin, and by her had,
TENCH.
SAMUEL, who took the name of his grandfather
Mifflin, and m. Elizabeth Davis.
REBECCA, who m. Mathias Harrison.  Their dau.
is Rebecca, widow of the late James McMurtrie, Esq.
9. PHITLIP, b. 1748; m. his first cousin, on the maternal
side, a Mliss Goldsborough, of Maryland.  He left descendants by a daughter, m. to a Mr. Thomas, of Maryland, whose son,
1IIILTP FRANCIS THOMAS, was a few years since
Governor of Maryland.
" The marriage of one of the daughters of Chief Justice
Shippen to the notorious General Arnold, has given occasion to many injurious reflections, which, as they regard the
lady as well as her family, may be pronounced not only
unkind, but ungenerous.  She was, indeed, unfortunate
enough in such an alliance, and her memory should have
been spared the additional hardship of baseless insinuations.
For these, I would refer to the life of Arnold, in an anonymous publication entitled'IWashington and his Generals,'
and to the posthumous memoirs of Aaron Burr, by Matthew
L. Davis.
" It was reserved to a late period to account in any way for
the treason of Benedict Arnold by a suggestion of the influ



li
ence of the family with which he was associated by marriage, or of the beautiful young woman of whom every domestic tradition gives a character the reverse of'gay and
frivolous,''artful and extravagant.'
"I am allowed here to quote the words of an excellent
lady, still living, whose reminiscences have been kindly furnished to me, a lady to whose personal and intellectual
attractions the most malignant of Mrs. Arnold's detractors
bears evidence. She says:'I may add my recollections of'my mother's general opinion of Mrs. Arnold, often expressed to others as well as to myself.  Beihig intimately' acquainted with Mr. Shippen's family, she well understood'their several characteristics, and would dwell with pleasure'on the affectionate and exemplary conduct of Mrs. Arnold,'both before and after her marriage.  She used to say that'Miss Peggy Shippen was particularly devoted to her father,'making his comfort her leading thought, often preferring' to remain with him when evening parties and amusements'would attract her sisters from home.  She was the darling'of the family circle, and never fond of gadding. There'was nothing of frivolity either in her dress, demeanor, or' conduct, and though deservedly admired, she had too much'good sense to be vain.' *  *  *'I have often heard'her speak with deep feeling of the sad fate of this most' excellent woman; of her great purity of mind and princi-'ples,' &ec. * * *'This estimate of Mrs. Arnold's'character was also confirmed by my brother, who was inti-'mately acquainted with the family of Mr. Shippen.  He' always spoke of her with emphatic and distinguished respect' for her highly estimable qualities of mind and heart, and' he deplored for her the lamentable conflict she must have'endured on discovering her husband's treason, between




lii'love for her country and her father's family, and grief for'her husband's base conduct. Thus have I been accus-'tomed, all my life, to hear Mrs. Arnold spoken of as a'suffering and innocent victim.'*
* Additional testimony is to be found in the letter in which Arnold addressed her. He says:'DEAR MADAM:-Twenty times have I taken up my pen to'write to you, and as often has my trembling hand refused to obey'the dictates of my heart-a heart which, though calm and serene'amidst the clashing of arms and all the din and horrors of war,'trembles with diffidence and the fear of giving offence when it'attempts to address you on a subject so important to its happiness.'Dear Madam, your charms have lighted up a flame in my bosom'which can never be extinguished; your heavenly image is too'deeply impressed ever to be effaced. My passion is not founded'on personal charms only: that sweetness of disposition and good-'ness of heart, that sentiment and sensibility which so strongly'mark the character of the lovely Mliss P. Shippen, renders her'amiable beyond expression, and will ever retain the heart she has'once captivated.' On you alone my happiness depends, and will you doom me to' languish in despair? Shall I expect no return to the most sincere,'ardent, and disinterested passion? Do you feel no pity in your'gentle bosom for the man who would die to make you happy?' May I presume to hope it is not impossible I may make a favorable'impression on your heart? Friendship and esteem you acknow-'ledge. Dear Peggy, suffer that heavenly bosom, (which cannot' know itself the cause of pain without a sympathetic pang,) to ex-'pand with a sensation more soft, more tender than friendship. A' union of hearts is undoubtedly necessary to happiness; but give'me leave to observe that true and permanent happiness is seldom' the effect of an alliance formed on a romantic passion, where fancy' governs more than judgment. Friendship and esteem, founded on'the merit of the object, is the most certain basis to build a lasting'happiness upon; and when there is a tender and ardent passion'on one side, and friendship and esteem on the other, the heart'(unlike yours) must be callous to every tender sentiment, if the' taper of love is not lighted up at the flame.'I am sensible your prudence and the affection you bear your'amiable and tender parents, forbids your giving encouragement to'the addresses of any one without their approbation. Pardon me,' dear madam, for disclosing a passion I could no longer confine in'my tortured bosom. I have presumed to write your papa, and'have requested his sanction to my addresses. Suffer me to hope'for your approbation. Consider before you doom me to misery,'which I have not deserved but by loving you too extravagantly.'Consult your own happiness, and if incompatible, forget there is




"In a memoir intended to circulate only within the limits
of our relationship, it may be permitted to the descendants
of a family which has at all times been respected for its virtues, to defend their loyalty to the government under which
they were born.
" Attached, as they were, by the strongest ties, to the land
of their fathers, they were not less jealous of their hereditary
rights as freemen; and were not found backward in maintaining them by every effort short of that kind of resistance
which the laws they revered called treason. And if they
doubted the security which liberty and property might
obtain under democratic forms of government, or of the possibility of successful resistance by arms to the mighty power
of England, they might well be pardoned for hesitation to
embark in a struggle which, should it end in defeat, might
be followed by severe oppression, if in success, by the convulsions of an unsteady, disjointed, weak confederacy.
" It should be recollected, too, that here in Pennsylvania,
the most prosperous of all the colonies, the government
of the Proprietaries had been particularly mild and generous, to which much consideration was deservedly due.
And whatever cause of complaint we might urge, as Englishmen, against the parliament as violating old MIagna
(harta rights, that our charter of Pennsylvania, under
which we accepted our lands and provincial privileges,'so unhappy a wretch; for may I perish if I would give you one'moment's inquietude to purchase the greatest possible felicity to'myself. Whatever my fate may be, my most ardent wish is for'your happiness, and my latest breath will be to implore the bles-'sing of heaven on the idol and only wish of my soul.'Adieu, dear madam, and believe me unalterably,'Your sincere admirer and devoted humble servant,' B3. ARNOLD.'Sept. 25, 1778.'MISS PEGGY SHIPPEN.'




liv
reserved to King and Parliament the right of taxation by
duties on commerce.  It might be doubted, therefore, with
some reason, how far warlike resistance was in any respect
justified. A farge part of our most respectable inhabitants
were opposed to such measures on principle; and if the influence of wealth increased their timidity, it was not without
excuse, when its possessors measured their own pecuniary
risks with that of a large proportion of the most flaming
patriots.
" Success has added the justification which belongs to it, to
the cause of the republicans, and toryism  is a name of
reproach. But the writer, who has no disposition to detract
in any way from the honors justly due to those who carried
through our revolutionary struggle, would only ask for those
who, in those trying times, still loved England, and all its
time-honored institutious, and feared to lose by severance
from their mother country, the regulated liberty and stable
rights they most held dear, that they should not be branded
all as traitors.
" The writer has never seen any evidence that the family
of Shippen sympathized with those who would have oppressed their country. Some of them joined the American
armies; and those who did not, and especially Mr. Edward
Shippen, submitted to the powers de facto, and gave in his
declaration of neutrality, or whatever was the assurance of
submission required.
" While Philadelphia was held by the British army, civilities were reciprocated with them by the families of wealth
and birth who remained in the city, and the young ladies
did not reject the homage of the accomplished officers.
Among them was the handsome and brilliant Major Andre,
who, endowed with all the gifts and tastes which win the




lv
regard of the sex, devoted them all to please the beautiful
Margaret Shippen, and although I believe there was no
thought of love between them, a mutual regard and friendship was established and maintained till the sad catastrophe
which involved the fate of both.  He was her Knight at the
celebrated fete of the MIeschianza,* and, it is said, kept up
with her a correspondence of courtesy, under cover of which
he conveyed his communications to her husband. Of this,
however, only one letter, offering to procure for her in New
York some articles of dress, is presented as evidence.  But
even if this supposition be well founded, it is not, I believe,
by any one, pretended that she was cognizant or in fault.
" Soon after the evacuation of Philadelphia by the British,
the military command of the city was bestowed on General
Arnold.
" At that time no suspicions of his patriotism had been
whispered.  Scarcely any soldier had done so much to sustain the martial renown of his country; and yet, notwithstanding the adventurous expedition led by him through the
northern wilderness of Mlaine to the siege of Quebec, which,
it is thought, would have been captured if his advice had
been followed; his brilliant feats on the lakes and in Connecticut; his gallant charges at Saratoga, which decided the
victory; all this had no influence in silencing personal enemies, who might, perhaps, have been more patriotic if not
more just, if they had overlooked some acts, the very worst
of which, as proved before a court martial, were not greatly
injurious to his country, and such, perhaps, as always have
been and will be committed by some who manage the commissariat of an army.
"It is noted that on his trial by court martial in January,
0 Gent's Mag. vol. 48, (1778), pp. 330, 353.




lvi
1780, he made a most invidious comparison between his own
services and those of his chief accuser, whose wavering
fidelity he contrasts with his own sterner patriotism, when,
at that very time, he had been for eight months in correspondence with the enemy. This correspondence was not, I
presume, at that time even guessed at. It may not unreasonably be supposed to have been begun under a sense of
deep resentment at the charges made against him while his
wounds were still bleeding from so many a hard-fought field.
For three years he had been the object of attacks.  From
influences which we cannot now trace, his promotion was
stopped; juniors put over him, who had done no such deeds
as his; honorable commands withheld, which he thought his
due; his pride as an officer galled to the utmost, till he was
driven to the project of abandoning the service of his country, from which he neither expected gratitude nor justice.
I do not say that he was in the right; that he did not merit
the distrust and neglect that he was treated with; but only
this, that he might have persuaded himself fully that he was
an injured and persecuted man. In matters of rank, no one
feels so keenly as a soldier. His pride is more than woman's
vanity, and many a one has abandoned a cause with far less
reason than Arnold.  IJis was a'bad nature, and he went
further: he betrayed it.  I have the opinion of a most candid and honest historian (Mr. Sparks) to confirm my own,
that had Arnold obtained the honors he fought for, or been
pardoned his official irregularities; had his great public services been permitted to cover his private misconduct, he had
never been the betrayer of the country for which he had.lready done so much.
"The coldness and resentment arising from what (whether
justly or not) he very naturally thought persecution, inclined
him to seek his society elsewhere than in that circle of which




lvii
his enemies formed a conspicuous part; and he found, it is
likely, in the high breeding and refinement of our'little'aristocracy,' a charm which was new to him.  It was not
long before he became captive to the fascinations of the
beautiful Margaret Shippen, and to the great distress of
her family, she returned his love.* Tradition tells us
that the connection was violently opposed, not so much
firom political feeling as from  distrust of the man, objection to his origin, and dislike of his private character,
as far as it was known.  Arnold was not, in fact, a gentleman.  His birth and early education were low; and his
peddling and smuggling trade with the islands, and his
traffic in cattle and horses, could neither have improved his
manners nor his morals.  He was reckless, daring and unprincipled; qualities fit enough to make a great soldier, but
not to secure the confidence of an honorable parent, who
looks for something better in the partner of a darling child.
"It is, however, most probable that anecdotes, repeated,
after his disgrace, (perhaps invented then or embellished,)
to illustrate his mercenary, mean, and treacherous disposition, were not at that time known in Philadelphia, where
he arrived, crippled with honorable wounds, and glorious with
laurels won by exploits such as no officer in the army then
could boast of.  More likely is it that then were circulated
traits of generosity and kindness, such as his conduct in
educating, at his own expense, the orphans of Gen. Warren,
which fact alone goes to show that his lavish expenses were
not wholly selfish.
* The recollections of Miss Margaret Shippen, a first cousin of
Mrs. Arnold, entirely confirm this. She had heard from -Mrs. Burd
and Mrs. Lea, that their father never liked Arnold from the first,
and was not friendly to the match; but that it was encouraged by
a lady, a Mrs. P., who thought highly of him, and had great influence over the mind of the young lady.
3 *




lviii
"However defective in private honor or real patriotism, no
one of our American Generals had so mansy opportunities of
displaying feats of brilliant courage, that there can be no
doubt that the imagination of Miss Shippen was excited and
her heart captivated by the oft-repeated stories of his gallant
deeds.  For these alone she loved and married him; not
for the splendor of his military rank and the show of his
establishment, which must have contrasted greatly with what
she had lately seen during the British occupation; not for
the means of gratifying personal vanity, for Arnold was
poor and she enjoyed all that wealth could give; still less
to win him from the cause to which every honorable thought
should bind him. Never could she have believed that treason would one day wither those glorious laurels. Never
could her influence have been used to weaken his attachment
to the cause to which he had devoted himself. Against the
wishes of her family, she chose a hero for her husband; and
had her influence been of any avail, it would have preserved
him in the ways of honor.  He dared not make her the
confidante of his projected treason, or we may be sure he
would have' found a counsellor on his pillow to urge him to'the imitation of republican virtue, and stimulate him to'follow the rugged path of a revolutionary patriot.'
"C What can be meant by the writer who ventures to say' there is no reason to think she ever utter'd a word, or made'a sign to deter him,' while he'utterly rejects the theory'that she was the instigator of the crime,' and admits'that'she never tempted or counselled him to ruin?' Every
testimony but one, which we have hereafter to consider, pronounces her innocent —nay, utterly ignorant and unsuspicious of his designs.  What word, then, or sign, could she




lix
have used? what'guardianship exert to protect him from'the tempter?'
"We have the evidence of Cols. Hamilton and Varick as
to the condition of this unhappy lady on the discovery at
West Point. Frantic with grief, she touched the heart of
every one around her. Crushed to the earth in her affections and her honor; the pride of her heart, the credit of
her name, the honorable inheritance of her child, all at
once destroyed; the husband whom she had loved to regard
as a patriot hero, the very Paladin of the war, now only to
be despised and hated.  In this cloud of agonizing thoulght,
she threw herself on the compassion of that great man who
always did what was right, and he gave her not only his
pity and protection, but what was better, the assurance of
his respect and confidence.  WASHINGTON told her he was
perfectly sure of her innocence, and offered her an escort,
whether she chose to follow her husband, or return to her
father's house. Be it remembered, she decided on the latter
course; and, had it rested with her, she would, it is probable, never have rejoined the husband who had so utterly
forfeited her esteem.
" Since the above was first written, I have been furnished
with the reminiscences of the lady whose words I have before
quoted in confirmation of my statements. Those who know
her intimately, as I have done from my childhood, will give
them the highest value for truthful accuracy, right feeling,
and just appreciation.  It is Mrs. James Gibson, who writes
as follows:'I propose now to relate an anecdote on this subject,'which is fresh to my own knowledge and recollection.' Major Franks, of the Revolutionary army, was a well
known acquaintance of my parents. Ile was respected and




lx'welcomed wherever he went, for his social good hunmor and' manly candor.  In one of his visits to Philadelphia, where'his near relations resided, he was often at my father's; and'one day, when dining with other gentlemen at our house,' and my father and the others had returned to the parlor,'my mother detained Major Franks to converse with him' respecting Mrs. Arnold, whom she had recently heard very'unjustly spoken of.  He entered upon the subject with' alacrity.   lamma said to him, " Tell me, Major Franks,'"what is your opinion and belief concerning her know"'ledge of her husband's plans."  Hle quickly replied,
" Madam, she knew nothing of thern-nothing! She was' as ignorant of them as a babe."  His manner was solemn'and earnest, and I began to think it might be proper for'me to withdraw, but he said, " Don't let Betsy go —I have
"' nothing to say that she may not hear." Of course, I' gladly resumed my seat at the table, and he went on:-'" Madam, I am glad you have mentioned this subject.  I' have much to say. I am much distressed by it. Within' a few days I have heard, for the first time, things said of'"her that are contrary to truth —false!-utterly false!'" You know I was one of Gen. Arnold's aids. He paid'" me the compliment to assign me the particular duty of'" protecting Mrs. Arnold; of attending to her safety, her' general welfare, and her health.  I was, in the General's'" family, laughingly called'the nurse!'  Her health was
"' then delicate; and while Gen. Arrlold was in command
" at West Point, he frequently sent her to different, some"' times distant parts of the country, on that side of the'"river. He always sent a guard with her, besides her'"female attendant, and gave me very particular charge'"over her welfare. He spoke of her suffering in the




lxi'" bustle of the camp, and wished her to be relieved from
"'it during the summer. I obeyed, nothing doubting, but'"considering him a pattern for a husband, although other
"'and far different motives for sending her away on these
" excursions afterwards came to light.  But, madam, she' knew nothing of his projects.  In truth, she was subject
"'to occasional paroxysms of physical indisposition, at"tended by nervous debility, during which she would give' "utterance to anything and everything on her mind. This
" was a fact well known amongst us of the General's' family; so much so as to cause us to be scrupulous of'" what we told her or said within her hearing. General
"Arnold was guarded and impenetrable towards all around'" him, and I should believe her to have been ignorant of'" his plans, even without my knowledge of this peculiar'" feature in her constitution; but with it, such a strong'" corroborative proof, I am most solemnly and firmly con-' "vinced that General Arnold never confided his detestable
"' scheme to her.  Re could not have ventured to do it.'" He was, moreover, too well aware of her warm patriotic
" feelings.  You know, madam, how completely she was' American at that important period.  >Madam, I can aver' " solemnly, she was totally ignorant of his schemes."'*
"  Here we have evidence above suspicion, not only of her
innocence, but of her patriotism.
" The following facts are vouched for as known in the
family at the time, often privately repeated, but never mentioned beyond its most intimate circle till the publication of
the base calumny contained in the memoirs of Aaron Burr.
" Mrs. Arnold having determined to go to her father in
* The true historical view has been taken by Ar. Hubbell, in his
tragedy of "Arnold," a poem creditable to his judgment as to
events, and to his literary taste.




lxii
Philadelphia, set out in her carriage to travel there by easy
stages. On her way she stopped to spend the night at Mrs.
Prevost's, (an old acqnaintance,) afterwards the wife of Col.
Burr, and at that time on terms of tender friendship, if not
indeed engaged to him.
" This fact is told by Burr's biographer, and no doubt, after
his narration; but he does not say that Burr himself met
her at Mrs. Prevost's, and when she left the house in the
morning, offered his escort, which he pretended might be
useful to her in the then excited state of the public mind on
the subject of the treason.  Still less does he tell, what his
friend would not have ventured to repeat, that on the way
he made love to this afflicted lady, thinking to take advantage of her just feelings of indignation towards her husband,
to help him in his infamous design. Yet this is the fact, if
our tradition be true.  And indignantly repelled, he treasured up his revenge, and left a story behind him worthy of
his false and malignant heart, to blast this amiable lady's
fame, when there might be no one to disprove or deny it.
After telling us she set out from West Point to join her
husband in New York, he says, that on arriving at Mrs.
Prevost's, (who was a loyalist,) she there threw off the mask,
admitted she had been playing a part which wearied her,
and'avowed that by her persuasions and unceasing perse-'verance, she had herself brought the General into an ar-'rangement to surrender West Point,' &c., &c.  That this
statement is false, utterly false, even the most unfriendly
writers admit.  Known facts contradict it.  Ia it not almost
incredible that any man could invent such a calumny with
such a motive? Yet it is so. One who was second in the
nation, and had almost reached its highest honor, was
capable of this baseness: and his name might well, for this




lxiii
and other acts, be handed down to perpetual infamy, deserved
as well as by the traitor Arnold.
" On _Mrs. Arnold's arrival in Philadelphia she decided on
a separation from her husband. She could not endure the
thought of a return to one whom she could no longer honor;
but this course was not permitted to her.  After a short
residence with her family, whose affectionate attentions were
beginning to soothe her troubled heart, she received a new
shock in the peremptory order of the Executive Council to
leave the State.  The following is a copy from the minutes.' IN COUNCIL,
Philadelphia, Friday, October 27th, 1780.'The Council taking into consideration the case of Mrs.'Margaret Arnold, (the wife of Benedict Arnold, an at-'tainted traitor with the enemy at New York,) whose resi-'dence in this city has become dangerous to the public' safety; and this board being desirous, as much as possible,'to prevent any correspondence and intercourse being carried'on with persons of disaffected character in this State and'the enemy at New York, and especially with the said Bene-'diet Arnold; therefore, Resolved, That the said Margaret'Arnold depart this State within fourteen days from the'date hereof, and that she do not return again during the'continuance of the present war.'
"Her father, her friends, all sought a reversal of this
decree of exile.  Her wish for a separation was represented;
her word pledged to hold no correspondence with her husband; every assurance and security offered on the part of
her father, that no communication should be held with him
but what should pass open through the hands of the government; but entreaties were in vain.  Private enmity or
hidden influence was at work, and this urgent request was




lxiv
denied. Perhaps the baffled seducer, by secret representations, may have thus contrived to drive away the witness of
his villainy; or it may be that the occasion was seized by
some enemy in power to gratify an old grudge against the
members of a family suspected of' Incivism,' and hated for
their aristocratical pretensions. Or, the impulse may have
come from without; from some revolutionary society, or the
Committee of Public Safety, too much resembling a similar
institution in the times of French democracy, potent for
evil, but not always for good, now exciting popular fury,
and again driven by the fiend it had raised.*
" If we had all the history of the times, it might perhaps
be found, that like the excitements about the emigres and
their friends, raised from time to time to effect some local
object, or legislative vote in Paris, our politicians could get
up an outcry against the tories and the Quakers, when such
* Since the above was in type the following letter has been sent
to me, which more than confirms the statements above made.
MIAJOR EDWARD BURD TO HIS FATHER, COL. JAMES BURD.'Lancaster, ANov. 10th, 1780.'You have doubtless heard of the unfortunate affair of Mrs.'Arnold. We tried every means to prevail on the Council to permit'her to stay among us, and not to [compel her] to go to that infer-'nal villain, her husband, in New York. The Council seemed for a' considerable time to favor our request, but at length have ordered'her away. Yesterday was the day she was to have set off, and' Mr. Shippen, intending to accompany her the greatest part of the'way, could not be up at this Court.' This circumstance has involved the whole family in the deepest'distress. Mr. Shippen had promised the Council, and Irs. Arnold'had signed a writing to the same purpose, engaging not to write to' Gen. Arnold any letters whatever, and to receive no letters without' showing them to the Council, if she was permitted to stay.' However, this did not answer the purpose we hoped for. If she'could have staid, Mr. Shippen would not have wished her ever to'be united to him again. It makes me melancholy every time I'think of the matter. I cannot bear the idea of her re-union. The'sacrifice was an immense one at her being married to him at all.' It is much more so to be obliged, against her will, to go to the arms'of a man who appears to be so very black.'




1xv
a warming up was thought salutary; that even a mob could
be brought down from  Byrne's tavern, headed by that stall
wart landlord, to convince a jury not quite ready enough to
find a verdict on the evidence before them. But whatever
stories of the kind may be preserved by memory, or in private diaries, it is perhaps well to suppress them for the reasons given by Charles Thomson for destroying his papers.
"At all events, this amiable lady, though true to honor
and her country, was forced to leave her father's house, and
urged perhaps by the advice of friends, and the entreaties of
a husband once dearly loved,* she returned to him and
shared his fate in evil, as she had before in good report.
" In after life, wherever she was known she was admired
and respected.t  Her letters to her family, still preserved,
tend to prove her to have been an excellent woman in every
relation, and she had the satisfaction of forming the characters of several virtuous and honorable children.
" She deeply felt her separation from her native land and
family, and lived in seclusion, from which she had no temptation to go into society, where there were no charms nor
honors for her.t She must, indeed, have wished her name
* Miss Margaret Shippen recollects her cousins Burd and Lea
speaking several times to her of their sister's state of distress and
vacillation at this period, hardly resolving to accompany her husband to England, though wishing to be persuaded there was some
palliation of his guilt, and that his conduct had not been so thoroughly base and treacherous as it was generally thought.
t Arnold, generally slighted, and sometimes insulted, though indulged by his royal master, from policy, with notice and honors,
could hardly have sustained his social position, but for the charms
and virtues of his wife, which, we are told, procured her sympathy
and friendship everywhere but among her countrymen.
+ Five years after her departnre, she returned to see her father
and family; but she was treated with so much coldness and neglect,
even by those who had most encouraged her marriage, that her
feelings were deeply pained.' She never could come again.' She




lxvi
forgotten by all but those who loved her; though, alas! it
will be preserved in history to excite a momentary pity
for her undeserved misfortunes; unless, indeed, the cruel
calumny which I have noticed and disproved should be perpetuated. Even if it were true that she thought, as she
might have done, that her husband was a persecuted man,
and shared a revenge which she supposed just, such sympathy might surely have been pardoned. The revival now of
such tales is, it must be admitted, uncalled for and unkind,
and it is to be hoped they will never be repeated.* At any
died in the winter of 1 796, at an early age for one of a long-lived
race. Her sisters would have brought her younger children to this
country; but they refused, and wisely. Two of her sons reached
high military rank; her daughter Sophia was a religious and exemnplary woman. Her letters speak of General Arnold's uniform kindness, but plainly show that "her heart was broken."
* The following extract of a letter addressed to'Miss Schuyler
by Alexander Hamilton, on the 25th September, 1780, shows, in
part, what ruin, in addition to the loss of his own fame, the treason
of Arnold scattered around him:'Arnold hearing of the plot being detected immediately fled to' the enemy. I went in pursuit of him, but was much too late, and'could hardly regret the disappointment when, on my return, I saw' an amiable woman, frantic with distress for the loss of a husband'she tenderly loved —a traitor to his country and to his fame-a'disgrace to his connections. It was the most affecting scene I ever'was witness to. She, for a considerable time, entirely lost herself.'The General (Washington) went up to see her, and she upbraided'him with being in a plot to murder her child. One moment she'raved, another she melted into tears. Sometimes she pressed her'infant to her bosom, and lamented its fate, occasioned by the im-'prudlence of its father, in a manner that would have pierced insen-'sibility itself. All the sweetness of beauty, all the loveliness of'innocence, all the tenderness of a wife, and all the fondness of a'mother, showed themselves in her appearance and conduct. We'have every reason to believe that she was entirely unacquainted' with the plan; that the first knowledge of it was when Arnold went'to tell her he must banish himself from his country and from her'forever. She instantly fell into a convulsion, and he left her in'that situation. This morning she is more composed. I paid her'a visit, and endeavored to soothe her by every method in my'power, though you may imagine she is not easily to be consoled.'Added to her other distresses, she is very apprehensive the resent-'ment of her country will fall upon her (who is only unfortunate)




lxvii
rate, a. controversy on such a subject is deprecated, and a
public refutation is not to be thought of.
" The above is written for the satisfaction of the numerous
members of a family, who will all feel an interest in relieving
the character of a beautiful* and amiable woman of their race
from the charge of participation in or approval of an odious
treason. They will be disposed to believe the story as
handed down from her nearest relations, and contemporary
friends. Further proofs will not be called for, and would
not, perhaps, be forthcoming. There is, it is supposed, no
documentary evidence, for all the papers of MIrs. Arnold
were seized by the republican authorities, and if they still
exist, are not accessible to those who would wish to vindicate her."
JOSEPH SHIPPEN, the second son of Edward Shippen, of
Lancaster, was b. Oct. 30, 1732, was graduated at Nassau
Hall 1753, entered the Provincial army, in which he rose
to the rank of Colonel, and served in General Forbes' expedition, which resulted in the capture of Fort Du Quesne.
After the troops were disbanded he went to Europe, partly
on a mercantile adventure, but as it appears from the letters, (p. 185, &c.) chiefly for the advantages to be derived
from foreign travel. He returned to Philadelphia somewhere in Daeember, 1761, and was shortly afterwards (Gordon says January 2, 1762,) appointed Secretary to the Pro-'for the guilt of her husband. I have tried to persuade her that'her fears are unfounded; but she will not be convinced. She re-' ceived us in bed, with every.circumlstance that interests our sym-'pathy; and her sufferings were so eloquent that I wished myself'her brother, to have a right to become her defender.'-See Life and
Writings, I, p. 268, 275, 276.
* Her portrait, by Sir Thomas Iawrence, now in the possession
of the Misses Mcllvaine, shows her to have been a remarkably beautiful woman.




lxviii
vince, in which office he succeeded the Rev. Richard Peters.
About 1773 he removed to the country, near Kennett
Square, in Chester county, a step which he was induced to
take by reason of the expenses incident to a large family,
and his own state of health, being, at that time, and for
some years, quite infirm.* The latter I take to have been
the true reason for his not serving in the Revolutionary army.
Thence he removed to a place which he purchased in
Chester county, and which, in honor of his mother, he
called Plumley.  He was appointed Judge of Lancaster
Court in 1789, and d. Feb. 10th, 1810, having served his
country, and filled with honor many reputable stations;
esteemed by all who knew him as an eminently just and
upright man. No words are too strong to describe the tender and affectionate character of his relations with his
family. I have before me a letter, written by his wife
during her last illness, addressed to her husband, with directions'to  be, opened after my death.'  Amongst other
things, she makes a request that he would give a sum of
money, not large, to a female friend of hers in needy circumstances, in such a manner as to prevent any suspicion of
the source from which it came;t but the language in which
* EDWARD SHIPPEN TO JAMES BURD, AT TINIAN.'Lancaster, llarch 9th, 1777.'DEAR MR. BURD: —I received a letter yesterday for Col. Ship-'pen, who was just returned from Philadelphia, having got better'by Doctor Shippen's assistance. One thing in particular helped'him, which was taking 9 ounces of blood from him.  *    *  *'I am, dear Mr. Burd, your affectionate, loving father,'EDWARD SHIPPEN.'
In another letter, shortly prior in date to this, one of his children
says —' But I will not ask you to write, as I know your right arm'trembles so much.'
t- I ought perhaps to add, that not only was this request faithfully complied with, but that the pains taken by Col. Shippen and
one of his sons, to have the bounty reach its object in the way desired by the donor, are the best of testimonials to the affectionate
regard which was had for the wishes of the wife and mother.




lxix
the letter is couched, could have proceeded only from a
heart, in which early love had been strengthened and ripened
into conjugal devotion by long years of well-deserved confidence.
It was the same as to his children. A letter from his
daughter Mary, concerning her proposed household arrangements after marriage, then about to take place, proves that
no detail, which concerned the welfare of his child, was
without interest to his parental bosom.
On Col. Shippen's public career it is unnecessary further
to dwell. To his service as a soldier, he added the accomplishments of a scholar and of a man of taste;* and was not
*I'London, Sept. 1st, 1763.'DEAR SIR:-Your very kind favor of the 11th October last,'reached me in the month of January following, just on my arrival'at Rome, after having been a whole year longer away from thence'than I ever at first thought of. After having wrote you my letter'of the 10th May from Florence, by which I see you were informed'of the deplorable situation I was in for the first five months of that'year, I went very slowly picking up; but, as you may easily sup-'pose, my strength and spirits were so much reduced by the long,'close confinement to my bed, the strict diet I was obliged to keep,' and especially the cruel incisions the surgeon had made on my'ancle, I still found myself unable to apply closely to my work for'a long time, notwithstanding all the inclination and longing'I had to do so. Every time I set down to the slightest studies,'though but for a quarter of an hour, there came a giddiness and'feverishness upon me that forced me to leave off. My first appli-'cation was to serve my worthy and honored patrons in the copies'they desired, as far as lay in my power; and as, just at that time,'Lord Fordwich had ordered up from Leghorn to Florence the pic-'ture that Mr. Mings had painted for him, of a Holy Family, and'was so obliging as to give me leave to copy it. I thought myself'happy in having such an opportunity of studying upon my favorite'master, since he was gone from Rome, and the season of the year'was not proper for me to go thither to seek for other studies. I'concluded also that nothing could be more agreeable to you and'my other friends than the copy of so capital a piece. The agree-'ableness of the climate of Florence, the extraordinary kindnesses'of Sir Horace Mann, which I shall always have a most grateful'remembrance of, especially for that shown me in my illness, and'the honorable notice taken of me by all the English nobility and




lxx
destitute of some talent in versification. The following
lines, said to have been of his composition, are here printed,' gentry that were there, as well as by many of the Florentine no-'blemen, were great engagements to me to stay, so that, with all'these advantages, I got through the copy (notwithstanding the' great weakness that still hung upon me) in about two months, after'having been obliged to make my excuses for not serving the Duke' of Grafton, and several others, whom, even by Sir Horace's advice,'I was obliged to refuse, because of my weak constitution, which' absolutely forbad my undertaking much fatigue. Indeed, nothing'but such a study after Mings could have made me go through with' so large a copy, and in so short a time, and I thought it a happy'instance of my cure, that after so much labor I was not again laid'up with a fresh fit of my usual violent pains. As you and the gen-'tlemen were pleased to give me such liberty to suit my own taste'and turn, I saw nothing else at Florence so suitable for me to copy'as the Venus by Titian, and a celebrated picture of HIannibal'Caracci, in the Prince Corsini's palace, of Venus lamenting over'the dead body of Adonis. In a reasonable time I got this picture'done, and sat about the Titian, when, just as it was dead colored'in, the fire broke out in the gallery, and put everything there in'confusion, and stopped the work of copying there, upon that pic-' ture, for some time. If it had been in the winter season, I should,'immediately upon this, have proceeded to Rome, and pursued my'studies there, not to lose time; but as there were still two months'before it was reckoned safe for me to go that way, and as I had'a very favorable opportunity of passing that interval in a journey to'Bologna, Parma and Venice, I resolved to embrace it, considering' those places, for different merits, as much the object of a student's'attention as even Rome itself, in a certain degree. I also consi-'dered, that while I was thus not losing my time, I should be im-'proving my health, which all my friends were of opinion required'such exercise and change of air, after so long and cruel confine-'ment, and such close application as I had given the whole summer.' Perhaps you will have heard already from the worthy gentlemen'at Leghorn, that Mr. Matthews, having left their service some' months before, and coming to Florence, accompanied me in this'tour, after having consulted those gentlemen, who were pleased'not to disapprove of it, but on the contrary favored us both with'the kindest and most honorable letters of recommendations for all'the places where we were to go in. The particular kindness of'Mr. Murray, at Venice, made my stay there much longer than I'ever imagined, for which I am in great measure obliged to you,'good sir, and Mr. Allen, by your speaking so advantageously of me'when you were there. The little enjoyment I have had of my'health, you are sensible, must naturally have taken off much of my'pleasure for a longer stay, and especially the dread of being laid'up at every return of the summer, if I persisted to stay at Rome,




lxxi
not as an effort of poetical genius, but because they perpetuate the names of the belles of his day:'where only my studies required me to stay, since I attribute my'having (thank God) been so well of late, more to the exercise I' have had in travelling about, than to any amendment in my con-'stitution. On my return from Venice to Florence, I had but just'time to finish my copy of Titian's Venus. I hastened to Rome to'make as much as possible of the short time that remained for me' there, and thought myself happy in getting done a copy of Guido's'finest Herodias in Cardinal Corsini's palace, and another picture'which I composed as a study of my own. Just after I had got'over these two pieces, Mr. Patoune, a gentleman, a particular'friend of Mr. Crispin's, was pleased to offer me his company to'England. I therefore could not but embrace it, particularly with'Mr. Crispin's advice, and be thankful to Providence that had' thrown such a lucky offer in my way, and thus, thank God, I am' at last safe arrived at the mother country, which we Americans are' all so desirous to see, and which I could not but desire as much,' or more, than Italy itself. After leaving Rome I went to Leghorn'for a few days, as well to pay my last personal respects to the'worthy gentlemen there, (whose favors and friendship I shall' always gratefully remember, as well as the good Mr. Crispin's,) as'to see about the dispatch of the pictures I had got ready for Ame-' rica, and luckily there then offered a New England schooner, that'loaded all the copies already mentioned, as the gentlemen will have'informed you, except the Herodias, which unhappily did not reach'Leghorn in time, and now lay there for another opportunity. I'hope they will all arrive safe, and give satisfaction to my worthy'patrons, as have been my endeavors, and as I am in duty bound to'do. If I have not been able to serve them with more copies, I'hope, from your and their generous sentiments, it will be consi-'dered how much my studies in Italy have been interrupted by my'infirmities, from the very first. I was too uneasy and too uncer-' tain of my health to pretend going through a regular course,'(which, by the way, if I could have kept on at Rome, would have'engaged me to apply more to drawing than painting of copies,) so'that I have been glad to pick in any way as much improvement as'my health and time would permit, and flatter myself I shall be' allowed to have acquired as much as any other in my circumstances' could have done, though not near so much as I could wish. I am'very sensible of my own wants in regard to painting, and it will be'the labor of my whole lifetime to supply them. Your useful hints'upon this subject I take in the kindest part; and for the friendly'intentions you have, I value them as much as if they came from' Mings himself. You will give me leave always to consider you,' dear sir, and Mr. Jn. Allen, among my best and most honored'friends, as well as his worthy father, and the Governor; and it




lxxii
Lines written in an Assembly Room.'In lovely White's* most pleasing form,
What various graces meet!
How blest with every striking charm 
How languishingly sweet!'will always be my study to deserve the continuance and benefit of' your friendship and good will. As to the price of the copies, and'the manner how I am to satisfy those gentlemen for the generous' assistance I have had in money from them, I desire before all' things to consider what is suitable and agreeable to them. They'are too generous not to make all the allowance that my circum-'stances may deserve; and as to myself, I had much rather that'some friend would take upon him to settle the first particular, than'pretend to rate my own labors, when in their service to whom I am'in honor and gratitude so much obliged; but as I have the happi-'ness of meeting here Mr. Allen himself, the principal of my'patrons, to whom, of course, I shall endeavor to give satisfaction'in this and every other point, it is the less necessary for me now'to tire you with a longer detail. I trust wholly in your good' nature for an excuse for my not answering your kind letter before I'left Italy, and hope you will ascribe my unpunctuality rather to'my being so hurried and unsettled in the last months of my stay' there, than to any forgetfulness of duty and obligation, which I am'constantly sensible of, though I should unfortunately fail of giving'you such proofs of them as you may strictly expect. It was the' greatest pleasure to me to hear of my good friend, Mr. John Allen's,'safe return home, and I beg you'd make my hearty compliments'to him and all friends, with my particular respects to Governor'Hamilton, who makes me proud of the honor he has done my first'two copies, as you are pleased to mention. My sincere compli-'ments wait no less on all your worthy family, assuring you that I'am, with all gratitude and esteem,' Dear sir, your most obliged, humble servant,'BENJ'N WEST.'lMy dear sir, I have one favor to beg of you, that is, on the arri-'val of the case in which the three copies are, they may be care-'fully taken out, and the case fastened up again, as it is full of' things I am desirous not to have seen, as they are little particulars' belonging to painters. I hope you will pardon me for this liberty.'To JosE PH SHIPPEN, Jr., Esq., in Philadelphia.'
* Sister of Bishop White.




lxxiii'With just such elegance and ease,
Fair, charming Swift* appears;
Thus Willing,t whilst she awes, can please;
Thus Polly Franks endears.'A female softness, manly sense,
And conduct free from art,
With every pleasing excellence,
In Inglis$ charm the heart.'But see! another fair advance,
With love commanding all;
See! happy in the sprightly dance,
Sweet, smiling, fair M'Call.T'Each blessing which indulgent Heaven
On mortals can bestow,
To thee, enchanting maid, is given,
Its masterpiece below.'In Sally Coxe's~ form and face,
True index of her mind,
The most exact of human race
Not one defect can find.'Thy beauty every breast alarms,
And many a swain can prove
That he who views your conquering charms,
Must soon submit to love.
* Ellinor White Swift, eldest daughter of Mr. Joseph Swift.
t Most probably Miss Abby Willing.
t Miss Katharine Inglis and Miss Margaret M'Call, dau. of Samuel M'Call and Ann Searle, (post, lxxxviii)  They lived together
about fifty years, the greater portion of the time in Pine street,
(No. 91,) opposite St Peter's church.
@ Mrs. Andrew Allen.
4




]xxiv'With either Chew* such beauties dwell,
Such charms by each are shared,
No critic's judging eye can tell
Which merits most regard.''Tis far beyond the painter's skill
To set their charms to view;
As far beyond the poet's quill
To give the praise that's due.'
Some mention of two of Col. Shippen's brother officers
will, perhaps, tend to a better understanding of the following letters. Lt. Col. Lloyd was of a family which participated largely in the management of the early affairs of the
Province. He was lost at sea, on his way from Boston to
Charleston, somewhere about 1770.
Dr. John Morgan was the son of a respectable Welsh
gentleman, who settled here at an early day. Ile studied
medicine with Dr. Redman, and was Apothecary to the
Pennsylvania Hospital, an office which he held for about a
year, and relinquished for the purpose of going on Forbes'
expedition, in which he held a Lieutenant's commission, but
acted chiefly as Surgeon, and, as appears by Col. Burd's
report to the Governor, did' his duty very well.' On his
return, he became the coadjutor of Dr. Shippen in founding
a Medical School in Philadelphia; a project which had
been, in fact, a long-cherished idea of his own, and which
had chiefly induced him to visit Europe, to pursue his medical studies.t  His thesis, delivered on obtaining his degree,
* Eldest daughters of Benj. Chew, Esq. One became Mrs. Phillips, the other Mrs. Carroll.
t Dr. Morgan's letters, &c., now in Dr. G. W. Norris' possession.




lxxv
was printed at Edinburgh in 1763; and is esteemed by high
professional authority, an excellent and able production.
After this he traveled in Europe for two years or more, and
was admitted to the Royal Society in 1765.* I-e returned
to Philadelphia, and his subsequent career is well known.t
JOSEPH SHIPPEN, above mentioned, in. Sept. 29, 1768,
JANE, dau. of John and Jane Galloway, of Anne Arundel
county, Maryland.T  He d. at Lancaster, Feb. 10, 1810.
* Mr. Sam. Powel's diary has the following entry:-' 1765, Dec.,'paid for yr. admission fee to the Royal Society, ~21.'
t Col. Shippen also took an interest in scientific pursuits. 1768,
Jan. 19, he joined the Am. Philos. Soc.. Dr. Caspar Morris, of this city, has kindly favored me with the
following note concerning Mrs. Shippen's family:'The Mr. Galloway mentioned in Mr. Shippen's letter (post, p.'309,) was Mr. Joseph Galloway, brother of Miss Jenny Galloway,' afterward Mrs. Shippen.  His son John died of consumption.' Mrs. Linn died at Cumberland, Maryland, within a year or two,'leaving several sons and daughters, a good estate and honorable'reputation.' Mr. Samuel Galloway was the head of the family, and lived at'Tulip Hill. He had one son and two daughters.  The son was Mr.'John Galloway, who inherited the Tulip Itill estate, and left it to'his only child, a daughter, who married Virgil 1Maxcy, Solicitor of'U. S. Treasury, and subsequently Minister to Brussels. He was'killed by the explosion of Com. Stockton's great gun on board the'Princeton. He left two daughters; one married to Francis Mar-'koe, of Washington City, and the other to Colonel G. W. Hughes,'of the Topographical Engineer corps. The latter is the possessor'of the Tulip Hill estate, having on it one of the finest old mansions'in the State of Maryland. One of the daughters of Mr. Samuel'Galloway married Mr. Ringgold, and her son married Miss Cad-'walader, of this city, and was the father of Commander Ringgold,'of the U. S. Navy, and Major Ringgold, who fell in the Mexican'war. The other daughter was the Mrs. Cheston mentioned so hon-'orably by Mr. S. She was the grandmother of Mrs. Morris, and'was a woman of extraordinary worth and loveliness. The farm is' now in my possession, and still maintains the same character given'it by Mr. Shippen. The oysters of the old lady were famous'indeed. Her son was a man of whom it might be said, if of any,'that he possessed the "Virtus intacta, nescia sordida, intaminatis'fulget honoribus," which Horace considers the highest glory of'man.  The name of Galloway is now extinct, except as it is borne




lxxvi
She was b. Sept. 1745, and d. at Plumley, Chester county,
Penna., Feb. 17, 1801. They had issue,*
1. ROBERT, b. July 10, 1769; d. Dec. 31, 1840; m. Priscilla Thompson, and had, (with BEALE BORDLEY,
JENNY, JOSEPH and ANNA, d. unm.,)
MIARY m. to James Maxwell, have issue,
ROBERT,
PARK.
SARAH, m. to Robert Patterson.
HANNAH, m. to William Ewing.
JOHN, Mn. his cousin, Margaret Swift, and have
issue,
ELIZABETHI,
SAMUEL SWIFT,
EDWIN J.
CHARLES,  m. Martha Eddowes, have issue,
PRISCILLA, m. Rev. C. A. Staples.
ROBERT,
ELLEN,
MARY, m. C. Cullum.
MARGARET, m. Rev. N. A. Staples.
RICHARD, m. Magdalena Black, have issue,
HARRIET, m. E. P. Hastings.
WILLIAM,'by Mr. Galloway Cheston, and my son Galloway C. Morris, and'Dr. Joseph G. Shippen, of Pottsville. Mr. Benjamin Galloway'was another son of Mr. Samuel Galloway. He was educated at'Eton College, and read law at Lincoln's Inn. He returned home'and married a Miss Chew, and settled at Hagerstown, and died'childless.' I may also add, that the Galloways settled in Maryland
prior to the year 1640; and that Joseph Galloway, the well-known
Loyalist, was a cousin of Mrs. Shippen.
* Her portrait, by Benjamin West, is in the possession of Mr.
John Shippen, of Pottsville. His portrait is in the possession of his
son, Dr. J. G. Shippen, of Pottsville.




lxxvii
MARY ANN,
ROBERT,
MARGARET.
ELIZABETH,
THOMPSON,
MARGARET, m. to J. Black, have issue,
BORDLEY,
WM. H. H.,
JANE.
2. JOHN, b. Oct. 31, 1771; m. Abigail Reynolds. They d.
leaving one son,
EDWARD BURD YEATES SHIPPEN, d. at Hagerstown, Maryland, aged 19.
3. MARY, m. to Samuel Swift. Of her, more hereafter.
4. MARGARET.
5. JOSEPH GALLOWAY, M. D., b. Dec. 25, 1783; m. Anna
Maria Buckley, dau. of Daniel Buckley, of Lancaster
county, Penna. They have,
HARRIET AMELIA,
JOSEPH) M. D.
EDWARD, of Philadelphia, m. Augusta Chauncey,
dau. of Major Levi* and Priscilla Decatur
Twiggs,t and have issue,
ELIZABETH BORDLEY TWIGGS,
SARAH BURD,
FRANCES STOCKTON, d. 1853.
ANNA MARIA, m. to William Newell, of Schuylkill county, Penna., have issue,
WILLIAM HARMAR.
* Major Levi Twiggs, U. S. Marine Corps, killed at the storming
of Chapultepec, Mexico, 1847.
t A niece of Com. Stephen Decatur.




lxxviii
6. HENRY, b. Dec. 28, 1788; d. March 2, 1839; m. Elizabeth Wallace Evans.  Judge Henry Shippen, President
of the Sixth Judicial District, was educated for the bar,
and was in very successful practice at Lancaster, when
the war of 1812 interrupted his forensic career by
rousing him to his country's defence.* During the
* The following letter, though of more recent date than any elsewhere printed in this volume, will not, I am sure, be without
interest:
JUDGE HENRY SHIPPEN TO HIS SISTER, MRS. SWIFT.' Lancaster, October 23d, 1812.'DEAR SISTER: —It was my intention to have gratified myself with' a visit to my dear brother and sister this week, but having been' pressed to act as one of the judges at the late election, I agreed to'do so, not knowing at that time that it would oblige me to attend'also at the Presidential Election, on the 30th inst. Court sits here'so soon after, that I must postpone my pleasure till some time in' December.'Your letters have evinced so much anxiety about my being' ordered to march against our enemies, that I could not avoid being'sensibly affected by them, although I have too long neglected an-'swering them, owing to a multiplicity of matters, that have of late'occupied me. I have no expectation of receiving orders till next'spring, and even then it is quite uncertain. If it should turn out'otherwise, I shall go readily, and try to see all my friends before'leaving this on an expedition.'I have heard from brother of your trips to Pottsgrove, German-' town, Ormiston, &c., of which you have said nothing; neither does'brother mention anything about his prospects and success in busi-'ness. I always knew there was nothing selfish in either of your' dispositions; but I should always be very glad to hear more about'yourselves.'I cannot help frequently casting a retrospective eye on former'times, recollecting with pleasure the days of my youth or child-'hood, which I spent in the country, surrounded by my friends, in'peace and innocence, tranquillity and happiness. How little did' I then know of the world, its vices and vicissitudes! When read-'ing the history of Rome and the villanies of her tyrants, I ima-' gined it was the tale of other times, now gone and past forever, the' likeness of which was no more known. When reading the sudden' reverses of fortune in a novel or play, I conceived it to be merely'the illusions of fancy, far beyond anything in real life. How mis-'taken the ideas and notions of my childhood! I now often, alas!'too often, see the reverses of fortune, instances of misery, oppres-' sion of the unfortunate and unprotected, the cruelty and malice of




lxxix
attack on Baltimore he proved his valor and patriotism,
but lost for some years the vigor of an uncommonly
strong constitution by sufferings produced by inflammatory rheumatism.  He at last recovered, resumed
his profession, married, and removed to Meadville,
where he resided for many years, beloved and respected
in no common degree. His judicial appointment embraced five counties, and its onerous duties seem to
have been discharged in a most creditable manner.*
He is said, by those who knew him, to have been a man
of most benevolent disposition, high moral principle,
and engaging manners. They had,
FRANCES, m. to Edgar Huidekoper.
EDWARD,'the wealthy, equaling if not exceeding anything I have met with in' the effusions of the most fanciful writer. A man who, some years' ago, stood high in character, wealth and importance, as a merchant'in Philadelphia, bearing a commission of the Peace, now lies, the'victim of oppression, and the picture of misery and wretchedness,'in a solitary room in Lancaster prison, for a debt he is unable to'pay. This is but one among many instances that come within my'observation in the course of my profession. How thankful should'we be to a kind Providence for his goodness in keeping us above'the frowns of fortune. And how thankful should I be to my dear'good father for urging me to a profession which affords me fre-'quent opportunities of alleviating the distresses of the unfortunate,' at the same time that I am following my professional duties and'making my livelihood. But a truce, for a message this minute' comes to invite me to come and drink tea with Mrs. Grubb, at Mrs.'Zantzinger's. That charming woman has been spending a few'days with Miss Juliana.  You have frequently joked and pressed'me about entering into a matrimonial engagement. Could I find' another just like her, I should not be long in making a choice, so'far as related to myself.'Weddings have of late become very fashionable at Carlisle and' Harrisburg, but Lancaster remains statu quo-none talked of.'Adieu, my dear sister, as I must cease so as to accept my invi-'tation. Yours, affectionately,' H. SHIPPEN.'
* Several of his decisions are to be found in Haz. Reg.




1xxx
HENRY,
EVANS W., m. Katherine Y. McElwee.
RUSH R., (Rev.) now of Chic'lgo.
SARAH, m. to Rev. Thos. J. Mumford.
WILLIAM,
FRANKLIN,
JOSEPH.
Of the families of Swift and M'Call, which have been
already and will be again mentioned, I have gathered the
following information, which may be appropriately inserted
here:
SAMUEL M'CALL,* of Glasgow, merchant, m. a dau. of
Robert Dundas, of Arnistoun. She was a sister of
Lord Arnistoun, and an aunt of Viscount Melville.
They had issue, (with others,)
ROBERT, who emigrated to America, and settled
in Virginia.  He had,
SAMUEL, who m. his cousin Ann, as hereafter mentioned.
Another son, (WILLIAM, as is said,) whose
dau. Catharine  Flood M'Call, was
living in Richmond, Virginia, in 1821,
when Mr. Swift called upon her. She
was, as is believed, the last of the
Virginia branch.
* These notices are prepared from  various MS. letters, deeds,
powers of attorney. &c., in the possession of Mr. Swift, Mr. Harry
M'Call a:,d Mr. Rich6; and fiom information derived through a
gentleman in England. i'Call Arms.-Gu. a fesse chequy ar. and
of the field, surmounting two arrows in saltire ar. points upward,
all between three buckles of the same, and within a bordure indented
or. Crest.-A boot, thereon a spur, all ppr.  llotto.-Dulce periculum.




lxxxi
GEORGE, who settled in Philadelphia.
JA MES, from  whom  descended  James M'Call,
Esq., of Braehead and Glyntown, now  or
lately Lt. Col. 8th Hussars.
GEORGE''CALL settled in Philadelphia some time during
the year 1701, (as is conjectured); but, however this may
be, in
1710, he bought a large tract of land, some ten thousand
acres, situated on the Schuylkill river and Manahatany
creek, which he called Douglas Manor.  He was a merchant
in high standing, and acquired large wealth.
1716, August 9th, he m. ANN YEATES, dau. of Jasper
Yeates, a gentleman of the highest consideration and character in the Province; who was one of the Council, and
part of the time held that office whilst a member of the Assembly. He did much to compose the differences between
the two bodies, frequently acting on Committees of Conference. One of his descendants, Judge Jasper Yeates, as
will be hereafter seen, married the daughter of Col. James
Burd.
Mr. M'Call d. 1740.
She d. 1744. They are both buried in Christ Churchyard.  Their portraits are in the possession of the Misses
M'Call, in Chestnut street.
They had, (with MARGARET, BWrILLIAM and JENNY, who
d. young or unm,)
1. CATHARINE, m. to John Inglis,* for many years Col* Mr. Inglis' portrait, painted by Peale about the year 1770, for
the City Dancing Assembly, of which Mr. Inglis was a manager
from its institution till within a few years of his death, is'now in
the possession of Mr. Fisher. Mr. Inglis' arms were: Az. a lion
rampant ar. on a chief ar. three stars az. Crest.-A demi-lion ar.
in his dexter paw a mullet or. Motto. —Recte faciendo securus.
4*




lxxxii
lector of the Port, and also member of Common Council, to which he was elected Nov. 11, 1745.  They had,
JOHN INGLIS, m. Barbara --.  He was
afterwards Rear Admiral in the British Navy.
He lived at Red Hall, near Edinburgh.
SAMUEL INGLIS, who m. Ann   -, and d.
1783, leaving Rebecca, who d. shortly after
her father, as did also his widow.
GEORGE INGLIS, of AbiDgdon, Montgomery
county; d. unm. 1833.
KATHARINE, d. unrn. 1821.
MIARY, m. to Col. Julines Hering, of Jamaica.*
They had, besides Mrs. Middleton, mentioned
heretofore (p. xlvi),
ANNA MARIA, m. to the late Earl of Scarborough, and d. leaving the present
Earl and two daughters.t
ELEANOR, m. to Sir John Milbanke, Bart.
CATHARINE, m. to Mr. Gordon.4
OLIVER, m. but d. s. p.
ANN, m. to Gilbert Barkly, merchant, who d.
1771.  They  had  one  child, Katharine
Barkly, who lived (July 12th, 1804) with
her uncle, Admiral Inglis.
2. JASPER M'CALL, a merchant, who m. Magdalen Kollock,
of Delaware. He d. 1747. His widow subsequently
m. JOHN SWIFT, for many years Collector of the Port.
* His arms were,'Vert, on a bend ar. a cinquefoil between two'lions pass. of the field.' For a notice of Col. Bering's descent, see
Burke's Commoners. s. v. Beckford of Fonthill. Mr. Fisher has
the portraits of Col. Hering and his wife.
t See Burke's Peerage.
I Her two dau. married into the family of Miles.-Burke's Landed
Gentry.




lxxxiii
John Swift was the eldest of the two sons of John Swift
and Mary White, his wife, who emigrated to Pennsylvania,
and purchased lands in Philadelphia county, which he represented for many years in the Assembly.* He came from
Londont to this city, and was of a family which sprung
originally from  Yorkshire.  Mrs. Swift was the  sister
of the John White to whom John Swift's letters are addressed; a man of considerable wealth, of high character
and excellent social position.  He took a most affectionate
interest in the welfare of his two nephews, John and Joseph,
and had them sent out to him in England, where they were
educated, the younger, Joseph, having been a graduate of
one of the two great Universities; though it is not now
known of which.t  Though their uncle offered them a home
in England, yet they preferred to take care of themselves,
and'seek their fortunes' in the new world.~ Some years,
however, before Mr. White died, he made over to them his
fortune, upon condition that they should pay to him a given
annuity; a condition which was not only fulfilled, but when,
on one occasion, he wanted something more than usual, his
request was answered by a bill of exchange for double the
amount he asked for.
* Proud. II. 150, &c.
t Mr. Swift's coat of arms was,' Or. a chev. barry nebulee ar.'and az. between three roebucks courant ppr.' Mr. White's arms
are generally used by the Swift family.
I Some of Joseph Swift's Latin and Greek books are still kept in
the family; but the inscriptions in them do not mention the University at which he was educated.
& John Swift to Grosvenor Bedford, Oct. 11, 1748, speaks of'the' indolent and luxurious life which I led at Croydon,' (Mr. White's
residence,)' as not suitable to my circumstances, whatever it might'be to my inclinations.'
April 12, 1748.' My ambition and inclination lead me to settle'in England, but I think it is better for me to stay here, where'there is a certainty of advantage in business.'




lxxxiv
Of Mr. White I have not been able to obtain many particulars.  A great deal of his plate and china still remain
in the family.* There is also a curious medal now in the
possession of MIr. Joseph  Swift.t   His portrait, by Sir
Joshua Reynolds, hangs at Swarthmore, and represents a
portly, fashionably-dressed gentleman, who, to judge from
his physiognomy, was by no means deficient either in character or in love of good cheer.
Mr. White's letters were unfortunately destroyed some
years since.  Tradition represents him  to have been descended from a family which had held high civic honors in
the city of London, and also distinguished position in the
English church.
* The arms, as painted on the china and engraved on the silver,
are: Gules, a bordure sable charged with eight estoiles or; on a
canton ermines, a lion rampant sable.  Crest.-On the china, an
ostrich, but on the silver a stork.
t A friend, with some numismatic propensities, inquired in Notes
and Queries, (ix. 399, x. 15, 94,) concerning this medal. It is of
silver, about two inches in diameter. On the face is a bust of Queen
Anne, crowned with laurel; legend, D. G. MAG. BRI. FR. ET HIB.
Reverse, full length figure of Britannia, holding a lance and an olive
branch; ships sailing and laborers ploughing in the background;
legend, COMPOSITIS VENERANTUR ARMIS, nIDCCXII. Tradition represents it to have been given to Joseph Swift, on some occasion, whilst
he was at the University,
Mr. W. D. Haggard (x. 94) thinks this tradition'incorrect,' because the medal'was struck on the Peace of Utrecht. There were'two medals struck, one much smaller than the other. The larger'one in gold was presented to each member of the House of Lords;'the smaller one in gold to each member of the House of Commons.'I have seen a medal of the same description, but of a size between'the two; ex. rare.'
Mr. Haggard has overlooked the fact that the medals of which he
speaks are of gold, whilst this is of silver. Another correspondent,
(E. H.) of Notes and Queries, (x. 15,) suggests that' an examination'of the records of Oxford or Cambridge might show, that a medal'was presented to the writer of the best copy of verses upon the'Peace of Utrecht.' This may perhaps have been the case; that
the medal was thus given to a member of the family of Mr. White
or Mr. Swift, perhaps to Mr. White himself, who is said to have received his degree at Oxford.




lxxxv
John Swift returned to Philadelphia some time in November or December, 1746,* and entered into business as a
merchant.   He served for many years in the City Council,
* John Swift's letter-book, from which I have already extracted
matter calculated to exhibit life and society in Philadelphia, as it
was more than a century since, has in it also a letter, part of which
is curious as showing what our ancestors, on the other side of the
water, desired to obtain as the rarities of our country. It is addressed to Mr. John White, at Croydon, in Surry, dated April 27th,
1749. After speaking of a couple of silver sauceboats, which he
had had made as a present to his uncle, partly, however, for the
sake of showing the skill of the silversmith, he says:' I have also sent you four flying squirrels by Capt. Arthur, who'has promised to take care of them. They are in a wire cage,' which I had made last summer for the purpose, and I have pro-'vided for them a good store of nuts. You are to pay Capt. Arthur'for their passage with a good bowl of punch at the Coffee House,' if they get to you safely, which I hope they will. It gives me a'great deal of uneasiness, that I have not been able to procure some' rattlesnakes to send you. I have sent eight to Mr Bedford, which'were all that I could anyways muster up. The season is now'coming on for them, and I have four doctors and two iron-works'engaged, by solemn promises, to get all they can for me, besides'several frequenters of the market, and they shall none of them'have any peace till I am supplied with a sufficient quantity. Mr.'Bedford seemed to have set his heart so very much on having'some, and I have said so much to him about them, that I was'ashamed to put him off any longer. I hope you will be so good as'to excuse me until [ get some more.'
In the letter, by the same vessel, advising Mr. Bedford of the
shipment of the rattlesnakes, he mentions that'there is a small' bundle of French vipers among them.' Terrapins were sent so
frequently, that I doubt not but that they were as much esteemed
by the Philadelphia epicures of that day as they are by the philosophers of the present.
The names of Grosvenor Charles Bedford, and his brother, Horace
Walpole Bedford, are of course familiar to the readers of Southey's
Life and Letters. I suppose, from the dates, place of residence,
names, &c., that these gentlemen were the sons of the friend of Mr.
Swift and Mr. White.
John Swift married without obtaining his uncle's consent beforehand. From several letters on the subject I extract the following,
which give a quiet but amusing account of the affair. Mr. White's
dissatisfaction did not prevent his bestowing one half of his fortune
on Mr. Swift, as already related.
Cm1. J. SHIPPEN TO COL. SHIPPEN.' London, September 14th, 1749.'You tell me of John Swift's wedding. The reason of his con



lxxxvi
to which he was elected Dec. 4, 1757. He was generally
known as'the old Collector.'*  He d. 1802.  By his wife,
Magdalen, he had issue,
JOHN WIIITE, JACOB, and MARY, d. unm.
ALICE, m. 1st, to Robert Cambridge Livingston,
by whom she had,
ROBERT SWIFT, THOMAS FERGUSON, JOHN
SWIFT, JAMES DUANE, and MARIA,
m. to John C. Stevens, Esq.' cealing it, was that his uncle, Mr. John White, might give his con-'sent to the marriage before he heard that it was actually consum-'mated; in which, however, poor Swift was disappointed, for the'old gentleman had not the letter to ask his consent before he'received that which gave an account of his being married. I met' Mr. White in the Coffee House and wished him joy, but he gave'me a short answer: that it was no joy to him, and thought that,' as Swift had no other dependence but on him, the least he could'have done would have been to ask his consent before he took such' a step. However, I hope he will not carry his resentment so far'as to prejudice the poor fellow, who, I believe, is very deserving.'
JOHN SWIFT TO OSGOOD GEE, ESQ., AT BECKENHAM, KENT.' I should have acquainted you of my being married, while it was'new, but could never catch myself in a humor to do it, and answer'your letter at the same time. I make no doubt but you, and all'the rest of my friends, were surprised to hear it. I am sensible'that it must appear, to people that know me, to be a very strange'way of proceeding, not to consult my uncle about it, but I was got'so far in love (without intending it) that I could not bear the'thought of being refused, because nothing in this world could have' made me happy, if that had been the case. I must now look upon' Philadelphia as my home, but have not given over the thought of'seeing England once again, and having the pleasure of being your'guest at Beckenham. Pray make my compliments to Mirs. Gee,'and all your good family. I have sent two small kegs of pickles,'the produce of this country, of which I beg your acceptance, and'hope they will prove good. They are in a box, which I have sent'to my uncle's, under the care of Mr. Elliot, a young gentleman'that came over with me from London, and we have lived together'in the same house these two years. If it should fall in your way'to be acquainted with him, you will find him to be a very sensible,'modest, deserving young fellow, and an agreeable companion. He'is a son of my Lord ilMinto's, of Scotland.'
* His portrait is now in possession of MIiss Magdalen P. Swift.




lxxxvii
She m. 2dly, (in New York,) James Craufurd,
Esq., Colonel of the Guards, Equerry to the
Queen, and Governor of Bermuda, by whom
she had no issue. He was a friend of George
Selwyn.*
JOSEPH, who commanded a troop of horse (Loyalist) during the Revolution.t He went to
Nova Scotia, where he married, but subsequently returned to Philadelphia with his
wife, and here d. 1826.  He hacd nine children. He was'the handsome as ever but' stuttering as usual Captain Joe Swift,' mentioned in Miss Franks' letter to her sister, a
part of which is printed in the Republican
Court.
CHARLES, at one time Register of Wills, m.
Ist, Mary Riche, by whom  he had, (with
Mary d. young,)
THIos. RICHE,
MAGDALEN PEEL,
SARAH, m. to her cousin, James Duane
Livingston.
CHARLES, who changed his name to Charles
Swift Rich6.
JOHN, for several years Mayor of the City.
Mr. Swift m. 2dly, Mrs. Inman, by whom he had,
ROBERT, LEWIS,$ and HENRY.
* See mention of him and his brother in Mr. Jesse's entertaining
volumes' George Selwyn and his Contemporaries,' iv. 103, iii. 380.
Mr. Griswold (Republican Court, p. 32) says that Gov. Craufurd,
after his marriage, resided in New York till his death.
t Mr. Sabine, in his Loyalists, has a brief notice of him.
4 Mr. Lewis Swift is now in possession of the old family property, called'Croydon Lodge.'




lxxxviii
3. ANNE  M'CALL, b. April 7, 1720; m. her cousin,
Samuel M'Call. He was employed by the government,
as I find from his letter, (Dover, Alay 28, 1765,) in
some matters of consequence, and is called, in one of
the letters,'Major M'Call.' They had, with ANNE,
CATHIARINE, MARGARET, ELEANOR and ISABEL, who
d. unm.,
MARY, who m. a British officer, named Dow, and
had two children,
SAMUEL, d. young, and ANNE, returned to
Philadelphia, where she lived with
her aunts, and d. unm. 1841.
4. SAMUEL, b. Oct. 5, 1721; d. 1762. He was a merchant, and appears to have served in no other public
capacity than that of member of Council, to which he
was elected Oct. 6, 1747. He m. Ann, dau. of Capt.
John Searle, and had issue,*
GEORGE, MARGARET, ELEANOR and MARY, d.
unm.
CATHARINE, m. Tench Coxe, d. s. p.
JOHN SEARLE M'CALL, of the island of St. Christopher, merchant, d. unnm. 1786.
ANN, m. to Thomas Willing, as hereinafter mentioned.
5. GEORGE, b. April 16, 1724; d. 1758. His wife was the
Mrs. Lydia M'Call in Watson's list of belles. She
d. 1762. They had,
MIARY, CATHARINE, and LYDIA, all of whom d.
unzm.
* MS. in Chief Justice Tilghman's handwriting.




lxxxix
6.- MARY, b. March 31, 1725; m. to William Plumstead,
(son of Clement Plumstead, well known in the early
annals of the Province,) repeatedly elected Mayor of
the City, 1750, &c. They had,
WILLIAM, CLEMENT, ANVE, and CATHARINE,
who d. unm. and
GEORGE, who m. Miss Ross, and had,
WILLIAM, MARY, CLEMENT, and MARGARET.
7. ARCHIBALD, b. June 28, 1727; d. 1799. He lived at
the corner of Union and Second streets. He was the
first East India merchant of his day. He m. 1762,
Judith Kemble, of Mount Kemble, in New Jersey,*
and by her (who d. 1828, aged 86) had issue, several
children, which d. young; and SAMUEL, HARRIET,
RICHARD and ROBERT, d. unm. Also,
MARY, b. July 28, 1764; d. March 23, 1848;
m. to LAMBERT CADWALADER, Colonel in
the American army during the Revolution.
They had,
JOHN, d. young.
THOMAS, m. Maria Gouverneur, of New
York.
ARCHIBALD, b. Oct. 11, 1767; d. 1843; m.
Elizabeth Cadwalader, half sister of the late
Gen. Thomas Cadwalader, and had, with
others,
GEORGE M'CALL, Col. U. S. A., m. Miss
M'Murtrie.
* For an account of the Kembles, one of whom m. Gen. Gage, B.A.,
of Boston memory, see Burke'8s Land. Gentry, s. v. Van Corllandt.




Xc
GEORGE, b. May 2, 1769; d. April 17, 1799; m.
Miss Clymer, dau. of George Clymer, one of
the signers of the Declaration.
ANNE, b. May 12, 1772; d. 1845; m. to William Reql, Esq.
WILLIAM, m. Elizabeth Sitgreaves, of Easton.
PETER, b. March 23, 1776; d. 1809; m. Sarah
Gibson, and had,
JOHN GIBSON, d. leaving issue, and
PETER, lately Mayor of the City, m.
Miss Mercer, of Virginia.
HENRY, b. Sept. 27, 1788, still surviving; m.
Lise Jones, of Louisiana, and has,
RICHARD, m. Olivia Wilson.
HARRYI m. Charlotte Wilcocks.
JONES, m. Angele Longer.
8. MARGARET, b. April 6, 1731; d.                   1804;
m. 1759, to JOSEPH SWIFT, younger and only brother
of John Swift, above mentioned. He was b. June 24,
1731, and d. December 26, 1806. They are buried in
the same tomb in Christ Church-yard. Their portraits
are at'Swarthmore,' formerly his residence, now
that of his gr. son, Mr. Joseph Swift.
Joseph Swift was a merchant, and in business for many
years with his brother.  He was elected to the City Council, along with George Clymer, on the 6th of October, 1767,
in which he served until his death in 1806.* His character
* He seems to have taken some interest in politics.'May 1st,'1776.-This has been one of the sharpest contests, yet peaceable,'that has been for a number of years, except some small disturbance'among the Dutch, occasioned by some unwarrantable expressions'of Joseph Swift, viz., that except they were naturalized, they had' no more right to a vote than a Negro or Indian.'-Christopher Marshall's Diary, 77. At night Mr. Swift's residence was threatened
by a mob; but, as he was not there, no damage was done.




xci
is so well described by one of his contemporaries, as to
require no further words from me.' With a constitution delicate in the extreme, he executed' his many duties with an energy and steadiness only to be'expected from a stronger frame. In his private dealings'he was exemplarily just. In the City Magistracy, which'he filled for some time, he was a firm though gentle curb' to evil-doers, a support and protector of those who did well.'In various offices of our commercial, charitable and reli-'gious institutions, particularly those of the Protestant' Episcopal Church, of which he was an invaluable member,'he honored himself and served his constituents by a faith-' ful and judicious execution of the trusts.'
I may add, that his acquirements as a scholar often
brought his pen into requisition, when public papers were
to be prepared; an instance of which may be found in the
address by the Philadelphia merchants to the Speaker of
the New Jersey Assembly. They had,
ELLINOR  WHITE, JOHN, WILLIAM, GEORGE,
MARTHA and MARGARET, d. untm. Ellinor
was famous in her day as a belle, but died
young.
MARY, now living at the advanced age of 92 years.
She was the intimate friend of her cousin,
Eleanor Elliot, who afterwards m. Admiral
Digby, and went to England, and with her
she maintained for many years, until Mrs.
Digby's death, a constant and affectionate
correspondence.  MIrs. Digby's letters were
filled with details of society and life in England; but, after her death, Miss Swift destroyed them. Mlrs. Digby, amongst other




xcii
things, sent out two pictures representing
different views of her husband's residence,
one of which is at Swarthmore, the other is
in the possession of Mr. Swift's eldest daughter. They were painted (as appears by the
inscriptions on them) by Robert Sherburne,
1790.
JOSEPH, who m. and left two daughters, Mrs.
Crawford and Mrs. Morrison.
ELIZABETH, still living.
SAMUEL, b. 11th Jan. 1771, who m. Feb. 11,
1795, Mary Shippen, dau. of Col. Joseph
Shippen. She was b. May 17, 1773, and d.
June 2, 1809. He d. at Germantown, Nov.
28, 1847. They are buried in one tomb in
the graveyard of the ancient Episcopal Church
at Oxford. She, as appears both from her letters and the testimony of those who knew her,
was faithful, judicious and affectionate in all
her several relations in life.  He was graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, and
studied law with Judge Yeates; but preferring
the independence of a country life, lived at his
country place, in Philadelphia county. Educated a Federalist, he nevertheless espoused
the Democratic policy, which he occasionally
advocated in articles greatly esteemed at the
time for their vigor, candor, research and
polish. He possessed much natural poetical
talent, which he cultivated and exercised, up
to his decease, for the amusement and gratification of his family, though he never cared




Xciii
to seek a wider circle. Many of these pieces
are preserved by his children. They had
issue,
MARGARET, m. to John Shippen, and has
issue, (ante, p. lxxvi.)
WILLIAM, d. untm.
MARY, in. to M. Brooke Buckley. They
have issue, one son,
EDWARD SHIPPEN.
JOSEPH, m. Nov. 24, 1831, Eliza Moore
Willing, dau. of George Willing, hereafter mentioned. She d. Sept. 9, 1840.
They had, (with  GEORGE,  ~   d. b    0
young,)
EMILY,,*.
MARY.  i             4 
SAMUEL, m. Mary Royer, and has issue.
ELIZABETH,
SARAH,
EDWIN,
JANE, m. to John Swift, (not a kinsman.)
9. ELEANOR, b. July 8, 1732, m. to Andrew  Elliot,* then
* Mr. Elliot, already spoken of, (ante, p. lxxxvi,) is frequently
mentioned in John Swift's letter-book, from which I extract a paragraph, written whilst Mr. Elliot was on a visit to London. The
letter is addressed to Grosvenor Bedford, Oct. 25, 1749.'If you'frequent the Pennsylvania Coffee House, you will probably meet'with a tall, thin Scots gentleman, with a pimply face. He answers'to the name of Elliot, and is an intimate friend of mine, one for'whom I have a particular regard, on account of several valuable' qualities I have discovered in him, we having lived together in the' same house for nearly two years.' Mr. Elliot was elected to the
City Councils, Oct. 7, 1755, along with Chief Justice Shippen and
Thomas Willing, and served in that body for several years. There
is a sketch of him in Mr. Sabine's Loyalists, to which I will only
add, that the Pennsylvania property, derived through his marriage,
was confiscated and sold.




xciv
a resident in Philadelphia, afterwards Lt. Gov. of New
York. She had but one child, (a few days after whose
birth she died),*
ELEANOR, m. 1st, January 14th, 1774, to James
Jauncey, Jr., of New York; and 2dly, about
1784, to Admiral Digby, who served on our
coast during the Revolution.  She d. s. p.t
After his first wife's death, Mr. Elliot m. 2dly, Elizabeth
Plumstead, (sister of William Plumstead, who m. Mary
M'Call,) and had two daughters,
* The portrait of Mrs. Elliot and her dau. Eleanor, taken whilst
a child, by West, are at Swarthmore. Mrs. Buckley has a miniature
of ls. Digby, taken after she went to England to reside.,~dlln't!F~~f,Adngxal Graves (Pol. Mag. 1784, vi. 20, &c.)
a aburloW ac'o'un}to4 tnhevettle which he intended to fight with the
t  ~ Gratsss, a' lerlby relieve Lord Cornwallis; an extract
from whlich, a's t relat s"  Admiral Digby, I make.'The 24th, in the evening, Rear Admiral Digby came from Europe' with the Prince George of 98, Canada of 74, and Lion of 64 guns;'and upon the 11th of October arrived the Torbay of 74, and Prince'William of 64 guns, from Jamaica, in pursuance of Sir George' Rodney's orders.' Mr. Digby bore himself a commission for commanding il North'America, and brought to Mr. Graves Admiralty orders, dated the'9th of June, for his proceeding with the London to Jamaica and'for putting himself under the senior officer on that station, if senior'to himself. However, the London could not be spared at this'crisis, when another engagement was in contemplation; and the'officers both of fleet and army appearing desirous of the same'Admiral's continuing to direct the naval operations, and no one'more so than Mr. Digby himself, (the next in rank upon the sta-'tion,) Mr. Graves went on with the maritime command, although'superseded, with the same ardor and alacrity as before.' The utmost, and very uncommon exertions had indeed hitherto'been made throughout all the marine departments to get every one'of the ships ready again for sea, but some cross accidents inter-'vened to retard them; in particular, the Alcide, by falling aboard'the Shrewsbury, had carried away her bowsprit and foreyard, just'as she was repaired in her damages from the late fight. All, how-'ever, except the Shrewsbury, Montagu, and Europe, went down'with the help of evening tide to Sandy Hook the 17th, when the




XCV
ELIZABETH, m. to Earl Cathcart.  She was the
grandmother of the late General Cathcart,
who was killed in the Crimea.
AGNES, m. to Sir David Carnegie.' Admiral gave out his line of battle;* the next morning they em-'barked their troops; and on the morning of the 19th, the three' last-named ships joining the rest, and taking in their lot of soldiers,'the whole armament getting safe over the bar, hurried away for'the Chesapeake. It consisted of 25 ships properly of the line,' there being three of 98 guns, fourteen of 74, one of 70, and seven' of 64, besides two of 50, with 7149 land forces on board, to which' the general would have added another regiment or two, but there' was not room for them.' On the 24th, when near Cape Charles, (the hithermost headland' of the Chesapeake,) the scouting vessels brought intelligence of'Lord Cornwallis having surrendered some days before. His lord-'ship had opened a treaty the 17th, settled the terms the 18th, and'signed them the 19th. * * * *'This made him  (Admiral Graves) determine to lose no tifne in;
turning  over the North American  command to Mr. Digby, in pur-' suance of the Admiralty's order; and as. his own ship was not
C'LINE OF BATTLE.-The Princessa to lead with the starboard, and the Bedford with the' larboard tacks on board.
PRIGATES.    E    SIPS.            COMMANDERS.       Z
0:Sybil          3d  Princessa   Rear Adn. Samuel Drake
Capt. Knatchbull         70  577'Britannia      -  Alcide       -     Charles Thompson    74  600 
-   Lion       -     Fooks              64  500
-   Canada     -    Hon. Wm. Cornwallis  74  600 Robt. Digby, Esq.,
to  repeat   2d Pr. George Capt. J. Williams           98  768  the Red.'signals
3d  Resolution      Lord Robert Manners  74  600' L'Enfer fire sh. -  Intrepid    -     Pye Molloy       64  500'Felicity       -   Montagu    -    Bowen                74  600J
4th Warwick    -    Hon. G. K. Elphinston 50  3 00
3d Pr. William  -     G. Wilkinson      64  500'Rattlesnake    -   Centaur    -    Inglefield           74  650' Carysfort     -   Europe      -    Child               64  500'Volcano fire sh. -   Robuste    -    Cosby              74  600 Thomas  Graves,
to re-  32d  ~      Rear Admiral Graves              Eq., Rear Ad'Orpheus to re   2d   London   Capt. Kempthorne         98  800  miral of the Red'peat signalsa                -    Morice             }           and Commander'Amphion        3d Royal Oak  -     Burnett              74  600  in Chief.'Conflagration    -  America    -     Samuel Thompson    64  500'fire-ship    -   Shrewsbury -   Knight                74  600
-  Torbay      -    Gidion              74  600'Blonde         4th Adamant   -     David Graves         50  350'Lively         3d Ajax         -     Charrington        74  550'Salamander     -  Prudent   -     Barkley               64  500' fire-ship   -  Monarch    -         Reynolds         74  600
Pegasus to re-  2d Barflur    Rear Adm. Sir Sam. Hood  j98  768 Sir Samuel Hood,' peat signals              ICapt. Alex. Hood                     Bart. Rear Ad-'Ostrich        3d Invincible  S- axton                  74  600   miral  of  the
-  Belliqueux  -     Brine              64  500   Blue.''La Nymphe      -  Alfred       -     Bayne              74  600'Santa Margaritta -  Bedford    Commodore Affleck        74  617




xcvi
SARAH SHIIPPEN, dau. of Edward Shippen, of Lancaster,
(ante, p. xxviii) was m. to Col. James Burd. He was
the third son of Edward Burd, a gentleman who lived
on his estate of Ormiston, near Edinburgh, Scotland,
by his wife, Jane Halliburton, a dau. of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Both Col. and Mrs. Burd d. at
his estate of Tinian, near Harrisburg.  They had
issue, (with ALLEN, d. young, and ELIZABETH, d. unm.)
SARAH, m. to Judge Jasper Yeates.
EDWARD, m. to Elizabeth Shippen.*
MARY SHIPPEN, m. to Peter Grubb, Esq.
JANE BURD, m. to George Patterson, Esq.
MARGARET BURD, m. to Jacob Hubley, Esq.
JAMES BURD, m. Elizabeth Baker.
JOSEPH BURD, m. 1st, Kitty Cochrane; 2d, Harriet Bailey.
All the children of Col. and Mrs. Burd (except Joseph)
rejoiced in respectably-sized families; but as the ramifications appear to be extensive, and as the materials before me
are such as I can but little trust, I will not attempt to trace
them. Some of their grand-children either are, or were,
or intermarried with persons of character and position: the'required for the security of the West Indian squadron on their'passage, although he had offered to accompany them for that pur-'pose, he sailed on the 10th at eight in the morning, singly, for his'own destination.'
* As this page is passing through the press, the following announcement appears in the newspapers, of the death of the last surviving child of Major Burd:'This, 11th day of June, SARAH BURD, daughter of the late'Edward Burd, Esq., in the 70th year of her age.'




xcvii
late Edward Shippen Burd, Judge Charles Smith, of the
Supreme Court of this State, Burd Patterson, Esq., Redmond Conyngham, and others.
Col. Burd was for many years in the military service of
the Province;* but, as the following letters speak so fully
of his career, it is unnecessary to enter into a more particular account of his life and character, except as to his service in the Revolutionary army. It seems, that he was
very active at the beginning of the Revolution in his efforts
to raise troops, and was greatly disappointed and somewhat
mortified at not having received a commission as Brigadier
General.t However, he accepted a Colonelcy, to which he
* The following extract from a letter from Edward Shippen, Esq.
to Col. James Burd, dated'Lancaster, October 6, 1759,' is curious
as showing that nearly a century ago' the western trade' was of
consequence, and the subject of feeling:' Your kind favor of the 18th inst., several days ago, and I am much'pleased to hear of your and Col. Shippen's good health, and that'you are going on so fast with the roads through that rugged coun-'try to the mouth of Red Stone creek, which empties into the Mo-'nongahela. This will give the Virginians and the worthless Mary-'landers a fine opening to Pittsburgh, and I am glad enough of it'on every account except one, that the former will have an easy'way to transport their goods to, and bring back the peltry from the'Ohio, and as they will then find the sweets of the Indian trade,' (tho' for my part I should call them the sours,) we may reasonably'expect they [will] not suffer us to go out of our limits down that' river.'
t JOSEPH SHERER TO COL. JAMES BURD, AT TINIAN.' Philadelphia, August 27th, 1776.' DEAR COLONEL -I received yours of the 19th, and it gives me'great pleasure to hear of your welfare, as well as also the spirit'with which you have conducted matters, indeed. I hardly could' expect that you could have fitted out two companies as well as you'have done, and as for arms, here they are not to be. had; notwith-'standing there is a great deal comes here, there is a demand for'them to the continental troops, so that our troops belonging to the'State, can have few or none. *  *  *  *  I must conclude, and' with all esteem, I subscribe myself,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
JOSEPH SHERER.
5




xcviii
was elected Sept. 18th, 1775.* Dissensions in his battalion,
and reluctance on the part of his soldiers to serve anywhere
else than in their own immediate neighborhood, induced
him to resign. The letters appended in the note give the
substance of the story. It was a source of deep regret, as
besides being' fond't of a military life, he had anticipated
some reputation by exercising, in behalf of his country,
the professional experience and knowledge which he possessed. I
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.' Lancaster, August 28th, 1775.'DEAR MR. BURD: —         * *  I suppose the slight you have'received from those from whom you deserved due respect, is the'reason of your resignation. However, say as little about it as'possible, for fear of making the breaches wider, as our family have'resigned themselves to doing. I know it is expected from those'who do not muster, that they shall pay.  Let us put our trust' in God, repent of our sins, mend our lives, and pray to him for a'deliverance out of the hand of our murdering enemies, for the'battle is not to the strong. * * * * Doctor Smith says that'General Tryon has told Lord Dartmouth, in a late letter, that the'measures of Parliament won't do; they must be stopt.'
* ELECTION OF FIELD OFFICERS.'Colonel James Burd.'The election held at Winm. Dickey's.'September 18th, 1775.
t Post, p. 175.' COL. BURD'S LETTER OF RESIGNATION, TO GEN. MIFFLIN.''inian, December 27th, 1776.
SIR: —I had the honor to be favored with your orders last night,'dated 23d instant, previous to which I had resigned the command'of the battalion; but this morning, by Capt. Crouch, have for-' warded your orders to Major Cornelius Cox, who at present coin-'mands the battalion, (Lieut. Col. Murray being taken prisoner at'Fort Washington.) I think it my duty to give you my reason for'resignation, and the more especially at this time of public'If I had had an opportunity of a personal conference, I think I'could have convinced you that I not only had reason for this step,'but a necessity for so doing. I would inform you that the space'occupied by my battalion is very long, between forty and fifty' miles in length, and broad withal, that it requires time to commu-'nicate any order, and inconvenient to get the whole battalion to-'gether, especially at this season of the year.  However, in conse



xcix
To return to the child of Joseph and Abigail Shippen,
next in order.
ANNE SHIPPEN, dau. of Joseph and Abigail Shippen, b.
August 5, 1710; m. January 21st, 1731, to CHARLES
WILLING.  He was b. in Bristol, England, May 18,'quence of the orders you refer to, I gave out orders for the'whole battalion to meet in their districts on Monday, the 9th inst.,'the middle of which I attended myself; and further directions for'all the officers of the battalion to meet me at Garber's Mill, on'Tuesday, the 10th inst., to make report of their proceedings. Ac-' cordingly, on Tuesday they all met me, and this part was all of the'volunteers which were to be found, upon which I gave orders in'writing, and sent them to every company in the battalion, that the'whole battalion should rendezvous at Middletown on Monday, the'16th inst., in order to march by divisions to join General Wash-'ington; and those that were not provided with arms, &c., I pro-' mised to have them provided at Philadelphia; that neither money'nor anything should be wanting. I attended, ready to march with'the battalion from Monday, the 11th, to Sunday night, the 22d,'and not one man turned out but ten, seven of whom were officers,' myself included, (except a small company of volunteers commanded'by Captain Bloler, of thirty-three, officers in    ) whom I'marched off. Least I should stand in the way, I thought proper' to resign, offering at the same time my personal attendance, and to'render any service acceptable, upon notice being given me of such'being wanting. You will no doubt expect I should give some rea-'sons for such conduct in the battalion at this time. I cannot sug-'gest any, unless the following may be the reasons: that three com-' panies have already marched to camp, one of which, viz: Captain
~ James Murray, still remains there; that Captain John Murray has'one, which renders the battalion so weak, that they have not more' or very few men more left than are sufficient to attend to their cat-'tle, &c.; or a late prejudice against myself. I have commanded'the battalion ever since our troubles began, with pleasure to my-'self, and to the battalion seemingly, for anything I knew to the'contrary, and have been able to comply with all orders heretofore'given me, which was not the case in the last instance to which' you allude; and from what I have already said, I make no doubt' I will stand unimpeached in your judgment, and that of my supe-'rior officers, judging that you all know that I have done every' thing in my power. After making an apology for troubling you' with such a long scrawl, I beg leave to subscribe myself,'Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,'JAMES BURD.'To the Hon. Brig. Gen. TuOMAS MIFFLTN.




1710, and d. in Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1754, in which
place she also d. June 23, 1790.*
CHIARLES WILLING  was the son of Thomas Willing, of
Bristol, merchant, b. Jan. 16, 1679, by Anne Harrison, his
wife, whom he m. July 16, 1704. She d. Sept. 11, 1747.
She was, paternally, the grand-dau. of Gen. Harrison, the
Regicide,t and maternally the dan. of Dorothy Mayne, her-'I put it to vote on the 18th, if I should not march with them,'and it was carried against me that I should not. On Saturday'morning I was on my journey to go to Lancaster to see you. The'officers advised I should not proceed, but remain to endeavor to'get the battalion to march.  This they thought more advisable for'the good of the service.'
* The portraits of himself and wife are in the possession of Dr.
Charles Willing.  There is also a portrait of MIrs. Willing at BerkIcy, on the James River, Virginia.
t As the'Regicide' is occasionally mentioned, and as an error
(hereafter corrected in these pages,) concerning the ancestry of the
late President Harrison, frequently occurs in the public prints or in
works of standing, ( e. g. the Republican Court,) I here print a notice of him, in which I have followed these authorities:
Howell's State Trials.  London, 1816, vol. V. pp. 998, 1008,
1230, &c.
The ftigh Court of Justice, by James Caulfield. London, 1820, pp.
63, &c.
Major Gen. Thomas Harrison was born at Newcastle-under-Line,
in the county of Stafford. Whatever was his father's situation in
life, he did not neglect his son, who, after receiving a grammatical
education, was articled to an attorney, named Hocelker, in good
estimation in Clifford's Inn, who had an employment under the
King, and (Lord Clarendon says) discharged his duty faithfully.
After serving his clerkship,* Harrison joined the company of students in the law, that became, under the command of Sir Philip
Stapylton, guard to the Earl of Essex, the parliament general.  He
rose gradually until he reached a Majority, and in 1646, at the surrender of the old Palace at Woodstock, was one of the Commissioners
to receive it. He gained the good opinion of Col. Sydney (Lord
Lisle's son), at whose request the Commons, January, 1646-7, voted
that he should accompany Lord Lisle, Sir John Temple, and Col.
Sydney to Ireland, where his conduct was so meritorious, that he
was included in the resolution of thanks, and was raised to a Colo* The Court said to him on his trial,'You are versed in proceedings of law.'




ci
self the dau. of Simon Mayne, another of the Regicides.
She was certainly a woman of talent and of uncommon education for the times in which she lived. Some verses of
nelcy. He became so conspicuous that he was appointed one of the
Commissioners of the Army to treat with Parliament as to a good
understanding between them; and had so much interest that, when
in November following, his regiment threatened to mutiny, he obtained their pardon; for which they showed their gratitude by gallant service at Preston, in Lancashire, where the Duke of Hamilton
was defeated.
When it was decided to try the King, Col. Harrison was fixed upon
to bring him from Hurst Castle to Windsor. Lord Clarendon says,
that he received his royal charge with all outward respect and
uncovered; and, during the entire journey, his conduct was dignified, though watchful. He frustrated the King's attempt to escape
at Bagshot. When Charles, who dreaded assassination, expressed
to him some apprehensions of secret violence, he answered'that,'whatever the Parliament resolved to do, would be very public, and'in a way of justice to which the world will be witness.' The part
he took in the trial was characteristic, and he set his hand and seal
to the warrant of execution.
In 1650 he became a Major General, and was sent to Ireland,
where le again distinguished himself; but came over with Cromwell
to assist at the consultation with Fairfax as to his scruples about
commanding the army against the Scots, which terminated in Fairfax's resignation.
In October, 1651, Harrison made a brilliant figure in drawing out
the train-bands and other bodies of men, to the number of 8,000,
in Hyde Park, preparatory to his going north with Cromwell to meet
the Scots. At the battle of Worcester, his conduct gave the greatest
satisfaction to the General and the whole army.
In the dissolution of the Long Parliament, Harrison was completely duped by Cromwell; but soon discovering the abuse of his
friendship by him with whom he had so often fought and prayed
together, he instantly broke with him. Cromwell regarded him as
a dangerous rival for power. Harrison held him as one who had
betrayed the public trust, which made his heart swell high for vengeance. In December, 1655, in consequence of his refusal to subscribe to the new government, the Protector took his commission
from him and sent him prisoner to Carrisbrook Castle, from which
he was discharged in 1656; but his opposition to the government
involved him in new difficulties, and he was shortly after sent as a
prisoner to Pendennis Castle. Upon his release, he joined Lord
Grey of Groby in the scheme of destroying the Protector, siezing
Monk, and erecting the kingdom of Christ.
At the Restoration, Major General Harrison was siezed by Col.
Bowyer, at the head of a party of the Staffordshire militia. He




cii
hers, of a religious character, are yet extant; and the handwriting is remarkably fine. The late.Mr. Thomas Willing
gave to his son-in-law, Major Jackson, a book which had bemight have avoided this, as he knew what was designed against
him; but'he considered it,' he said,'an act of desertion to the'cause to leave his house,' and so remained quietly awaiting the
event. He was conveyed to the Tower, and thence to Newgate for
trial, having been absolutely excepted from pardon by a clause in
the Bill of Indemnity, and was, October 10, 1660, indicted as
Thomas Harrison, late of Westminster, in the county of Middlesex,
gentleman. He defended himself exactly ashnight have been expected of a man of his fearless, resolute spirit, who had never
feared death. He told the Court, that the king's death was not a
thing done in a corner, but that the sound thereof had been heard
in most nations; that he would not, of himself, offer the least injury
to the poorest man or woman that went upon earth; but what he
did was out of conscience to the Lord. He maintained the authority
of the commissions under which he acted, and instead of usurping
an authority, it was, he said, done in the fear of the Lord. The
Court here interrupted him, and Lord Finch told him,' he must not'be suffered to run into these damnable excursions to make God the'author of the damnable treasons committed.'
Nothing intimidated, he argued then, that he had done no wrong,
because the act was authorized by Parliament, to which that Court
was inferior, and therefore he was not to be questioned for it; citing
a case alike to it in Richard the Second's time. Upon being told
that' his countrymen would cry out and shame him,' he answered-'May be so, my Lords. Some will, but others, I am sure, will not.'
Every plea he offered being overruled, the jury was charged and
brought in a verdict of guilty. He was executed at Charing Cross,
October 13, 1660. On the scaffold his legs and hands trembled;
but he assured those who noticed it, that it was an infirmity to
which he had been subject for twelve years, owing to the vast quantity of blood lost by wounds received in the battles which he had
fought. Throughout his conduct he exhibited the greatest courage and
composure. He parted with his wife and friends with great joy and
cheerfulness, as he did use to do when going on a journey or about
some service of the Lord. He helped the Serjeant to adjust the
rope. In his speech from the gallows, he bade them take notice,
that he was brought thither to suffer death for being instrumental
in that cause'which God hath witnessed to my appeals and won-' derful victories: and if I had ten thousand lives, I could freely'and cheerfully lay them down all, to witness to this matter.'' Then he was turned off,' says the State Trials,'and was cut'down alive; for after his body was opened, he mounted himself,'and gave the executioner a box on the ear.' Ludlow says —'He'was so barbarously executed, that he was cut down alive, and saw'his bowels thrown into the fire.'




ciii
longed to her, and has her autograph in it. It is yet in Mrs.
Jackson's possession.*  Gen. Harrison's portrait, painted on
panel by Walker, is now in the possession of Dr. Charles
Willing, who also has one of the mourning rings given at the
funeral of Anne Harrison;t another, and that given at her
mother, Dorothy Mayne's funeral, are in the possession of J.
Francis Fisher, Esq. This Thomas Willing was (with others)
the son of Joseph Willing, also of Bristol, by his second wife,
Ann Lowle, an heiress,t whom he m. May 24th, 1676.
Charles Willing came out to this city somewhere about
the year 1729, and settled here as a merchant. He was
elected Mayor of the city 1748, and again 1754, and died,
it is said, of ship-fever, contracted whilst in the discharge
of his official duties.~ He was much respected and esteemed,
* The title page is torn out; index, as far as preserved, begins
with,
33. Speeches, and his Majesty's last speech at his martyrdom, with
many things relating to his death.
II. Messages, 40; only 21 before printed-declaration from Carisbrooke and Isle of Wight.
III. Letters, 36; Answer to Commons' Declaration.
2. Concerning Matters Sacred.
1. Papers which passed between His Majesty and the Ministers at
Newport, about Episcopacy, 1648, &c.
2. His prayers.
Several things relating to H. M. death; e. g. a speech made in
Latin by Dr. Lotius, &c.
Verses; e. g. " A deep groan at the funerale," &c.
After which follows a copy of Eikon Basilke, &c.
Re-printed in Regis Memoriam, for John Williams, 1649.
t She died Sept. 11th, 1747.
5 The coat of arms of the Lowle family was:-Sa. a hand grasping three darts, one in pale, two in saltire, argent.  Crest.-A demieagle erm. rising, wings expanded, having a leaf of laurel in its
beak. The seal which belonged to Anne Lowle's father, is now in
Dr. Willing's possession.
Q Epitaph-'If to be all the wise and good commend,'The tender husband, father and the friend,'At home beloved and blest, esteemed abroad,'Studious to serve mankind and please his God;'If these from death one useful life could save,'Thou had'st not read that Willing fills the grave.'




civ
both as a merchant and a magistrate.  The mercantile house
founded by his brother Thomas* and himself was, it is said,
esteemed the first of its day in the city; as proof of which
is mentioned the facts, that Mr. Morris presided at the
Merchants' feast (p. 232, post) given to the Proprietaries,
and that Thomas Willing (son of Charles) walked at the
head of the merchants at the famous'Federal Procession,
in 1788.
I. THOMAS WILLING, b. Dec. 19, 1731; d. 19th January,
1821; m. Anne McCall, (ante, p. lxxxviii.)  The epitaph on Mr. Willing's tombstone, in Christ Churchyard, understood to be from  the pen of Mr. Binney,
gives so copious yet condensed an outline of Mr. Willing's life, character and services, that other comment
is unnecessary here.-t'In memory of THOMAS WILLING, Esquire, born nine-'teenth of December, 1731, 0. S.; died nineteenth of Jan-'uary, 1821, aged eighty-nine years and thirty days. This'excellent man, in all the relations of private life, and in'various stations of high public trust, deserved and acquired'the devoted affection of his family and friends, and the'universal respect of his fellow citizens.  From  1754 to'1807, he successively held the offices of Secretary to the'Congress of Delegates at Albany, Mayor of the City of
* Thomas Willing, son of Thomas of Bristol, came to this city
somewhere about the year 1726, and established the mercantile relations of which his younger brother Charles afterwards took charge
and enlarged, as stated above.  He then returned to Bristol,
where he died. A miniature of him is in possession of Mr. Fisher.
The family Bible of Joseph Willing is in the possession of the present Mr. Richard Willing, to whose father it was given by Ann, dau.
of Richard of Bristol, and grand-dau. of Joseph.  This Thomas is
the person after whom Willington, now Wilmington, Delaware, was
originally called.-Mrs. Montgomery's Reminiscences, p. 172.
t Replublican Coutrt, p. 16.




cv' Philadelphia, her representative in the General Assembly,'President of the Provincial Congress, Delegate to the Con-'gress of the Confederation, President of the first chartered' Bank in America, and President of the first Bank of the'United States. With these public duties, he united the' business of an active, enterprising and successful merchant,'in which pursuit, for sixty years, his life was rich in ex-'amples of the influences of probity, fidelity, and persever-'ance upon the stability of commercial establishments, and'upon that which was his distinguished reward upon earth,'public consideration and esteem. His profound adoration'of the Great Supreme, and his deep sense of dependence'on His mercy, in life and in death, gave him, at the close'of his protracted years, the humble hope of a superior one'in Heaven.'*
Thomas Willing and Anne M'Call had issue, (with
CHARLES, GEORGE and HENRY, d. infants,)
1. ANN, b. Aug. 1, 1764; m. to William  Bingham, Esq.,
U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania.t They had,
WILLIAM, who resides in Paris, m. Charlotte,
Baroness de Vaudreuil, in her own right.
ANNE LoUISA, m. to Lord Ashburton, so well
known in America as the negotiator of the
Webster-Ashburton Treaty.
MARIA MATILDA, m. to Henry Baring.
* The discussion in Notes and Queries as to'the fashion of'Brittainy,' (XI. 255,) causes me to note here, that, in nearly
every letter addressed by Mr. E. Shippen, of Lancaster, to his
nephew at Philadelphia, Mr. Shippen begins,' Dear Cousin Tommy
Willing.'
t For a full and glowing account of Mrs. Bingham, one which
renders anything else here unnecessary, see Dr. Griswold's Republican Court.
5*




cvi
FRANCIS BARING,* an eminent London merchant,
b. April 18, 1740; created Baronet May 29,
1793; m.           1766, Itarriet, dau. of
William Herring, Esq., of Croydon, cousin
and co-heir of Thomas Herring, Archbishop
of Canterbury, by her (who d. Dec. 3, 1804)
had issue, with others,
The Rt. Hon. ALEXANDER BARING, 2d son of
Sir Francis Baring, Bart., b. Oct. 27, 1774,
was raised to the peerage as Baron Ashburton, of Ashburton, county Devon, April 10,
1835, having held office during the previous
four months as President of the Board of
Trade and Master of the Mint. He was also
a Privy Councillor, trustee of the British Museum, and D. C. L. of Oxford.  He m. Aug.
23, 1798, Anne Louisa, eldest dau. of the
Hon. Win. Bingham, of Philadelphia, a Senator of the United States, and by her (who
d. Dec. 5, 1848) had issue, five sons. He d.
May 13, 1848.
WILLIAM BINGHAM, present Lord Ashburton,
(Privy Councillor,) b. June 1799; m. April,
1823, Harriet Mary, eldest dau. of George
John, 6th Earl of Sandwich, and had a son,
ALEXANDER ~MONTAGU, who d. an infant,
Feb. 5, 1830.
FRANCIS, b. May 20, 1800; m. January, 1833,
Clara Hortense, dau. of the late Duke of
Bassano, and has issue,
* Burke's Peerage.




cvii
1. ALEXANDER HUGir.
2. DENZIL HUGH, and a daughter,
MIARY LOUISA ANNE.
FREDERICK, in holy orders, Rector of ItclhinStoke, Hants, b. June 31, 1808; m. April
24, 1831, Frederica Mary Catharine, 3d dau.
of John Ashton, Esq, of the Grange, county
Chester, and has issue.
ALEXANDER, b. May 2, 1810, Lieutenant R.
N.; d. March 12, 1832, on board His MIajesty's ship Alfred, in the Mdditerranean.
ARTHUR, b. Oct. 8, 1818; d. at Madeira, Feb.
16, 1838, untm.
And four daughters,
ANNE EUGENIA, m. 1823, to Humphrey St.
John Mildmay, Esq., and d. March 8, 1839.
IHARRIET, m. to Henry Frederick Thynne, who
succeeded his father as 3d Marquis of Bath.
LOUISA,
LYDIA EMIILY.
IIENRY  FREDERICK  TIHYNNE, Capt. R. N., 3d
Marquis of Bath, b. May 24, 1797; m. April
19, 1830, Harriet, dau. of Lord Ashburton;
succeeded March 27, 1837; d. June 24,
1837, leaving issue,
1. JoHN ALEXANDER THYNNE, 4th Marquis, b. March 1, 1831.
2. HIENRY FREDERICK, b. Aug. 2, 1832.
And two daughters,
LOUISA ISABELLA HARRIET,
ALICE, d. 1847.




cviii
HENRY, (3d son,) b. 1777; m. April 19, 1802,
Maria Matilda, 2d dau. of William Bingham,
Esq., of Philadelphia, (who married 2dly,
the Marquis de Blaisell, and d. 1852,) by
whom he had issue, three sons and two
daughters,
HENRY BINGHAM, M. P. for MIarlborough, b. March 4, 1804; m. June
30, 1827, Lady Augusta Brudenell,
(5th dau. of Robert, 6th Lord Cardigan,) and has issue.
JAMES DRUMMOND.
WILLIAM  FREDERICK, b. August 12,
1822; m. Nov. 12, 1845, Emily,
eldest dau. of Sir R. Jenkins, G. C.
B., and has issue.
ANNA MARIA, m. to William  Gordon
Coesvelt, Esq.
FRANCES EMILY, m. Aug. 19, 1830,
to Henry Bridgeman Simpson, Esq.
2. CHARLES, b. April 7, 1766; m. 1st, Rose Evans, 2d,
Ann Hemphill.
3. THOMAS MAYNE, b. April 15, 1767; m. Jane Nixon,
and d. leaving issue,
ELIZABETH, m. to John Stirling, of Scotland.
They have (with ANDREW, ELIZABETH,
DOROTHEA, MARY, and AGNES, d. young,)
ANNA, m. to Henry S. Cooke.
THOMAS MAYNE,
WILLIAM,
JOHN, killed at Inkerman.
EMMA.




cix
CHARLES, (M. D.,) m. Miss Tillinghast.
ANNE, m. to Mungo 3Murray, of Lintore, Scotland.
EMMA, (now deceased,) m. to Capt. James Maitland, R. N.
4. ELIZABETH, b. March 27, 1768, still living; m. to the
late Major Wm. Jackson, of the Revolutionary army.
They had, (with others, d. young,)
ANN,
MARY RIGAL, d. unzm.
CAROLINE, m. to Mr. Philip Physic.
WILLIAM, m. Martha James, dau. of Dr. Thos.
C. James, d. s. p.
"' Major William Jackson of the Revolutionary army, was
born in Cumberland, England, March 9th, 1759, and was
brought to Charleston, South Carolina, at an early age. On
the paternal side, he was of English, and on the maternal,
of Scottish descent; of a highly respectable ancestry.
Having the misfortune to be left an orphan in his childhood, from the property bequeathed to him by his father, under the care of his guardian, Colonel Owen Roberts, he received a liberal and classical education, and was enabled to
support himself as an officer during the war of the Revolution.
In June, 1775, then in the 17th year. of his age, he entered, as a lieutenant, the first Continental regiment of South
Carolina Infantry, then commanded by Colonel Christopher
Gadsden, in which he continued to serve until Major General Benjamin Lincoln assumed the command of the southern
department of the Revolutionary army, when, on the recommendation of his friend, Colonel Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, General Lincoln appointed him his aid-de-camp, which
appointment, with that of Captain in the above named regiment, he held until the close of the war.




cx
Lieutenant Jackson was in the expedition to Florida, in
1778, when the regular Continental regiments under the
command of General Howe of North Carolina, aided by
Colonel Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and other distinguished officers, marched from Charleston, crossed the river
St. Mary, took possession of Fort Towson, and would
have proceeded to St. Augustine, but the British garrison
there being reinforced, and their supplies of stores and provisions being nearly exhausted, after some skirmishing with
the enemy, they were forced to retreat, which they were enabled to do by the coast navigation, and returned to Georgia,
after enduring much suffering and privation.
In May, 1779, Lieutenant Jackson was at the skirmish of
Tulefinny, and on the 20th of June following, at the battle
of Stone Ferry, at which his guardian, the brave Colonel
Roberts was mortally wounded.  Before expiring, he took
an affectionate farewell of his son, Captain Roberts, who was
in action with him, and of his ward, Lieutenant Jackson.
Addressing the former, he said:' My son, take my sword.'Never sully it. Return to your duty, with a father's blessing.'
On the 9th of October, 1779, Lieutenant, now Captain
Jackson, being the day on which his commission as such
was given by Congress, was again in action, in the attack
made on Savannah by the American and French troops, led
by General Lincoln and the Count D'Estaing.  During the
assault, which lasted an hour, the loss suffered by the allies
was frightful, they having had nine hundred men killed and
wounded. The assailants were repulsed.
Captain Jackson was in the only sortie made during the
siege of Charleston, when three hundred Carolinians and
Virginians led by Colonel John Laurens and Lieutenant




cxi
Colonel Henderson, rushed into the British entrenchments
with unloaded muskets, the sword and the bayonet being
the only weapons used, and after a sanguinary conflict in
which fifteen or twenty of the enemy were killed, and some
few made prisoners, succeeded in regaining the American
lines, having had the misfortune to have Captain Moultrie,
brother of Colonel Moultrie, slain, and to lose two of their
men.
Captain Jackson was at the siege of Charleston, when
General Lincoln, after a gallant defence of six weeks, was
obliged to capitulate, and surrender the city on the 12th of
May, 1780, but not until they had experienced the horrors
of famine, the works had been pronounced untenable by
General Du Portail, and every effort of patriotism and courage had been exerted by the intrepid Lincoln, and the
troops under his command. So near had the British approaches been brought, that Colonel Parker, of the Virginia
line, was shot, leaning on the parapet, as Major Jackson,
who now ranked as such in his capacity of aid-de-camp, was
in the act of delivering him an order from General Lincoln.
After the capitulation of Charleston, General Lincoln and
Major Jackson, (who were prisoners on parol,) by order of
General Washington, attended as commissioners for the exchange of prisoners, and among others negotiated their own
and that of Colonel John Laurens, who, soon after, was appointed special Minister to France, and Major Jackson appointed Secretary to the Mission.
On the 9th of February, 1781, Colonel Laurens and Major Jackson embarked at Boston, in the frigate Alliance,
Captain Barry.
Colonel Laurens was completely successful in effecting the




Cxii
object of his mission.* Owing to his ability and energy,
he obtained from the French government a large loan, ample supplies of clothing and military stores, and the co-operation of the French fleet under the command of the Count
de Grasse, which contributed to the capture of Lord Cornwallis, and the surrender of Yorktown, in October, 1780.
Colonel Laurens, after the object of his mission was attained, returned to America, and was present at the surrender of Yorktown, where he greatly distinguished himself in
storming a redoubt.
According to instructions from  Colonel Laurens, Major
Jackson proceeded to Amsterdam to receive the funds, which
Mons. Necker had sent there, and to superintend the purchase and shipment of the clothing and military stores, all
of which arrived safely in America.
How Major Jackson executed the trust confided to him
by Colonel Laurens, a letter of the late John Adams, afterwards President, which was published in the Boston Patriot,
of the 14th of April, 1810, will show.t
* The American Review, Vol. I, p. 425, contains an account of
the proceedings of Colonel Laurens in France, from the pen of Major Jackson, Secretary to the Mission.
t AMSTERDAM, June 27, 1787 —wrote Congress:'Major Jackson' has been sometime here, in pursuance of instructions from Colonel'Laurens, in order to dispatch the purchase of the goods, and the'shipping of the goods and cash for the United States, which are to'go by the South Carolina. But when all things appeared to be'ready, I received a letter from his excellency Dr. Franklin, inform-'ing me that he feared his funds would not admit of his accepting'bills fQr more than 15 thousand pounds stl. The accounts of the'Indian and the goods amounted to more than fifty thousand pounds,' which shewed that there had not been an understanding sufficiently'precise and explicit between the Dr. and the Colonel. There was,'however, no remedy but a journey to Passy, which Major Jackson'undertook, dispatched the whole business, and returned to Amster-'dam in seven days. So that I hope there will be no more delays.' Major Jackson has conducted, through the whole of his residence'here, as far as I have been able to observe, with great activity and' accuracy in business, and an exemplary zeal for the public service.,




CXiii
After the business in which he had been engaged was
completed, Major Jackson returned to America, and was appointed Assistant Secretary at War, his revered friend, General Lincoln being the Secretary of that Department, which
office he held until the peace of 1783. As the war had now
ceased, and he had attained his 24th year, he was desirous
of pursuing some business as a future means of support, and
with this view tendered his resignation to General Lincoln,
which was accepted in a most kind letter.*
Soon after, Major Jackson sailed for Europe, for the purpose of making arrangements for entering into commercial
business in this country, on his return. On informing Gene*'  GENERAL LINCOLN TO MIAJOR JACKSON.' Princeton, Oct. 30th, 1783.'I was this morning honored, my dear friend, with the receipt of'your letter of this date, purporting your wish to resign the office of'Assistant Secretary at War.' While my own ease and convenience, in a tone loud and explicit,
caution me against complying with your request, the more silent'and pursuasive voice of friendship and justice prevails, and tells'me (that) I must sacrifice the former to your interest and happi-' ness, and that I must, however reluctlantly, as your future pros-'pects in life are involved in the measure, accept your resignation.' Permit me, my dear sir, before I take leave of you, to return you'my warmest thanks for your meritorious services in the field as my'aid-de-camp, as well as for those you have rendered as my assistant'in the War Office. Those services, I have the pleasure to assure'you, have been seen also, acknowledged and approved by your'country. Besides, I have enjoyed real satisfaction in your private'friendship. Your faithfulness and integrity have hourly increased'my affection and esteem for you.' Adieu, dear friend. That the best of Heaven's blessings may'encircle you, that your path in life may be smooth and prosperous,'your course through it easy and happy, and that you may finally' smile in unceasing bliss, is the prayer of' Dear sir,'Your affectionate friend,' B. LINCOLN.' MIAJOR JACKSON.'




cxiv
ral Washington of his intentions, he received letters from
him addressed to persons abroad.*
After his return to America, he was but a short time in
business, when by the advice of friends, favored by his own
inclinations, he determined to study law, which he did with
that eminent jurist, the late William Lewis, of Philadelphia, on whose motion he was admitted to practice law in
the Court of Common Pleas, and subsequently in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In the year 1787, he was
elected Secretary to the Convention which formed the Constitution of the United States.
On making known to General Washington his desire to
enter on the pursuit of his profession, Major Jackson received the following letter from the Father of his Country.t
* One of these was not delivered.' Princeton, Nov. 1st, 1783.'DEAR SIR:-Major Jackson has just informed me of his inten-'tion to embark next week for Europe. Tho' he has already had' the honor to be introduced to you, I could not let him depart with-'out expressing my esteem for his character, and my wish that he'may experience any civilities it may be in your power to show him.' With the most respectful attachment, I have the honor to be' Your Excellency's most ob't and humble serv't,' G. WASHINGTON.'HIS EXCELLENCY, DOCT. FRANKLIN.'
t'Philadelphia, Dec 26th, 1791.'DEAR SIR: —At the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of'your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit, and during the'ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of'law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania, I beg you'to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or'in any other walk of life into which your interest or inclination' may lead you.' That your determination is the result of the best view you have'of your circumstances and expectations, I take for granted, and'therefore shall say nothing which might embarrass the decision;' but with pleasure equal to the justice of it, shall declare to you' that your deportment, so far as it has come under my observation,'has been regulated by principles of integrity and honor, and that' the duties of your station have been executed with abilities, and I' embrace the occasion your address has afforded me, to thank you




cXV
After the organization of the government, General Washington, then President of the United States, invited him to
join his family as his aid-de-camp and private secretary, in
which situation he remained with him until the year 1793,
accompanying him in his tour through the States.
Major Jackson, after leaving the President's family, was
induced to defer the practice of the law, and to embark
again for Europe, early in the year 1795, on an agency for
the sale of lands for MIr. Bingham, which he successfully
transacted, remaining abroad for this purpose nearly two
years. On his return to Philadelphia, he was married on
the 11th of November, 1795, to the beautiful Miss Elizabeth Willing, sister of Mrs. Bingham, to whom he had been
engaged for many years.
On the 14th of January, 1796, President Washington
appointed Major William Jackson surveyor of the Port of
Philadelphia, which office he held under the administration of his illustrious Chief, and during the Presidency
of Mr. John Adams, without reproach, until removed by
President Jefferson for his political adherence to the principles of Washington.
One allegation made by Mr. Jefferson for removing Major Jackson from office, was that he had influenced the voting of the subordinates in the Custom House. An original
paper signed by all those officers, and now in the possession
of his widow, is a complete refutation of the charge.' for all your attentions, and for the services which you have rendered' me since you have been a member of my family. Let your depart-'ure from it be made perfectly convenient to yourself, and believe'me to be with sincere esteem and regard,'Dear sir,'Your affectionate, humble serv't,' GEO. WASHINGTON.'MAJOR JACKSON.'




cXil
The opinion Mr. Jefferson entertained of the capacity and
patriotism of Major Jackson, is shown in a letter which he
sent to him on hearing of his intention of visiting Europe.
It was not presented, which accounts for its being in possession of Mrs. Jackson, and when'Mr. Jefferson  displaced him, there was no more reason to doubt his capacity,
patriotism, or fidelity in discharge of the duties of his office,
than when this letter was written.
For several years succeeding his removal from office, Major Jackson was the editor of the Political and Commercial
Register, a paper devoted to the maintenance of the principles of the Federalists, and the policy of Washington, and
adverse to the acts of Mr. Jefferson, during his Presidency.
Major Jackson's companions in arms and associates of the
Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnnati, having confidence
in his ability to do justice to the subject, called on him to
deliver an oration in commemoration of Independence, as
early as the 4th July, 1786. It was spoken in the Reformed Calvinistic Church, north Fourth street, in Philadelphia, to a crowded audience, who expressed their satisfaction at the manner in which the honor conferred on him,
was performed.*
*I'Mount Vernon, 28th Sept., 1786.'DEAR Sin: —-I have received your letter of the 20th ult., together'with the Pamphlets enclosed. I consider your sending the latter to'me as a mark of attention which deserves my warmest acknow-'ledgments.' I cannot join with you in thinking that the partiality of your'friends, in assigning to you so honorable a task, prejudiced their'discernment. The subject is noble, the field extensive, and I think'it must be highly satisfactory, and indeed flattering to a man, that'his performance upon such an occasion, is approved of by men of'taste and judgment.'With sentiments of great esteem and regard, I am'Dear sir,' Your obd't, humble serv't,'MAJOR JACKSON.'G. WASIIINGTON.




cxvii
In the same Church, as Secretary General of the Society
of the Cincinnati, Major Jackson, at the request of the
Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, delivered his eulogium on the character of the great Washington, before the
President of the United States, the members of both houses
of Congress, Mr. Liston, the British Minister, other diplomatic characters, and a large assemblage of the military,
citizens and ladies, the church being filled to its utmost
capacity.
This, like the oration, was much commended, and like it,
at the request of the Society of Cincinnati, was published.
The public prints spoke of it as an eloquent production,
and the author received numerous testimonials from those
who were present, and from absent friends to whom he transmitted the pamphlet.* Among which, was a letter from his
father-in-law, Mr. Thomas Willing.
In the years 1818 and 1819, his brother officers of the
Revolutionary army appointed him their Solicitor to Congress, to obtain for them an equitable settlement of the half
pay for life. Although not successful in effecting his object,
owing to the very important and exciting bills then under
consideration by Congress, he transacted the business entrusted to his care with zeal and ability, and received many
gratifying letters from various members of Congress, from
different sections of the Union, regretting the fate of his
application, and expressive of the manner in which he had
conducted his agency.  Among them  are letters from
General Harrison, late President of the United States, and
several of his friends, and the warm friends of the Revolutionary officers, the late Hon. John Sergeant of Philadel* See also post, letters, p. 308.




X11iii
phia; all evincing that Major Jackson, late in life, retained the talent and energy which had characterized his
early years.
On the arrival of General Lafayette in Philadelphia, Major Jackson, at the request of the Pennsylvania Society of
the Cincinnati and of the citizens, delivered two addresses,
one at 12, the other at 1 o'clock, in the Hall of Independence, to our country's distinguished friend and guest,
which were approved by those who had entrusted the grateful duty to him, and responded to with feeling by General
Lafayette.
After Major Jackson's death, which took place in Philadelphia on the 17th of December, 1828, the Pennsylvania
Society of the Cincinnati passed a resolution to wear crape
on the left arm for thirty days, and a similar tribute was
passed to his memory by the State Society of South Carolina.
Major Jackson had the power, in a remarkable degree, of
attaching and retaining the friendship of his early friends
and associates, during life, and his character was such as to
justify their attachment to him.  As a husband, father,
friend and citizen, he was ever kind, faithful, indulgent, sincere and patriotic."
5. MARY, b. Sept. 15, 1770; m. to Henry Clymer, and
had issue.
6. DOROTHY, b. July 16, 1772; m. to Thomas Willing
Francis, already spoken of.
7. GEORGE, b. April 14, 1774; m. 1st, Maria Benezet, who
d. s. p.; 2d, Rebecca Blackwell, only child of the
Rev. Dr. Robert Blackwell, for many years Rector of
St. Peter's Church, in this city. She was a lady of rare
virtues, of remarkable judgment, and great beauty.
She d. May 12, 1852.  He d. leaving,




cxix
MARIA, m. to her cousin, the late Willing Francis,
son of Thomas Willing Francis.
HARRIET, m. to the late Henry Ralston.
REBECCA, m. to George P. Thomson.
ELIZA MOORE, m. to Joseph Swift, (as already
mentioned.)
DOROTHY, m. to J. W. Wallace.
CHARLES, m. Miss Watson.
8. RICHARD, b. Dec. 25, 1775; m. Eliza Moore.
9. ABIGAIL, b. May 16, 1777; m. to Richard Peters, better
known to the legal fraternity as Reporter to the U. S.
Supreme Court. They had,
NANCY BINGHAM,
SARAH,
FRANK, m. Maria Millar.
ELIZA, m. to John W. Field.
10. WILLIAM SHIPPEN, b. Feb. 6, 1779; m. Maria Peters,
and had,
RICHARD P. and
MARIA, m. to Rev. John Spotswood.*
II. ANN, dau. of Charles Willing and Anne Shippen, b.
July 16, 1733; m. to Tench Francis, as already stated.'She was beautiful, amiable and accomplished,' says
an old Bible-entry.
III. CHARLES, b. May 30, 1738; was a merchant in Barbadoes for many years, where he m. May 24, 1760,
Elizabeth H. Carrington, of that place.  He returned
* A descendant of Sir Alexander Spotswood, the famous Governor
of Virginia; from whom also descended Mrs. Gen. Washington,
Mrs. Patrick Henry, and others.




Cxx
to Pennsylvania, and d. at Coventry farm in Delaware
county, March 21, 1788.*  They had,
ELIZABETH G., b. Sept. 30, 1764; m. to John
Forster Alleyne, of Barbadoes. They went
to England to live, and had,
HAYNES GIBBES, JOHN  GAY, JAMIES
HOLDER, CHARLES, SARAH, ELIZABETH, CHARLOTTE and MARGARET.t
ANN, b. Aug. 25, 1767; m. to Luke Morris, of
Philadelphia. Luke Morris was descended
from Anthony Morris, b. at St. Dunstan,
Stepncey, London, Aug. 23, 1654, who emigrated to Pennsylvania 1683. His son Anthony, b. in London, 1682, was the father of
Anthony Morris, b. in Philadelphia, 1705;
m. (his second wife) Elizabeth Hudson, a
descendant of Edward Hudson, a brother of
Hendrik Hudson, the navigator and discoverer, and by her had (with others) Luke,
above mentioned. They had, (with ANN, d.
unm., ELIZABETH CARRINGTON, and MARGARETTA HARE,)
ABBY WILLING, m. to Justus Johnson.
THO1IAS WILLING, who m. Caroline Maria,
dau. of George Calvert, of Riversdale,
Prince  George  county, Maryland.
George Calvert was a son of Benedict
Calvert, who was a son of Charles,
* His portrait by West, the first professional performance of that
artist, is in the possession of Mr. Charles Willing Littell, at Elton,
Germantown.
- Betham's Baroneltage. s. v. Alleyne.




cxxi
Lord Baltimore, and half-brother of
Frederick, the last Lord Baltimore.
He d. 12th May, 1852. She d. 25th
Nov., 1842, leaving
ROSALIE E.,
ANNA 31., m. to Francis K. Murray, of Maryland.
GEORGE C.,
JULIA 1I.
SUSAN SOPHIA, m. to John S. Littell. Of
his family I have the following information:
The ancestors of Mr. Littell, on the father's side, were
among the earliest settlers of East Jersey. They came
from Essex county, England, and were among the founders
of Essex county, N. J.; so called in remembrance of the
fatherland. To the period of the Revolution they were,
generally, occupied in agricultural pursuits.  The grandfather of Mr. Littell was a Captain of artillery in the Revolutionary army, in which he continued throughout the war,
participating in thirteen skirmishes, and taking part, with
his command, in the battles of Springfield, N. J., Germantown, Monmouth, Trenton and Princeton. At the battle of
Springfield, at'Littell's Bridge,' he derived especial eclat
for conduct and intrepidity, and the effectiveness with which
he managed a single piece of artillery, keeping the enemy,
under Knyphausen, in check, and compelling them, finally,
to retire.
For his services during the war, Capt. Littell received no
remuneration; nor has any ever been received, or applied
for, by his descendants, although it might have been reasonably claimed, for, apart from his services, he devoted his
6




xx1ii
whole patrimony to the cause. tIe re'eutered the army, with
his Captain's commission, at the close of the Revolutionary
war, and marched, under Gen. St. Clair, in his unfortunate
expedition against the North-western Indians.*
The mother of Mr. Littell was the youngest daughter of
Thomas Gardiner, and Susan Elton, daughter of Anthony
Elton, whose grandfather emigrated from England, it is believed, in 1697.  He was an earnest member of the Established Church of that country, and, with many of his descendants, lies in the cemetery of old St. Mary's, at Burlington. The ancestors of his mother, Susan Gardiner, were
among the earliest settlers of West Jersey; and very frequent mention is made of them in Smith's History of New
Jersey. The first Thomas Gardiner arrived at Burlington
in the year 1676, from England. He was a substantial Quaker, one of the founders of the City of Burlington, and a' Proprietor of' West Jersey,' and held an honorable place
in the government. He was, for many years, a member of the
Governor's Council. He died in September, 1694. Smith, in
Chap. XII., Hist. N. J., records as follows:-'In September,'1694, died Thomas Gardiner.  He arrived early at Bur-' lington, went through several public stations in West Jer-'sey with a good character, had considerable knowledge in
-variety of business, and was an exemplary member of'society, civil and religious.'
On page 401 of Smith's History, the death of the son of
the above, is thus recorded:-'In 1712 died Thomas Gardiner, of Burlington, several
* The family coat of arms is as follows:-Sa. a pillar ducally
crowned, or. between two wings expanded, and joined to the base
of the last. Crest: a cock, statant, on an arrow, or. combed and
wattled gu. See Edmonston's' Complete Body of Heraldry,' and also
Washbourne's' Book of Family Crests.'




cxxiii'times mentioned before. He was well acquainted with'public business, a good surveyor, and useful member of' society: several years one of the Council, Treasurer of the' Western division, and the first Speaker of Assembly after' the union of the governments of East and West Jersey.'
Proud, in the'Introduction' to his' History of Pennsyl-'vania,' says: —' Thomas Gardiner was a man of eminence'among the Quakers and early settlers in Burlington and' West Jersey. He served in several public offices, in the' government, with honor and fidelity; was very skilful in'a variety of business; a good surveyor, and a very useful' member of society; several years one of the Council, Trea-' surer of the Western division, and first Speaker of the' Assembly, after the union of the governments of East and' West Jersey, in 1703.  He died at Burlington, in 1712.'
-Proud's Hist. Penna. pp. 159-60.
Speaking of the religious state of the early Quaker settlers
of West Jersey, Proud further says: —' Before a house was'built in the place, they constantly, at stated times, held'their religious meetings under a tent, covered with sail-'cloth, till John Woolston bad got his house ready, which'was the first framed house in Burlington; at whose house,' and that of Thomas Gardiner, they afterwards continued'to hold their meetings, both for Divine worship, and the' discipline or order of their religious society, till a suitable'meeting-house was built for that purpose.' And he adds,'Among the women of worthy and eminent character in the'same society, at this time, appear to have been Elizabeth'Gardiner, Sarah Biddle/' &. &c. &c.




cxxiv
IV. DOROTHY, m. to Capt., afterwards Sir Walter Stirling,
R. N.
A pedigrce,* beginning with' Willielmus, filius Thoraldi,' who had the lands of Calder in the reign of David I, who
came to the Throne in 1224,' traces the family down to
Sir Walter Stirling, of Faskine, in the county of Lanerk,
Knt., a captain in the Royal navy. He was advanced to the
rank.of a lieutenant in the navy in 1745-6; and commanded
a sloop of war in 1757; in 1759 he was promoted to be a
post captain, and appointed to the Lynn, a forty-gun ship,
and employed in that ship as a cruiser till 1761, when he
removed into the Lowestoffe, a new ship, mounting twentyfour guns, and in the month of May, 1762, destroyed two
of the enemy's prames, off Gravelines, after killing and
wounding a considerable number of the persons on board.
His first command, after the peace, was in 1763, when he
was appointed to the Rainbow, of forty guns, and ordered
to North America, where he continued till 1766, in which
year he returned to England; he was then out of commission till 1770, when he was appointed to the Dunkirk, of
sixty guns, as captain to Commodore Mackenzie, who commanded on the Jamaica station. He, in 1771, removed from
the Seaford, to the Portland, of fifty guns, and soon after
returned to England, and was paid off in 1772.  In 1778,
he was appointed a regulating captain on the impress service;
and at the end of the year 1780 was made captain of the
Gibraltar, of eighty guns, one of the squadron sent to the
TWest Indies, under the orders of Sir Samuel Hood, to reinforee Lord Rodney. The expedition against the Dutch
island, St. Eustatia, taking place soon after his arrival on
Betlhanm's Baronotage, 1l 2(f.




CXXV
that station, he was chosen to be the welcome messenger of
the success, and in consequence received the honor of knighthood; in the summer of 1781, he was appointed commander, with the rank of Commodore at the Nore, and hoisted
his broad penant first on board the Conquestador, and afterwards removed into the Prince Edward, of sixty guns; he
quitted this command before the end of the year 1782, and
in the same year was appointed to the Duke, of eighty guns,
under Admiral Kempenfelt. Soon after the action with the
French, with an inferior force, they captured many transports full of troops bound for India. Ile married Dorothy,
daughter of Charles Willing, Esq., of Philadelphia, and
Anne Shippen;* she died in 1782, aged 45, was buried at
Drumpellier, near Glasgow; he died in 1786, buried in a
vault, at Hammondsworth, in Middlesex, in the sixty-ninth
year of his age, having had issue,
1. SIR WiALTER, created a Baronet, Nov. 30, 1800.
2. CHARLES, a captain in the navy,t appointed
commissioner of the navy at Jamaica, in
June, 1803, who married Charlotte, second
daughter of Andrew Grote, Esq., of Blackheath, in the county of Kent, and a banker
in London, and had
CHARLES,
* COL. SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.' Philadelphica, Aug. 11th, 1763.'DEAR BROTHER: —      *  *  I heartily congratulate you on'the safe arrival of our worthy friend Winm. Allen, Esq., with his' two fine daughters, in England, after an agreeable passage of six'weeks. They landed at Portsmouth, on the 12th June. This'news we received yesterday by the packet.' We also learn that Captain Stirling and his lady were to sail the'middle of June in a frigate for the Virginia station, and that Mr.'Lardner had taken his passage in her. *  *  *
j-t He was a prisofier during the Revolution, post, 283.




cxxvi
ANDREW,
W. FREDERICK,
J. FRANCIS,
C. DOROTHEA.
3. ANNE, who married her first cousin, Andrew
Stirling, of Drumpellier, in North Britain,
and of London, merchant, the eldest son of
William, and the eldest grandson of John
Stirling, provost of Glasgow, born in 1677,
the eldest brother of her grandfather Walter.
She d. June 1, 1830, and had (with DonoTHY, MARY, and ELIZA, d. young,)
WILLIAM, b. March 18, 1779.
WALTER, b. 1780.
JOHN, b. Oct. 20, 1786, m. Elizabeth Willing, (ante, p. cviii.)
CIhARLES, b. 1789.
(SIR) JAMES, b. Jan. 1791, Rear Admiral, R. N.
ANNA, b. Sept. 1792.
DOROTHEA, b. Jan. 1794.
ANDREW, b. Jan. 1795.
ROBERT, b. April, 1796.
EDWARD HAMILTON, b. April, 1797.
MARY, b. Aug. 1798.
AGNES.
Sir Walter Stirling, F. R. and A. S., b. June 24, 1755,
d. Aug. 25, 1832, a banker in London, Major-commandant
of the Somerset-Place Strand Volunteers, from 1798 to
1803; and July 17, 1803, elected Lieutenant-colonel of the
Prince of Wales' Loyal Volunteers; a justice of peace for




cxxvii
the county of Kent; a governor of Bridewell and Bethlem
hospitals; a Director of the Globe Insurance Office; and
high sheriff for the county of Kent in 1804; born June
24, 1758; elected representative in parliament for Gatton,
in the county of Surrey, in April, 1798; he married, April
28, 1795, Susanna, only child and heiress of George
Trenchard Goodenough, of JBroughton Poggis, in Oxfordshire; of Dunstalls, near Shoreham, and of the Grove,
near Shooters Hill, both in Kent; and of Bothwood, in
the Isle of Wight, Esq., F. R. S., and one of his Majesty's
commissioners of taxes, (lineally descended from William
of Wickham, Bishop of Winchester, which entitles his heirs
to their education at Winchester college, as kin of the
founder,) by whom he had issue,*
MARY JANE, b. March 28, 1795, m. to Sir
James Flower, Bart.
DOROTHY ANNE, b. May 24, 1796, m. to
J. B. Lennard, Esq.
MATHILDA GEORGIANA, b. Feb. 27, 1798,
m. to Sir T. B. Lennard, Bart.
* Arms-Argent, on a bend engrailed, azure, between two roses,
gules, seeded, or. and barbed, vert. three buckles of the fourth, all
within a bordure, of the fifth; above the shield is placed a helmet
befitting his degree, with a mantling, gules, the doubling, argent.
Crest-On a wreath of his liveries a dexter armed arm, issuing out
of a ducal coronet, grasping a dagger in fess, all proper; the last
hilted and pomelled, or.  In an escroll above the Crest, this motto,
Gang forward. And on a compartment below the shield are placed
for Supporters-Two hinds, purpure, gorged with ducal coronets,
proper, and sem(e of estoils, argent. Seat-Shoreham, Kent. Residence-Pall Mall, London.  These arms were allowed the late
Baronet in consequence of his being a descendant of James Stirling, of Keir, and Janet, daughter and heiress of Andrew Stirling,
of Calder. It is worthy of remark that there are now living (1803)
four Baronets of this name: Sir Walter Stirling, of Ardoch; Sir
John Stirling, of Glorat; Sir James Stirling, of Uppal; and the
present Baronet.




CXxviii
WALTER GEORGE, b. Miarch 15, 1802.* Sir
Walter George, 2d Baronet, m. 18th
August, 1835, Lady Caroline Francis,
dau. of John, Earl of Strafford, and
has,
WALTER, b. 5th March, 1838.
WALTER GEORGE, b. Sept. 6, 1839.
FRANCES MARY,
HARRIET ANN.
V. MARY, b. Sept. 24, 1740, d. March 24, 1814, m. to
Col. Wm. Byrd, of WYestover, in Virginia.   Her portrait is at Berkley, on the James river. She is the
lady mentioned in such complimentary terms by the
Marquis de Chastellux.t
Col. Byrd was descended from an ancient family seated
at Broxton, in the county of Chester.  Two pedigrees, inscribed upon parchment, and emblazoned with the coats of
arms of the various families with whom there were intermarriages, are now in the possession of his descendants:
one is certified from Herald's College, during the time of
* Burke's Peerage.
t' Travels in America during the years 1 780, 1781, 1782. Translated
by an English gentleman who was in the country during that period.
Dublin, 1787.
The Marquis says that he set out for Westover, and traveled some
twenty-six miles along a. very agreeable road, with magnificent
houses in view at every instant,' for the banks of the James river'are the garden spot of Virginia;' that of Mrs. Byrd, however,
surpassed them all in magnificence of buildings, beauty of situation
and pleasures of society. Mrs. Byrd he describes as a widow, about
forty-two years of age, very agreeable in conversation, who had
managed her estate exceedingly well, and speaks of her two daughters who had passed the previous winter at Willialmsburgh, where
they had been greatly complimented by MI. de Rochamnbeau, and all
the French officers. lHe narrates the troubles she encountered from
both of the contending parties.




cxxix
Queen Elizabeth; the other, also certified by the same high
genealogical authority, is of later date.*
The founder of the family in America was William Byrd,
generally known as' the first Col. Byrd.' He was a Captain in the British service, Auditor General of the Colony,
Colonel under the Provincial goverment, &c; a man of great
hospitality and liberality, and especially'a generous benefactor to the Huguenots.t  He m. Mary Horsemanden in
Kent, and had three dau. and one son,
WILLIAMS, b. March 28, 1674, d. Aug. 26, 1744.'His vast fortune' (says Campbell,)' enabled him to live'in a style of hospitable splendor before unknown in Vir-' ginia, and to indulge a munificent liberality. His extensive' learning was improved by a keen observation and refined'by an acquaintance and corespondence with the wits and'noblemen of his day in England.  His writings display a' thorough knowledge of the natural and civil history of the'Colony, and contain faithful and humorous sketches of the'manners of his age.  To him  is due the honor of having'contributed more, perhaps, to the preservation of the hisL torical materials of Virginia, than any of her sons.'
Some of Col. Byrd's writings, particularly that known as
the Westover MS. and its burlesque, are now in the possession of the American Philosophical Society of this city.
His extensive correspondence belongs to his descendant,
MIr. Win. Byrd Harrison, of Upper Brandon. His portrait
* There are several of these pedigrees in Virginia. Amongst
others, one, now in possession of Col. Peyton, deduces the descent
of the late Sir John Peyton, of Gloucester, from one of the Knights
who accompanied William the Conqueror.
t Charles Campbell's Hist VTirginia, p. 104, a book which reflects
the greatest credit on the author for accuracy and research.
6*




CxxX
by Kneller, is at Berkley.*   He m. 1, Lucy Parke, dau. of
the Governor of the Leeward Islands, (from which gentleman also descended AMr. Custis, the first husband of MIrs.
General Washington,) and by her had
WILHELMINA, m. to Mr. Chamberlayne of Virginia, and
EVELYN, d. t01om.
2, Miss Taylor, an heiress of Kensington, in England, and
had
WILLIAM, of whom  presently.
ANN,, m. to Mr. Carter, of Clives.
MARY, m. to Mr. Carter, of Sabine HTall.
* He lies buried in the garden of his seat, Westover, where a
marble moument bears the following inscription:' Here lieth the'Honorable William  Byrd, Esq.  Being born to one of the am-'plest fortunes in this country, he was sent early to England for'his education, where, under the care and direction of Sir Robert'Southwell and ever favored with his particular instructions, he'made a happy proficiency in polite and various learning.  By the'means of the same noble friend, he was introduced to the acquain-'tance of many of the first persons of that age for knowledge, wit,'virtue, birth or high station, and particularly contracted a most'intimate and bosom  friendship with the learned and illustrious'Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery.  HeI was called to the bar in the' Middle Temple; studied for sometime in the Low Countries; visi-'ted the Court of France, and was chosen Fellow of the Royal So-'ciety.  Thus eminently fitted for the service and ornament of his' country, he was made receiver general of his Majesty's revenues'here; was thrice appointed public agent to the court and ministry'of England, and being thirty-seven years a member, at last be-'came president of the council of this colony. To all this were' added a great elegancy of taste and life, the well-bred gentleman'and polite companion, the splendid economist and prudent father'of a family, with the constant enemy of all exorbitant power, and'hearty friend to the liberties of his country. Nat. Mar. 28, 1674.'Mort. Aug. 26, 1744.  An IEtat 70.' His portrait, a fine old cavalier face, is preserved at Berkley.*-CaCnpbell, p. 113.
* Eeverlev. 13. 4. p. 62. thus alludes to the garden at Westover:'Colonel By7rd'in his garden. which is the finest in that country. has a ssunmer-house set round'with Inzdian honey-suckle, which all the Summer is continually full of sweet'flowers, in which these birds delight exceedingly. Upon these flowers I have'seen ten or a dozen of these beautiful creatures together, which sported about'me so familiarly, that with their little wings they often fanned my face.'




cxxxi
JANE, m. to PMr. Page, of North river. His son
William, better known as' the third Col. Byrd of Westover,' was Colonel in the British Provincials. He commanded
(1758) one of the two Virginia regiments; Gen. WVatshington commanded the other.  He was educated and lived a
good deal in England. It was at one time contemplated to
give him  the  command  subsequently bestowed on Gen.
Stanwix.*   He m. 1 Elizabeth Carter, of Shirley, and had
ELIZABETII,  m. to 1, MIr. Farley, 2, 3Mr. Dunbar,
3, Col. Skipwith.
WILLIAM, Captain in the British Guards, cd. young.
JOIIN, in. Mrs. Randolph, of Wilton.
THONIAs, m. Miary Armisted, of JIesse.
OTWAY, m. Ann Mumlford.
2, Mary Willing, above mentioned, and had,
CHARLES, m1. Sally Meade and removed to Kentucky.
RICHARD, 111. 1, Lucy Harrison, of Brandon, and
2, Emily Wilson, of Smithfield, Va.
WILLIAM, m. Susan Lewis, of Gloucester, Va.
MARIA, m. to John Page, of Frederick county, Va.
ANN, dc. un2.
EVELYN, 111. to Benjamin Harrison,t of Brandon,
* Post, p. 153.
t "- The common ancestor of the -Ilarrisons of Berkley and of Brandon was Benjamin Harrison of Surrey. lie was born in that county
1645, and died 1712. It was long believed by the Ilarrisons of Virginia, that they were lineally descended from the celebrated Col.
Thomas Harrison, the friend of Cromwell and one of the Regicides.
This opinion, however, appears to be erroneous.  The first of the
family in Virginia was the lIon. Benjamin Ilarrison, a member of
the Council in Virginia. I-e lies buried in the yard of an old church
near Cabin Point, in the county of Surrey.  The following is his
epitaph:-' iere lyeth the Bo(dy of the Hon. BENJA3IIN tIARnISON,' Ese., who did Justice, loved Mercy, and walked humbly with his




cxxxii
and d. leving
GEORGE, in. Miss Ritchie, and d. leaving
GEORGE, and
ISABELLA.
WMI. BYRD, m. Miss Harrison of Berkley, and has
BENJA-MIN,
RANDOLPH,
God; was alwa-ays loyall to his Prince and a great Benefactor to his'Country. He was born in this Parish, the 20th day of September,'1645, and departed this Life the 80th day January, 1712-13.'  It
is certain that this Benijamin Harrison, born in Southwark parish,
Surrey, Virginia, in 1645, during the civil war in England, could
not be the son of Col. Harrison, the regicide.  He may, however,
lhave been a collateral relation.  That this Benjamin Harrison, of
Surrey, was the first of the family in Virginia, is confirmed by some
ancient wills still preserved.  He had three sons, of whom Benjamin, the eldest, settled at Berkley. lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Louis Burwell of Gloucester, and was an eminent lawyer and
sometime Speaker of the House of Burgesses.  He died in April,
1710, aged 387, leaving an only son Benjamin, and an only daughter
Elizabeth. The son Benjamin married a daughter of Robert (called
King) Carter of Corotoman, in the county of Lancaster.  Two
daughters of this union were killed by the same flash of lightning
at Berkley. Another daughter married -     Randolph of Wilton.
The sons of this Benjamin liarrison and -    Carter his wife, were
Benjamin, signer of the Declaration of Independence; Charles, a
general of the Revolution; Nathaniel, thenry, Colin and Carter H.
From the last mentioned, are descended the Harrisons of Cumberland. Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berkley, the signer, married a
Miss Basset.  Their children were Benjamin, Carter B., sometime
member of Congress, and William  Henry, President of the United
States, one daughter who married.-   Randolph, and another, who
married --   Copeland.  So far the Berkley branch of the Ilarrisons."
" The second son of Benjamin Harrison of Surrey, first of the
family in Virginia, was Nathaniel.  His eldest son was named Nathaniel, and his only son was Benjamin Harrison, of Brandon, one
of the council of Virginia, at the same time with Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berkley, about the commencement of the Revolution.
Tlhis Benjamin Harrison of Brandon was father of the present William B. Harrison, Esq., of Brandon, to whom  I am  indebted for
most of the foregoing particulars, relative to his ancient and eminent family.  See 8 tlening, pp. 66 and 174."-Canpbell, p. 155.




cxxxiii
CARTER,
SHIRLEY.
ABBY, m. to Judge Wnm. Nelson.
JANE, m. to Carter B. Harrison of Macon,
brother of the late President Harrison.
VI. ELIZABETH, b. Feb. 10, 1742-3, in. to Samuel Powel,
of Philadelphia. They had three children, all of whoml
d. s. p., and Mrs. Powel left the bulk of her estate to
her nephew, John P. Hare, hereafter mentioned, on
condition that he should change his name to Powel,
which he did.
VII. RICHARD, b. Jan. 2, 1744, m. but d. s. p.
VIII. ABIGAIL, b. July 15, 1747, d. unm.
IX. JOSEPH, b. Oct. 13, 1749, d. an infant.
X. JAMES, b. Feb. 9, 1750-51, d. Oct. 13, 1801.  He
served as a Captain during the Revolutionary War, and
had the misfortune to be taken prisoner by the British,
by whom he was confined on board of one of their
prison-ships, where he endured great privations and
sufferings.
XI. MARGARET, b. Jan. 15, 1753, m. Nov. 16, 1775, to
Robert Hare.  She d.. He was the son of
Richard and Martha Hare of Limehouse,* near London,
* Richard and Martha have had, besides the above named Robert,
RICHARD, father of Richard of Bath, who m. a dau. of Sir
Hollis.
JAMES, (Rev.) m. a dau. of Sir Thos. Clarges, and had
RICHARD, now General Sir Richard Hare Clarges, having changed his name on succeeding to the estate.
CHARLES, Captain R. N., who m., and had
CHARLES, R. N., and
CHARLOTT'E, m. to Admiral John Alexander.
JOHN, a lawyer of the Inner Temple.




cxxxiv
and was b. at Woolwich, in Kent, 28th Jan'y, 1752,
(O. S.) landed at Philadelphia June 4, 1773. A Journal of a Tour made by him through the Northern and
Eastern Colonies, shortly before the Revolution, has
been printed by the Historical Society.  He was a
member of the convention that framed the Constitution
of Pennsylvania, and afterwards Speaker of the Senate. They had issue, (with RICHARD, d. young,)
CHARLES WILLING, b. at Westover, April 23,
1778.
MARTHA, b. Aug. 17, 1779, d. 1852.
ROBERT, b. Jan. 17, 1781, m. Harriet, dau. of
John Innes Clark of Rhode Island, and had
JOHN INNES CLARK, now Judge of District Court, m. Esther Binney, dau.
of Hon. Horace Binney.
LYDIA, in. to Frederick Prime, of New
York.
ROBERT HERTFORD, m. Caroline Fleliming.
GEORGE HARRISON, U. S. N.
JOHN POWEL, who afterwards changed his name
by Act of Assembly, to John Hare Powel,
b. April 22, 1786, m. Oct. 20, 1817 Julia
de Veaux, dau. of Col. Andrew de Veaux, of
South Carolina, distinguished as a Loyalist
officer during the Revolution. His wife was
Anna Maria Verplank, of New York.  Col.
de Veaux's other dau. (Augusta,) m. Philip
Verplank, of Verplank's Point, N. Y. Mrs.
Powel d. Dec. 8, 1845. They had
SAMIUEL, in. Mary, dau. of Hon. Robert




CXXXv
Johnston, of Jamaica.*   They have
issue.
DE VEAUX, m. Elizabeth Cooke. She d.
1845. He d. 1848, leaving one child.
HENRY BARING, m. Caroline, dau. of Hon.
Richard H. Bayard, of Delaware. He
d. April 4, 1852, leaving one child.
ROBEnRT IIARE,
ELIZABETH and HERTFORD, d. young.
JULIA, in. to W. Parker Foulke.
JOtIN and IDA.
Of Dr. William  Shippen, already mentioned, (ante, p.
xxvii) I have no further information than such as is already
in print, except a few anecdotes. Of his son, I have nothing
to add to what is already public. I would suggest, however, that there must be, I should think, some mistake in
the notice of him to be found in Dr. Caldwell's autobiography (p. 115)-a work heretofore cited, (ante, p. xxxiii.)
I have been unable to trace the connection, if any, of Mr.
William  Shippen, a member of the Continental Congress
from Pennsylvania; or Captain Shippen, killed at the battle
of Monmoutht, with Edward Shippen, the founder of the
family here.  Nor have I succeeded in ascertaining of what
kinsmanship was 3ir. James Searle, so well and honorably
known in our Revolutionary History, both as a member of
Congress and by his diplomatic services, and the Mr. John
Searle mentioned at p. lxxxviii.
* He made a pedestrian tour through Russia, of which he published an account, and was descended from the family of the Marquis of Annandale.
t " IHill Family," by J. Jay Smith, a most entertaining book.




cxxxvi
Through the kindness of Dr. G. W. Norris, I have obtained the verses concerning Dr. Franklin, mentioned at p.
264, post. I give them as a note.* I also add some
* He thinks the tradition in the family is, that they were written
by Miss Hannah Griffiths, a grand-daughter of the first Isaac Norris; but says that Miss Norris, spoken of by Judge Yeates, was
quite clever at verses. The verses themselves appeared in the
works of Dr. Smith, Provost of the University, (Philadelphia,
1803,)* with some verbal changes, and were by him ascribed to the
Rev. Jonathan Odell, (see Sabine's Loyalists); but incorrectly, as
appears from the Doctor's own account. At first he attributed them
to his'dear, deceased wife,' in whose' handwriting' was the copy
which he' found on his writing-desk;' then to' her and her dear
friend, Mrs. Ferguson;' and then, on the information' of B. R. M.,
Esq.,' to' Mr. Odell.' There can be no reasonable doubt as to Dr.
Smith's being mistaken, and of Judge Yeates, writing contemporaneously, being correct.
Inscription on a curious stove in the form of an urn, contrived in such a manner
as to make the flame descend instead of rising from the fire; invented by Dr.
FRANKLIN.'Like a Newton sublimely he soared
To a summit before unattained;
New regions of science explored,
And the palm of philosophy gained.'With a spark which he caught from the skies,
He displayed an unparalleled wonder;
And we saw with delight and surprise,
That his rod could secure us from thunder.'Oh! had he been wise to pursue
The track for his talents designed,
What a tribute of praise had been due
To the teacher and friend of mankind.'But to covet political fame
Was in him a degrading ambition;
The spark that from Lucifer came,
Enkindled the blaze of sedition.'Let candor then write on his urn,
" Here lies the renowned inventor,
Whose flame to the skies ought to burn,
But inverted, descends to the centre."'
* For this information I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. M'Allister, our
well-known local antiquary.




cxxxvii
curious verses upon the celebrated Meschianza, written by
an ardent loyalist lady, whose sentiments doubtless fully
accorded with those of MIr. Galloway.*
I have thus completed these notices and edited these letters and papers with such care and skill as I was master of.
MSy object has been to gather together and preserve information not likely to be much longer attainable, and by
accuracy, if possible, of name, date and fact, to correct
* The following lines upon the Meschianza were written by a
lady, a member of the Society of Friends, residing at the time in
Philadelphia.
Answer to the Question' What is it?'
A shameful scene of dissipation,
The death of sense and reputation;
A deep degeneracy of nature,
A frolic'for the lash of satire;'
A feast of grandeur fit for kings,
Formed of the following empty things:Ribbons and gewgaws, tints and tinsel,
To glow beneath the historic pencil;
(For, what tho' treason now stands neuter,
How will it sparkle-page the future.)
Heroes that will not bear inspection,
And glasses to reflect reflection;
Triumphant arches raised on blunders,
And true Don Quixotes made of wonders.
Laurels, instead of weeping willows,
To crown the Bacchanalian fellows;
The song of victory complete,
Loudly re-echoed from defeat;
The fair of vanity profound,
A madman's dance-a lover's round.
In short it's one clear contradiction
To every truth (except a fiction);
Condemned by wisdom's silver rules,
The blush of sense and gaze of fools.
But recollection's pained to know
That ladies joined the frantic show;
When female prudence thus can fail,
It's time the sex should wear the veil.




cxxxviii
some errors which already prevail. Whether or not I have
accomplished my object; what have been my shortcomings,
either through lack of materials or my own defects; what
the value of the facts preserved, must be left to the judgment of others.*
It certainly would have been far easier and more agreeable, and the temptation was great, to have woven these
notices and letters into a consecutive narrative; to have
attempted to portray in my own fashion the habits, manners
and actions of these people; how they bore themselves in
the trying situations in which many of them were placed;
what was their behavior when duties clashed, or when duty
conflicted with affection, for it will be seen that of the same
family some were Whigs and others Loyalists; what was
their social intercourse; what their individual peculiarities;
how their joys were tempered and their griefs assuaged;
how they lived, and loved, and died. Indeed, portions of
such a memoir are already in existence, detached sentences
from which appear in the foregoing pages. But as I desired merely, in the present volume, to give nothing but
facts, I have rigorously abstained from inserting anything,
which did not as mere matter of fact illustrate the character
of the individual spoken of.
* A few pages of the following letters were not corrected by me
before finally passing through the press: hence one or two errors
have occurred. The letter dated Sept. 13th, 1753, (p. 23) should
have been 1758. The reply of the prisoner (p. 144) should have
been-' Que leur dessein etoit d'attaquer toutes nos gardes avancez,'et de les suivre s'ils pourroient dans les retrenchmens.''The'case of the Court of Chancery' (p. 1, et seq.) is in the appendix to
1 Dallas Rep. 509, from a certified copy. The MS. from which
that given here was printed, came from the papers of Col. Shippen,
for many years Secretary to the Province. Mr. Peters' letter (p.
97) should have been dated at Philadelphia. Some literal or verbal
errata also might be made: but they correct themselves to the
reader.




LETTERS AND PAPERS
RELATING CHIEFLY TO THE
o3r lbincaiI   istfor          of  ennsbla niat
WITH SOME
NOTICES OF THE WRITERS.
PRIVATELY PRINTED.
PHILADELPHIA:
CRISSY & MARKLEY, PRINTERS, GOLDSMITHS HALL, LIBRARY ST.
1855.




ENTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OF CONGRESS,
in the year 1855, by
THO MA S BALCh,
in the C(i's Office of the District Court o0 lgtern  Districlof Pennsylvania.




PREFACE.
Some time ago, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania passed a
resolution, requesting me to edit certain letters written by Chief
Justice Shippen, then in my possession. The duty was performed,
but, when the MS. was ready, I was informed that the publication
had been postponed.  I then changed my original purpose into collecting and printing'papers and letters relating chiefly to the Pro-'vincial history of Pennsylvania,' and for the better understanding
of them, to give'some notices of the families of the writers.'
Whilst thus engaged, various materials were tendered tome, cbnsisting in part of the' Shippen MSS.' in the archives of that Society,
in part of masses of letters, accounts, and other papers in the possession of descendants of some of the families prominent in the
Province. The interest which has been created by the occupation
itself, and the desire to add something to the stores of the future
historian of this State, induced me to sift with care these miscellaneous MSS. and to print such as were of some, even though not
remarkable, value.
The greater portion of them are purely private in their character.
I therefore thought it well to print only a very small number of
copies, so as to prevent any, except those connected by'kindred'ties,' from obtaining the volume.
I have endeavored to make the genealogical notices full and accurate. In my efforts, I have been greatly assisted by Mr. J. F.
Fisher, Mr. Edward Shippen, Mr. Joseph Swift, Dr. G. W. Norris,
Mr. Samuel Powel, and other gentlemen. To them are due the




iv
best thanks, not only of myself as Editor, but of all who prize an
honorable ancestry, such as the following pages disclose.
Some of the letters relate to public affairs, and aid in supplying
gaps in Pennsylvania history. At a future day I will print extracts
from these.
Some few copies of the letters and papers have been struck off
without the' notices of the writers,' as the latter were such as only
concerned the members of their respective families.
A few of the following pages were not corrected by me before
finally passing through the press; hence one or two errors have
occurred.  The letter dated Sept. 13th, 1753, (p. 23) should
have been 1757. The reply of the prisoner (p. 144) should have
been-' Que leur dessein etoit d'attaquer toutes nos gardes avancez,'et de les suivre s' ils pourroient dans les retrenchmens.''The' case of the Court of Chancery' (p. 1, et seq.) is in the appendix to
1 Dallas Rep. 509, from a certified copy. The MS. from which that
given here was printed, came from the papers of Col. Shippen, for,several years Secretary to the Province.  Mr. Peters' letter (p. 97)
should have been dated at Philadelphia.
Through the kindness of Dr. Norris, I am enabled to give, from
the Norris papers, the verses mentioned at p. 264. He thinks the
tradition in the family is, that they were written by Miss Hannah
Griffiths, a grand-daughter of the first Isaac Norris; but says that
Miss Norris, spoken of by Judge Yeates, was quite clever at verses.
The verses themselves appeared in the works of Dr. Smith, Provost
of the University, (Philadelphia, 1803,*) with some verbal changes,
and were by him ascribed to the Rev. Jonathan Odell (see Sabine's
Loyalists); but incorrectly, as appears from the Doctor's own
account.  At first he attributed them to his'dear, deceased wife,'
in whose'handwriting' was the copy which he'found on his wri-' ting-desk;' then to' her and her dear friend, Mrs. Ferguson;' and
then, on the information' of B. R. MI., Esq.,' to' Mr. Odell.' There
can be no reasonable doubt as to Dr. Smith's being mistaken, and
of Judge Yeates, writing contemporaneously, being correct.
* For this information I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. M'Callister, our
well-known local antiquary.




Inscription on a curious stove in the form of an urn, contrived in such a manner
as to make the flame descend instead of rising from the fire; invented by Dr.
FRANKLIN.'Like a Newton sublimely he soared
To a summit before unattained,
New regions of science explored,
And the palm of philosophy gained.
6With a spark which he caught from the skies,
H-e displayed an unparalleled wonder,
And we saw with delight and surprise
That his rod could secure us fiom thunder.'Oh! had he been wise to pursue
The track for his talents designed,
What a tribute of praise had been due
To the teacher and friend of mankind.'But to covet political fame
Was in him a degrading ambition;
The spark that from Lucifer came,
Enkindled the blaze of sedition.'Let candor then write on his urn,
" Here lies the renowned inventor,
Whose flame to the skies ought to burn,
But inverted, descends to the centre."'
Pliiladelphia, March, 1855.








LETTERS AND PAPERS
CHIEFLY RELATING TO THE
PROVINCIAL  IIISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
TIIE CASE OF THE COURT OF CHANCERY IN PENNSYLVANIA,
WITH TIIE OPINIONS OF MR. WILLES AND MR. RYDER.*
Upon this foot the Court of Chancery, in Pennsylvania,
having been established, continued to exercise jurisdiction
in matters of equity proceedings therein, as near, as they
conveniently could, according to the known usage or practice
of his Majesty's High Court of Chancery at Westminster.
Nor were the proceedings of the said Court complained of
in any sort, or its authority called in question, until January, 1735, though two Acts of Assembly for establishing
the Courts of Law in Pennsylvania, were passed in that interval of time, and fourteen Assemblies (this being the
fifteenth,) have been held.
Upon divers petitions presented January 27th, 1735, to
the House of Assembly, complaining that the Court of
Chancery in this Province is erected in violation of the
* The first part of this MS. is missing. It does not, so far as
my reading goes, appear to have been heretofore printed, though
the subject has been frequently discussed.
A




Charter of Privileges, the House came to the following
resolution, viz:
Resolved, That the Court of Chancery, as it is at present
established, is contrary to the Charter of Privileges granted
to the Freemen of this Province.
And upon conferences since had between the Governor
and the Assembly, (which two alone without the Governor's
Council compose [legislative power] Pennsylvania,) the
Assembly have argued from  the [authority] of several
English law books, that the king at this day cannot, by his
commission, erect a Court of Equity.
Your opinion is desired:
Question.-Whether a Court of Equity is not a vital and
fundamental part of the English Constitution, incident to
and inseparable from it? And whether the power of determining cases on Bill in Equity is not, by the fundamental laws and Constitution of the Kingdom of England,
vested in the King as supreme magistrate, and in the
Chancellor acting under his appointment?
Answer.-It is pretty difficult to trace out the original
foundation of Courts, most of them having their beginning
either from  necessity or expedience.  But it has been
always held, that the power of determining cases in Equity
was originally vested in the King of England, and that the
Chancellor only acted by virtue of a delegated power from
him, being appointed at first as his assistant, when causes
in Equity began to be so very numerous that the King
could not despatch them himself.*
Question 2.-Whatever courts the King may now erect
by his commission [in] England, where all necessary courts
* Any one curious as to this point, will find all the learning in
Mr. Spence's learned treatise.




are already in being; yet whether King Charles the Second
could by law grant sufficient authority by a commission
under the Great Seal unto William Penn and his deputies, to erect Courts of Equity in the Province of Pennsylvania; or is it absolutely necessary that the consent of
the Legislature there should first be had, in order to the
erecting such courts?
Answer.-Though it is held that his Majesty cannot now
by his commission erect a new Court of Equity in England, where all proper courts have been long since established, yet I am of opinion that King Charles the Second,
when he was erecting a new form of government in Pennsylvania, might, by his Charter, grant to William Penn
and his deputies a power to erect new Courts of Equity in
that Province, and that the consent of the Legislature there
was not necessary to be first had, until 3Mr. Penn made it
so by his Instrument or Charter, of the 28th October, 1701.
Question 3. —Whether the unanimous resolution of the
Assembly, requesting Mr. Keith to open and hold a Court
of Equity for the said Province, with the assistance of his
council, laid before him  on the [4th 7May, 1720,] his
assent to that request, and establishment of [a Court]
pursuant thereto, by the advice of his Council, the subsequent approbation of the Assembly given to that establishment, and the notification thereof to the public in Pennsylvania, by written proclamation under the Great Seal
there, may not be called an act of the whole Legislature
there, although not rendered in the ordinary form of law,
or at least may not be deemed a sufficient signification of
the consent of the Legislature thereto?
Answer.-I am of opinion that the unanimous resolution
of the Assembly, 4th May, 1720, what was afterwards done




by Governor Keith and his committee thereupon, the subsequent approbation of the Assembly, and the proclamation
which issued thereupon, sufficiently established the present
Court of Chancery, notwithstanding the clause relating
thereto in the said Charter of the 28th October, 1701, for I
think that there has been a sufficient declaration of the assent of the Legislature, to the erecting of such Court.
Question 4. —-Whether the original establishment and
holding of the Court of Chancery by such devise as aforesaid, after the time of William Penn's Charter of Privileges to the inhabitants, but before the resolve of the Assembly, in January, 1735, can justly be construed as a
violation of the sixth clause of the said Charter (whatever
that clause may import, seeing it was provided that the
Governor and six parts in seven of *  *  * the Legislature
might alter the Charter —or whether a proceeding, heretofore before the Governor and his Council, (not as a Council
of State, but as a Court of Chancery, according to equity
and stated rules of practice of that Court,) was not a proceeding in the ordinary court of justice, and consequently
within the reservation in the said sixth clause?
Answer.-I am of opinion that neither the establishment
nor the holding of the said Court of Chancery, after the consent of the Assembly so declared as aforesaid, can be construed to be a violation of the sixth clause of the said Charter.  But if the Governor and Council, after that Charter,
had proceeded to hear cases in equity without such consent
of the Assembly, I should have been of opinion that it had
been contrary to the said Charter.
Question 5.-Whether since the Assembly have come to
their Resolution of January, 1735, it will now be contrary
to the Charter of Privileges, or unlawful to continue to hold




5
the said Court of Chancery, notwithstanding such last
mentioned vote, or ought the Court of Chancery to be
established by Act of Assembly, and not otherwise?
Answer.-As I am of opinion (that this Court of Chancery was at first legally and rightfully [established] I do
not think that it will be contrary to the Chart [er or un-]
lawful to continue to hold the same. But I am of opinion
that the same may be lawfully held till the whole Legislature have passed an act to the contrary.
J. WILLES.*
August 21st, 1736.
Answer to Question 1. —I am of opinion that a Court of
Equity is a necessary part of the English Constitution, that
relates to the administration of justice: and that the
Chancellor appointed by the King, [or] the Keeper of the
Great Seal, are, by virtue of their office, entitled to exercise that jurisdiction.
Answer to Question 2.-I conceive that King Charles
Second might, by law, grant power to William  Penn and
his deputies, to erect a Court of Equity in Pennsylvania,
without the consent of the Legislature there.
Answer to Question 3. —I conceive this is not an Act of
the Legislature there, nor a sufficient signification of their
approbation, supposing their approbation was necessary.
Answer to Question 4.-I conceive the establishing the
Court of Chancery in the manner above mentioned, was no
violation of the sixth clause of the Charter of 1701, both
because there was the assent of the Governor, and six parts
in seven of the Assembly met, and because the proceeding
* Attorney General, afterwards Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.




6
in a Court of Equity may be justly called the ordinary
course of justice.
Answer to Question 5.-I apprehend the Resolution of
the Assembly does not make that illegal which was not
so before, therefore that it is not unlawful to hold the
[said] Court of Chancery, notwithstanding that resolution.
D. RYDER.*
October 13th, 1736.
A LIST
Of Subscribers for An Assembly, under the direction of
John Inglis, Lynford Lardner, John Wallace and John
Swift: each subscription, forty shillings, to be paid to
any of the Directors at subscribing.Alexr. Hamilton,           James Hamilton,
Tho. Lawrence, Jr.,        Ro. Mackinen,
John Wallace,               Wm. Allen,
Phineas Bond,              Archd McCall,
ChS Willing,               Jos. Turner,
Joseph Shippen,             Thos. HIopkinson,
Sam. McCall, Junr,         Richd Peters,
George McCall,             Adam Thomson,
Edw. Jones,                Alexr Stedman,
Samuel McCall, Senr,       Patrick Baird,
Redm. Conyngham,           John Sober,
Jos. Sims,                  David Franks,
Thomas Lawrence, Senr,    John Inglis,
* Solicitor General, afterwards Lord Chancellor.
t Printed from the original MS. in Mr. Lardner's possession
It will be seen that MIr. Griswold (Republican Court, p. 13), hal
had an incorrect copy placed in his hands.




David 3Icllvaine,         Ninian Wischeart,
John Wilcocks,            Abram Taylor,
Charles Stedman,          James Trotter,
John Kidd,                Samson Levy,
Win. Binghanm,            Lynford Lardner,
Buckridge Sims,           Richd Hill, Jr.,
John Swift,               Benj. Frill,
John Kearsley, Julr,      Jn. Francis,
Winm. Plumsted,           William McIlvaine,
Andrew Elliot,            Willm Humphreys,
James Burd,               Thomas White,
Wm. Peters,               John Lawrence,
James Polyceen,           Thos. GrEems,
WVm. Franklen,            John Cottenham,
Hen. Harrison,            John Moland,
John Heuston,             Win. Cuzzens.
Daniel Boiles,
(1st Philadelphia Assembly, 1748.)
JOHN SWIFT TO JOHIN WHITE, AT THE PENN A COFFEE
-IOUSE, BIRCHEN LANE, LONDON.
PlMiladelphia, July 13th, 1747.
DEAR UNCLE: —When I began this letter, I intended
to have given you a true account of two French privateers
that were yesterday at Bombay Hook, from whence there
came an express to the President here, (Mr. Palmer), which
gave an account that they had landed a hundred men at
Black Creek, who had plundered the inhabitants of their
negroes, and what else they could get; shot a woman in the




8
thigh, and taken her husband prisoner.  But I am disappointed, for there is not a word of truth in it, notwithstanding it was as much believed in this town, two hours
ago, as the Bible is. Even the Quakers' faith failed them,
so that they could not help giving their assent to the truth
of it; and it was added, besides, that there were more privateers upon the coast, but this did not gain so much credit.
The women, you may be sure, were in great consternation
upon hearing that danger was so near them, but it had no
other effect upon the men of my acquaintance, than to raise
their indignation against a Quaker government.
I am sure I wrote to you by the first opportunity, after
the river became navigable, and told you that we had had
a severe winter, which prevented my writing to you sooner,
which letter went by the way of Ireland, and a copy of it
by Seymour, so that if that account can afford you any
pleasure, I flatter myself you will receive it.  But I did not
paint it in all its horrors, as I would have done had I known
that accounts of that sort would have been pleasing to you.
I know it was not so to me, who felt it.  But we have had
a spring that has made amends for it. From the latter end
of February to the latter end of Mlay, was as fine weather as
ever was known in any part of the world, I believe; I never
saw anything comparable to it in England, at this season of
the year.  We had neither frosts nor cold winds, in March,
nor too hot weather in May; the latter end of March peach
trees were in blossom, and asparagus plenty. The 17th of.
April I eat tarts made of gooseberries, that were on the
trees the day before, at which time all sorts of trees in the
woods were green.  There was as fair a prospect of great
crops of corn, as ever was known; but we have had so much
rain for these three weeks last past, that people will be
greatly disappointed of their expectations, for instead of a




good crop, they will have a very bad one. The rain has
mildewed the corn all over the country, and in some places
where they cut it early, it has rotted in the field and not
been worth carrying in.
JOHIN SWIFT, TO JOTIN WHIITE, PENN'A COFFEE HOUSE,
LONDON.
J'Itil.dctlia, Aiugtust 29th, 17 47.
DEAR UNCLE: -I amn not certain whether this will cover
a bill of exchange for ~200 or not, the reason of which is
that I am obliged to go out of town, to Penn's manor, tomorrow morning, according to appointment, and I do n't
know of any body that wants to draw, except Allen & Turner, and they are both in great affliction, for the loss of
their relations; MIr. Allen, for Andrew Hamilton, who died
yesterday, (after being four days ill of a yellow fever), and
was this morning buried at Bush Hill; and MIr. Turner, for
his nephew, (a son of Peter Turner's), who died yesterday of
the same disorder, and is to be buried this afternoon from
his house. I have therefore put the money into the hands
of Ir. Abram Claypoole, and desired him to get a bill of
them on Monday, if they have not done drawing: I believe
it will cost 85 per cent., so that I find there is no advantage
to be got by waiting, for which reason I shall, for the future,
buy my bills as soon as I receive the money. This is not a
country for a man to live in who is fond of this world, when
every year he must run the risk of being seized with this
vile fever, and hurried away before he has time to look
about him, whichl I think must be a melancholy consideration to a man in good circumstances, that has a family of
children he wishes to see brought up. Poor Mr. Hamilton
A*




10
has left two sons, and his wife is so ill of the fever, that it
is thought she can't get over it.  JTasper MciCll, Captain
Atwood's wife, and Dr. Kearslcy's wife, have all died this
week.  MIr. Currie is ill, but there is some hope of his recovery.
Ilemorandum, September 5th, 1747, IMr. Claypoole got a
bill of exchange of Allen & Turner, for ~200, anl cnclosed
it in the above.
JOIIN SWIFT TO JOTIN AWHITE, AT TIIE PENN A COF'FE1E
IIOUSE, LONDON.
PhUi(adejli7)a, September 20th7, 1747.
DEAR UNCLE: —The news I have to send you from this
pltaee, is as follows: a Spanish privateer, of ten guns, tookl
last week eight vessels belonging to this place, and three
tO) Virginia; she caine to an anchor in the Bay. The yellow
fever still rages very violently in town, young Saimuel Powel
died of it this day.
JOIIN SWIFT TO JOHIN WHITE, LONDON.
Philadel)hia, November 29th, 1747.
DEAR UNCLE: —I have sent Mr. Bedford two kegs of
pickles and two to 3Ir. Williams.  The success the Spanish
privateers had upon our coasts last summer, has much
alarmed the inhabitants of this town, and a pamphlet published here a few days ago, setting forth the miserable calamities that may befall us, if something is not done for our
secur'ity against next spring, has raised a military spirit
anionl st the people.  Yesterday there was a grand meeting
of all ranks and conditions at Whitfield building, where they
signed an association for forming themselves into a militia




11
for the defence of the city.  And there is to be a lottery
set on foot immediately, to raise money towards fitting oat a
vessel, to protect the trade.  And a petition will be pre —
sented to our worthy Assembly, (who are now sitting),
praying them to take it into their consideration, and do
something for the common security. I have sent you the
pamphlet and a copy of the association, and three papers
relating to the Quakers' principles of not defending themselves, which have been of great service to some of them,
and convinced them that they have been in a mistake about
that matter.  Edmunson  is acknowledged to have been
a great man amongst them.
As the London gentlemen volunteers have no use for their
fire-arms, now the rebellion is over, I suppose some of them
will be disposed of at a reasonable rate.  In that case I
should be glad if you would send me one, as I am bound in
reason, duty and honor, to have one of some kind or other,
and my fowling-piece has no bayonet to it.  I can sell it
when I leave the country.
JOIIN SWIFT TO GROSVENOR BEDFORD, ESQ., AT TIIE
GENERAL EXCISE OFFICE, LONDON.
Philadlell)hia, March 22d, 1747.
DEAR FRIEND: —I congratulate you upon the acquisition
of a son, (may he be a good one,) and that Providence has
not suffered any loss to befall you but what may be retrieved.
I have had a loss in a lottery as well as you, though not a
very handsome one. If you incline to drink any more, please
to let it be to my safe return to you, because that is what I
wish for most. As my manner of living here, or to speak more
properly, spending time, is new to you, I will give you somne
account of it.  Know, then, that I lodge at the house of




12
Mr. Robert Ellis, whose wife is a cheerful, discreet, good
sort of woman, and though not young, yet still remembers
that she has been so, and therefore we agree very well; and
there are three young ladies in the house, one of which happens to be a widow, so that we have a variety of conditions.
But I am giving you a history of a whole family instead of
my own, though so far was necessary to my design, because
it is in this family that a great part of my time is past;
all my nights, many of my evenings, and the time it takes
me to breakfast and dine. My days I spend in giving my
attendance on a place I call my store, but it is to very little
purpose of late, that I am almost tired of it.  I sometimes
of an evening go to a club made up mostly of sober, staid
elderly gentlemen, who have had their day, and seen the
folly of it, and are now satisfied with as much wine as they
can drink by eleven o'clock. A bumper is never proposed,
but upon some very extraordinary occasion, which I think
has never happened since I have been in the country. Do'n't
you think they are very discreet people? But I have not
philosophy to be governed altogether by the example of
others. I always find an inclination in myself for one bumper at least, and indulge myself in it, when I am in company that have a relish for it, which sometimes happens;
but this is a very sober town, and I am prodigiously afraid
of getting an ill name, and am therefore much upon my
guard.  I sent you by the widow Captain Whyte, a small
keg of mangos and one of peaches, and some terrapins,
which I hope you will receive. I am ashamed that I have
not yet got the rattlesnakes to send you, but indeed I have
done all I could to get them but have not been able to do
it. I expect you will say I am a right American, but do n't
be angry.




13
EDWARD SHIPPEN (CH. J.) TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN (COL.)
London, Feb. 25th, 1748.
DEiAR JoE:-Yours per Child I received, and am pleased
with its contents. I hope you will never neglect any opportunity of writing, and expect that you will from time to
time acquaint me with every thing worth noticing which occurs. You desire that I should give you a particular account
of my voyage; which I shall do with the greatest pleasure,
though the narration may not be altogether so agreeable as
you could wish. For eight days after we left the capes, we
had as fine winds and pleasant weather as one could possibly
desire; in which time we had run to the outermost part of
the Banks of Newfoundland, something above a third part
of our passage; the eighth night, about nine o'clock, we had
a storm come on from the north-west so suddenly, that we
could not possibly get our sails furled time enough to prevent the violence of the wind from tearing our mainsail and
foresail all to pieces. The maintop yard was lowered and
the sail furled, but the fury of the wind drove the yard from
its proper place quite up to the head of the maintopmast,
blew the sail loose, and made it stand abroad like a vane.
We continued in this situation for about an hour, without
any further damage, when the gale increased to such a degree, that we could not by any means keep the ship before
the wind, but she violently broached to, and we must have
inevitably gone to the bottom, had not the captain very seasonably cut away the mizenmast, which brought her to
rights. Some time after this, the wind raged still more,
and obliged the ship, notwithstanding the loss of our mizenmast, to broach to a second time. And now, we had lost all
hopes, and thought that nothing less than a miracle could




14
save us from  the impending ruin.  The ship lay on her
bearm-ends, so that one could sit strait up on her side, and
we expected every moment to perish.  The sailors were so
disheartened that they would not work a stroke, but quitted
the deck, every man but one, and retired to their cabins to
pray.  After laying some time in this melancholy posture,
we had the good fortune to have our maintopmast, with
the head of our mainmast, blown away; which took away
so much of the power of the wind over us, that we righted
once more, and got before the wind.  And thus we continued, exposed to the mercy of the winds and seas, till about
six o'clock in the morning, when we found the storm something abating, and, in about two hours afterwards, we had
but a very moderate gale. But to have seen the havoc that
was made upon deck, and the miserable plight we were reduced to from the loss of our sails and masts, and the shattered condition of every thing about us, would have made
men of more philosophy than any of us, feel concerned, even
after the abatement of the wind. But, thank God! this
terrible storm was succeeded by three or four days of very
fine weather, which gave us time to mend our sails, and put
ourselves in as good a posture for proceeding with the voyage as could possibly be expected from people in our condition; yet, we thought ourselves so unfit to venture into the
English channel, that we consulted several times whether it
was not most proper to put into Lisbon to refit.  But the
captain's opinion prevailed, that we should stand for the
channel, and put into the first harbor in England, in case
it should be thick or stormy weather.  So we proceeded,
and arrived safe in the Downs the twenty-seventh day
after we left the capes.  We landed at Deal, and took
coaches for London, where we have had the pleasure of con



15
gratulating one another upon our deliverance.  I heartily
wish, dear brother, that you may never meet with any thing
like what I have been relating. You cannot, from reading
this or any description of our calamity, be any sort of a
judge of the horror of it.
Since I have been in London, I have enjoyed a very
good state of health, and have spent some time in seeing
all the curiosities of this populous city, which I shall forbear to particularize at present. The relation will serve to
pass away an hour or two of our winter evenings when we
get together again, if ever it please God to bring about
that happiness.
Give my love to mammy,* and tell her I have her often
in my mind, and wish she could mention any thing that
would be agreeable to her from hence. I should take great
pleasure in supplying her.
Remember me kindly to Uncle Billy and his family, Mr.
Willing and his family, Billy and Jemmy Logan, Tommy
Smith, and all other friends; and, dear Joe, accept my
hearty love to yourself, and believe me, your very loving
and affectionate brother.
JOHN SWIFT TO JOHN WHITE, PENN A COFFEE HOUSE,
LONDON.
Philadelphia, April 12th, 1748.
DEAR UNCLE: —The association for the militia goes on very
well here, there are upwards of eight hundred men in this
city, that bear arms, and are already become pretty expert
* The second wife of Edward Shippen, of Lancaster.




16
in the exercise; and in the province there are near twenty
thousand associators, and more daily coming in. The platform for a battery is begun by the swamp below the Swedes'
church, and we have cannon coming to us from New York,
viz: twelve twelve-pounders, and two eighteen-pounders,
which are to serve till we can be better provided. With
these we shall be able to make some resistance in case of an
attack. There is another lottery going to be set on foot, to
raise six thousand pounds, which is to be applied for defending the city.
JOHN SWIFT TO JOHN WHITE, AT CROYDON) IN SURRY,
ENGLAND.
Philadelphia, July 22d, 1748.
DEAR UNCLE:-We have had an account of a cessation of
arms between England and France, which I hope will be the
forerunner of a peace, but I fear it will not be a very advantageous one for the English.  The giving up of Cape
Breton will be a great mortification to the people of New
England, and indeed to all North America.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO JAMES LOGAN.
Philadelphia, Nov. 26th, 1748.
HION'D SIR:-I was going on Thursday afternoon to write
to you, to tell you that I had given the Governor your
congratulations, in the most affectionate manner I could express myself, which was but doing you justice, and that




17
there was no reason in the world to imagine that there would
be a general * * * * * But, on his asking me if he
could not steal a visit to you before he went to New Castle,
I thought it better he should give you the first account of
present affairs. England is a most debauched place.  If
the weather permits he will see you this afternoon; if not,
you must excuse him till his return from the lower counties.
EDWARD SHIPPEN (CH. J.) TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
London, Jan. 23d, 1749.
DEAR AND HON'D SIR: —With regard to a journeyman
from a sugar-house, I am afraid it will be difficult to procure one to go over, for a man who understands the business well, can get ~50 stg. per an. in London, and an indifferent hand would not, I suppose, suit your purpose.
I have, according to your desire, visited Mr. Rich'd Penn,
who made me very welcome, and yesterday I had the honor
of dining with him.
I shall send mammy the Mantua silk per Mesnard, who
sails in a month. You will find that article is very high,
the ships from India not having brought any this fall, so
that silk has risen 25 to 30 per cent. within these three
months.
I am sorry that I have to inform you that I am disappointed in my expectations of being called to the Bar at this
term: the occasion of it, I could not possibly prevent.
Every student, before he comes to the Bar, is obliged to
perform six vacation exercises, three candlelight exercises,
and two new-inn exercises; which he is not allowed to do




alone, but must be joined with another student. I had
calculated matters so as to have performed them all before
the end of this term; but, unluckily for me, the gentleman who was my companion in the exercises, having
some engagements in the country, could not attend at
the time appointed for the performance of one of the vacation exercises, which obliged me to defer that duty until
next vacation. So that it will be Easter Term before I
can be possibly called, unless I consent to compound for
vacation exercises, which would cost me near twenty
pounds. I know, sir, that you expect me to leave England in March or February, which makes me at a loss
how to act. But I am reduced to the necessity of either
returning home without being made a barrister, and so
making all my expenses at the Temple useless, or of prolonging my stay in England two or three months,  The
former, I am sensible, would not be so agreeable to you,
and, since I have gone so far at the Temple, I believe
I must stay and see it out, and depend on your goodness
to send me about ~30 upon my coming away. According to my calculation, that amount, together with the money
you have already favored me with, and the ~20 you order
Storke to let me have, will suffice, with frugality, to maintain me till my departure and defray the expenses of my
being called to the bar. All that I shall then want further
will be some ~30 or ~40 for my gown and tie-wig, a suit of
clothes, my sea-stores and passage. Easter Term is in May,
but I cannot take the oaths until about the middle of June;
after which I shall leave in the first vessel. In the meantime, I hope you will furnish me with the money necessary
to complete my affairs with advantage, and to quit England
with credit.




19
I mentioned in my last, that Mr. Leybourne had desired
his nephew, Mr. Taylor, in Lisbon, to send you some of his
best vine-cuttings, with directions about planting them. He
is now advised that they were shipt to you in the " Entwistle," Capt. Smith, from Lisbon to Phil'a. I hope they will
get safe to hand, and in good time.
JOHN SWIFT TO GROSVENOR BEDFORD, ESQ., GENERAL
EXCISE OFFICE, LONDON.
April 27th, 1749.
DEAR SIR: —Your writing to me when in so painful a
condition, is an unquestionable proof of your good nature
and sincerity.  I am very sorry to hear of your being so
often visited by that vile, troublesome gout, and sincerely
wish you could fall upon some method to get clear of it, before it is too strongly fixed upon your constitution. Why
should you be placed in such a manner, when there are
people enough in the world that are much better able to
bear it than you are? Drinking tar water is found in this
part of the world to be a remedy against it, I have heard of
several that have kept it off by that means, particularly one
Mr. Alexander, of New York, who used to have it every
year very violently, and since he has used tar water, has
had but very slight fits, and not so often as before.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO COL. SIIIPPEN.
London, August 2d, 1749.
DEAR JOE: —I received your letters via Ireland, and per
Arthur, and perceive the great sympathy you have in every




20
thing that happens to your brother, which, if it were possible, would endear me to you more than ever: your kind
concern on hearing of my danger at sea, and your joy on
my deliverance, are marks of a sincere esteem and regard for
me.  And I am also as sensible of and grateful for mammy's
interesting herself so much in my welfare: I charge you, give
her my sincere thanks.
You tell me you have been to school the last winter, to
improve yourself in Latin and to prepare you for the College. I would take the liberty to press you to pursue learning with a great deal of assiduity. You are now in a time
of life the most proper to lay a foundation for being a man
of consequence. You have nothing to perplex you or take
your mind from study: all the conveniences and blessings
of life are provided for you in great plenty. If ever you
travel, you'll find how men of letters are everywhere respected; you'll see the ascendancy the knowing man has
over the blockhead; you'll have a friend in your learning
which you can never be deprived of, a friend which will
stand by you when all others fail. Be a man of learning,
and you'll be a man of consequence wherever you go. Take
this advice, dear Joe, as from a brother who loves you dearly, and has your future well-being in life greatly at heart.
As I am busy writing several other letters, you'll excuse
this short one from, dear Joe, your loving brother.
CII. J. SIIPPEN TO COL. SHITPPEN.
London, Scptember 14th, 1749.
DEAR JOE:-I have received your acceptable letter of
the 22d July, per Child, enclosing invoice and bill of lading




21
for a box of skins, per Clark, and covering copy of your
favor per that vessel. I am afraid your first adventure will
prove unfortunate, as we have had an account of Clark's
springing aleak and being obliged to put into Rhode Island.
So that possibly the skins may be damaged by the sea; or,
if not, their being kept so long a time packed in the summer season, may be a means of their breeding worms. But,
however, let us hope for the best.
I am extremely pleased to hear of your fondness for books,
and shall take care to furnish you with such as will be of
real service to you; for two-thirds of the books in the world
had much better be burnt than read, as they only serve to
fill the minds of young people with wrong prejudices.
EDWARD SIJIPPEN (CH. J.) TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN (coL.) AT
NASSAU HALL.
Philadelphia, June 13th, 1751.
DEAR BROTHER:-I received yours by the hands of Mr.
Dove, and am thankful for your description of Passaic Falls,
which upon examination I find very accurate, and hope ere
long to have the pleasure of viewing them. I find you make
the perpendicular fall to be but 60 feet, yet it has been generally called 70. But these things are often exaggerated
by travelers, who have a greater itch for telling strange
things, than candor to describe them justly.  I observe you
mention nothing of the rent in the rock, of which I have
frequently heard very pompous accounts. If you remember
anything of that sort, do mention it in your next.
I could wish you would inform me what books you are
reading; I mean in ethics or philosophy. As to logic, it is




22
well enough to make that a small part of your study, but
don't rely much on it. It has misled many, and instead of
aiding in the investigation of truth, has been mostly used to
support the greatest sophistry.  The great Mr. Locke is of
opinion, that syllogism is far from being the usefullest way
of exercising our reasoning faculties: that we can observe
the connection of proofs in their plain and natural order,
much better than in the perplexed repetitions of a number
of syllogisms. But this only by the way, as I would not
have you neglect the schoolmen's knowledge, though you
may never have occasion to use it. It may enable you to
detect falsehood when disguised in syllogism.
I have no news to acquaint you with. Your father is at
Susquehanna. All are well at home, and desire to be remembered. Yesterday died old Mrs. G-ray, your mammy's
aunt.  Remember me to Mr. Burr.*
EDWARD SHIPPEN, OF LANCASTER, TO COL. BURD, AT
SHIPPENSBURG.
Philadelphia, Nov. 8th, 1752.
DEAR MR. BURD:-After speaking of some sheep and
farm affairs, he says:-" Tell Sally, her Aunt Robeson went
off like a lamb. I attended her funeral last night. Captain
Stirlingt arrived yesterday in five weeks from London, but
did not bring over Mr. John Penn as was expected. Mr.
Thomas Penn is certainly to be here next spring, with his
lady and family. Joseyj sets off next Monday for the Col* President of the college.
t m. Mr. Shippen's niece, Miss Willing.  He was afterwards
Sir Walter Stirling, &c.-Burke's Peerage.: Afterwards Col. Shippen.




23
lege. To-morrow all the principal gentlemen of the town
are to drink his majesty's health at Bush Hill; and after
dinner, they are to wait upon the ladies in town, and conduct
them to the State-House to a ball in the Assembly Room,
and after a dance or two all hands are to go up stairs.
EDWARD SHIPPEN (CII. J.) TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philade7phia, September 15th, 1753.
HON'D SIR: —Mr. Allen returned a few days ago from
the sea-side, and has brought Mrs. Allen pretty much in
the same condition he carried her away, in much danger.
We begin to be apprehensive that General Forbes does not
mean to go on with the Expedition, as he talks of not being
able to get wagons, and of laying the fault of the failure of
the expedition to the Province.
Bradstreet, your countryman, has done bravely. Saying
Provincials are worthless troops, won't go down, now; and
the story that the repulse at Cavillon was owing to the
backwardness of the irregulars, won't be believed in England when they hear that an American, with about 3000
Provincials, marched into the very heart of the enemy's
country, and took a fortress which is the very key to all the
French settlements on the Lakes.
EDW' D SHIPPEN TO MIR. AND MRS. BURD, AT SHIPPENSBURG.
Lancaster, Sept. 24th, 1753.
DEAR CHILDREN:-I hope to find myself better in the




24
imorning, so as to be fit for traveling to Carlisle to the
treaty, as the  Governor cannot attend.   Mr. Weiser*
wrote to me yesterday, that he expected Mr. Peters to
be at his house to-night, by a letter which the Governor
had sent him.  But Mr. James Foley says, that Messrs.
Isaac Norris, the Speaker of the Assembly, Richard
Peters, and Benjamin Franklin, were appointed to go to
Carlisle, and that they said they should be here this
evening. MIr. Weiser hopes to have my company at the
treaty; but as the Governor thought I should be setting
out for Ncwark,t he did not write, lest it should baulk me,
but waited for my return until yesterday's express. I, however, had outrun my time.  If I am well, and Mr. Peters
presses me to go, I shall not refuse; and, even if I don't
see him, I don't know but that I may go, for, without vanity, I imagine I may be very useful on that important occasion.
If I should build a mill, or mills, at Shippensburg, I shall
let you have the management and benefit of it, or them, until further orders, or until I should live there, which may
not be impossible. Yet don't hint such a word for the
world. If I were ever to set up a grist-mill, I could not
bear the thoughts of paying through the nose to Findley
for joists and boards; so I think I had better erect a sawmill, without a cover, first of all, which will work for itself
and the grist-mill too, and the same dam and race will answer for both mills.  If there should be but water enough
* Col. Conrad Weiser, so well and deservedly known in the provincial history of Pennsylvania. For an extended notice of him,
see History of Berks and Lebanon, by J. Daniel Rupp; (Lancaster,
1844), p. 195, et. seq.; also p. 40, -c.
t Mr. Shippen took an active interest in the removal of "the
College of New Jersey," from Newark to Princeton.




25
for one at a time, I am for going on with the project, so I
can only see my way clear. Perhaps Ben. Chambers can
build saw-mills as well as any rman; but I intend soon,
please God, to consult Moses Dickey, who lives near John
Harris. I would have an overshot wheel. It is only going
to a little more expense in the race, and then at the end of
it to place troughs about 100 feet long.  As you go along
the road to Virginia, you may take notice of Ben. Chambers' saw-mill, where he does without any dam at all: a
glorious thing! formed by nature.
I am, with love to yourselves and the ducky children,
your loving father.
P. S. —Since the above, MIr. Peters came here, and I shall
carry this letter to Carlisle.
EDW D SHIPPEN TO IIIS SON EDWARD (CII. J.) AT PHILAD'A.
Lancaster, Mllarch 20th, 1754.
MY DEAR SON: —My son Joe and myself get up every
morning at about sunrise, having  prepared over night
some dry hickory for a good fire.  We then sit close to
our business till 9 o'clock, and find we can do more in
that time than all the rest of the day, as we are afterwards often interrupted.  Neither do we receive visits,
nor return any, until it is near sunset, and we eat so
moderately, without tasting a drop of strong liquor, that
the whole day seems like a long morning to us; and if a
best friend should happen to come to saunter away an hour
or two with us, we make it a fixed rule plainly to tell him
that we are so engaged that we cannot possibly wait upon
him. And then, that we may be sufficiently refreshed with
B




sleep, we have agreed upon ten o'clock at night for going to
bed; and so, after eating a light supper, and drinking a little wine, we lay ourselves down with light stomachs, cool
heads, and quiet consciences. Now this practice I most
affectionately recommend to you. Your promotion and happiness in this vexatious world will depend principally upon
your own conduct, and the more the world sees you are able
to do for yourself, the more ready it will be to offer you its
best services. It is too common a thing for young men,
when they first appear upon the stage of action, to aim at
grandeur and politeness. They delight to see their friends
(often falsely so called) frequently at their houses, and to
entertain them in a genteel manner. The friends are pleased
with this, and bring other acquaintances with them to dine,
&c. Then afterwards they sit at table two or three hours,
tippling of wine and punch, which, rendering the company
unfit for any business, a walk to the bowling-green, or to the
billiard-table, is proposed and consented to, and on their return from thence in the evening, instead of being calm and
cool, and having the pleasure of reflecting upon a well-spent
day, either for the advantage of their family or the public,
or both, they are become so stupid that they don't know
what to do with themselves, but either go to tavern or to
one or other of their houses, to drink away care till the clock
strikes twelve; and then being quite devils and quite beasts,
they stagger away home to snore and groan by the sides of
their poor innocent young wives, who deserve ten thousand
better things at their hands. And all this after the poor
young things have been moping at home and bemoaning
themselves of their hard fate, and crying out a hundred
times in an evening-" Well, if these be the pleasures of
matrimony, would to heaven we had remained under our




27
parents' roofs 1"  But to return. When they have wallowed
in their beds till about eleven o'clock next morning, then
they raise their unclean bodies in order to act the same part
over again. Can any rational creature excuse such a behaviour to God, his wife and family, or even to himself?
Will not the practice of these things bring a man into contempt, and soon reduce him to penury and want, by destroying his constitution, and of course his capacity for his employment? A young married man should be very diligent,
frugal, and careful, that he may not only be able to always
support himself, his wife, and a houseful of children, but
also to lay up a hundred or two pounds for every one of them
when they go out into the wide, wide world. Young folks
ought never to begin where their industrious, saving parents
left off. I have almost gone through the world, and have
gained a little experience by my own mistakes and blunders,
having had no friends to advise me, as you and your brother
and sister have; and therefore I hope you will all three of
you be always ready and willing to obey my instructions.
You are not able to conceive, without great consideration,
the unspeakable advantage of having a bosom friend, who
always has and always will make your happiness his study;
and, whilst others will behave and speak to you as suits their
interests, he will never tell you anything but the truth.
But of counsel, as valuable as this is, you are soon to be deprived; for, according to the course of nature, I cannot stay
long here, even if I lived beyond the usual age of a man.
However, we must all wait till the change comes; and were
I sure it was very near at hand, I hope it would not be,
grievous but joyous; and, as I know that I then must hold
up my hand at the bar of God, I am resolved, by Divine
assistance, to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.




28
But I have made a digression. I am not able to express
the great anxiety with which I have supported and educated
my children; so I say no more on that head. Avoid what
the world calls pleasure. Pleasure is only for crowned heads,
and the great, who have their incomes, sleeping and waking.
But young men, who are just beginning the world, ought to
shudder at the thought of spending their youthful days in
idleness. Not that I would refuse young people innocent
diversons, provided they are well timed and not too frequent.
If you seek pleasure, you will find it in temperance and sobriety, charity and virtue, and in the diligent and honest
pursuits of your concerns. Will it not yield a man the
greatest satisfaction in the evening, to think he has been
closely employed all day for the support of the friend of
his bosom and his little babes, all hovering about him?
How sweet and refreshing is it for man and wife often to
spend their evenings together at home, without any othei
company? For my own part, rather than be deprived by
my very best friends of such a pleasure sometimes, I should
choose to retire into our chambers, so that even our own servants should not know where to find us out. But I have
not done with our own method of husbanding our precious
time. Go to your cousin Allen. Opulent as he is, you will
find him up early, and busily employed until coffee-house
hours; and, when he invites any number of gentlemen to
dinner, (which he can so well afford,) he soon desires the
favor of being excused firom drinking, and this without
blushing. Visit Mr. Francis, Mr. Turner, Mr. Willing, and
other temperate, industrious gentlemen,-I mean in the day
time,-and you will presently see by their countenances that
they would rather have your room than your company. I
desire you will never go a fishing to the capes or any other




29
dangerous place, nor keep company with any ruinous set of
companions.
Remember, if a man should spend 3s. in liquor, necessarily
or otherwise, in his own house, every day, and 3s. 6d. at
club every night, and ~3 at the assembly, and ~4 per annum
for the concert, it will require ~125 12s. 6d. to support such
proceedings. And remember, if a man rises from the breakfast table at eleven, dines alone and sits till three, goes to the
coffee-house at the end of the day; I say, if a man is guilty
of such practices, then he will only have three hours a day
for his business, and no time at all for his studies.
This letter I write, God knows, with my heart full of love
and affection, for your instruction as far as you may stand in
need of it; and I desire you will lock it up in your drawer,
for my sake. I have a copy in my own hand-writing, which
I shall keep. Consider! Consider it; and may God b'ess
and preserve you, for Jesus Christ's sake.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO DR. WM. SHIPPEN.
Lancaster, March 27th, 1754.
DEAR DOCTOR:-Yesterday I was favored with yours of
the 13th of February, perfumed with drugs and herbs as if
it had been an apothecary's advertisement, just taken out of
a box newly arrived from England. And to-day at one
o'clock, I received yours of the 25th instant, enclosing a
deed for me to sign, for the benefit of poor Joe; and, if it
had not been to serve a brother; I will assure him I would
not have done it to alienate the one foot whereon his kitchen
stands.




30
I have not had a good opportunity since the last adjournment of our assembly, to speak with any of our members
except Cowpland Cowper, (a friend,) about their not allowing a handsome salary to the King's attorney. I fancy it is
the man that stands in the way, and that they would be glad
for an opportunity to say to one another-' Come, since his'Honor, the Governor, has appointed to that high station' of prosecuting for the Crown, a young gentleman born among'us, and educated at the Inn's Court, let us, for his encourage-'ment, vote him an hundred pounds sterling per annum.'
Neddy tells me that Mr. Francis would resign to him immediately, if he would accept the commission; nay, he is
amazed he should hesitate a moment about it, even should
he never get a salary. I believe Mr. Allen has the matter under consideration.  We all think that now is the
time for the change, for if the new Governor should
favor us with a commission, yet we would rather be
obliged to the Hon. James Hamilton for it; and if the
clerk's place of the Supreme Court should fall to Johnny
Lawrence's share, his mouth would be quite made up,
considering he is Clerk of the Quarter Sessions already;
and these things would be so pleasing to Mr. Lawrence's
family, that they would not be so jealous of Neddy's running away with too many favors from Mr. Francis.  I don't
suppose that when Mr. Francis did all the business, he
received more than one hundred pounds a year for all the
Courts in the Province.  He has more influence on the
Speaker than any man in the world. Messrs. John and
James Wright are also his great favorites; and as to
Bennie Franklin, Esq., if he did but know how MIr. Allen
stands affected to Ned, he would for a weighty reason turn
some wheel to get a salary fixed upon the officer before




31
mentioned. However, I am in hopes there will be a harmony between the Governor and the Assembly, at the next
Convention, and if our friends should advise Ned to accept
of the commission before mentioned, perhaps a petition for
an allowance to the King's attorney may be encouraged.
JOSEPH SIIIPPEN (COL.) TO JAMIES BURD (COL.) AT SHIPPENSBURG.
Lantcaster, April 2d, 1754.
DEAR BROTIHER:-In the course of my reading I happened, the other day, to meet with a very beautiful poem,
entitled " The IHop-Garden,"* lately composed by the ingenious 3Ir. Smart; from which I collected the substance of
what he says with regard to the raising of hops; which,
I think, very good, so I have, therefore, now enclosed
them  to you, that they may not lay eternally buried in
theory, (as many excellent mechanical and other inventions
do,) without being reduced to practice, especially as I am
sensible you have not been negligent in exercising your
thoughts on the rational science of agriculture. I hope you
will excuse my presumption in giving you any rules on this
head, since I don't pretend to even a smattering knowledge
of husbandry. Indeed, I acknowledge myself an entire novice in it. However, this confession won't debar me from
being Mr. Smart's amanuensis.
The other day there was a rumor throughout the city of
Philadelphia of a French war, and it filled up the whole conversation of the town for a day or two, when it was ridiculed
* The Hop-Garden, an English Georgic, &c., by Christopher
Smart. London, 1752.




32
as false, the report being occasioned by the arrival of one of
his majesty's ships at New York.  However, it is imagined
she may have brought some instructions relating to the
French encroachments upon our frontiers. But of this, I
suppose, we shall be satisfied soon.
The Freemasons in Philadelphia are now erecting in Second street, somewhere behind Billy Logan's new house, a
noble and spacious building for their Lodge, which they will
so contrive as to serve the purpose of a fine assembly room;
and they intend to receive a rent per annum for that use
of it.
CHARLES THOMSON TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN, JR., (COL.)
Philadelphia, January 31st, 1755.
DEAR SIR:-Were I to give you, for news, the conjectures with which our town now abounds, I might fill a
sheet; I shall therefore confine myself to truth.
We have had Mr. Shirley here for some time, recruiting.
He has got pretty near one hundred men.  On Sunday or
Monday, they are to be shipped off for Boston or Rhode
Island. The Lieutenant Colonels Mercer and Elisson, left
town Tuesday.
WTe have now in town several officers, among which I
hear is the Commissary General.
Our accounts from Boston are various, none certainly to
be depended on, except that they seem intent on something
of importance.  Letters from London, advise that the affairs
of the colonies are under the consideration of the parliament; that the union of the colonies has for some time
been deliberated on, and'tis thought will soon be brought




33
to bear, an event much to be desired, since it effectually
will secure us from the insults of our haughty aspiring
neighbors, the French, and make our security independent
of the fickle humor of our Indian allies.
Whatever news occurs worth mentioning, you may expect
in my next, in the mean time, let' me conclude with assuring you,
I am, with much esteem, your hearty
well-wisher and humble servant,
CHARLES THOMISON.*
P. S.-Please to make my compliments to Mr. and Mrs.
Shippen.
I should be glad you would inform Mr. Shippen, that as
the five years for which the subscriptions were made to the
academyt are now expired, and as the disbursements have
been great, the trustees desire that the gentlemen who have
subscribed would, as soon as possible, send in to me what
remains due.
In the list of outstandings given to me, is marked: MIr.
Edward Shippen, at ~10, his fourth and fifth payment,
~20.
EDWARD SHIPPEN, (CII. J.,) TO EDWARD SHIPPEN, AT
LANCASTER.
Philade~lfhia, February 21st, 1755.
HON'D SIR: —I was pleasing myself with the thoughts of
your eating some of our fine Rhode Island oysters. I had
prepared a barrel of them to go in Spore's wagon. He told
* Afterwards the Secretary to Congress.
t Since grown into the University of Pennsylvania.-" History
of the University," by Dr. Geo. B. WTood. Pub. by order, &c.




34
Sammy, he should not set off till this afternoon, but, to my
great disappointment, on sending at 8 o'clock this morning,
I found that his, and all the other wagons were gone. I
had also packed up all the books you desired in a little
bundle, to send you by the same opportunity. I believe
the oysters will keep, so they shall remain in the barrel till
the next opportunity. They are the first Rhode Island oysters
we have had this year, or you should not have been without
some so long. But I thought it hardly worth while to send
you our common bay oysters, which have been remarkably
bad this year.
EDWARD SHIPPEN, (CH. J,) TO HIS FATTIER, AT
LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Mlarch 13th, 1755.
HON'D SIR:-YOU desire to know the reason of the Assembly's being called together. You will see, by the papers,
that General Braddock is arrived in Virginia, and our Governor has directions to get the Assembly to cut a road of
one hundred feet from Conogocheague to Will's Creek, for
the troops. The Governor is also to get provisions for the
New England troops, that are to march through the Province. Governor Shirley has raised five thousand men for
a secret expedition. The design has been concealed from
all the world, except the Council and Assembly of Massachusetts Bay, and every member has taken the oath of
secrecy. The New England men are now esteemed the
champions of the American world.
Tommy Willing has still some of the old wine, but no
doubt the best pipes have been culled out.




35
EDWARD SHIPPEN, (CH. J,) TO HIS FATHER; AT
SHIPPENSBURG.
Philadelphia, March 19th, 1755.
IHON'D SIR: —The Governor has laid before the Assembly
a most alarming letter, from General Braddock, which
charges them in strong terms with faction and disaffection,
and assures them, that, as the assigning quarters for the
army is his province, he shall take due care to burthen
those colonies the most, that show the least loyalty to his
Majesty; and lets them know that he is determined to obtain, by unpleasant methods, what it is their duty to contribute with the utmost cheerfulness. The Assembly know
not how to stomach this military address, but'tis thought
it will frighten them into some reasonable measures, as it
must be a vain thing to contend with a General at the head
of an army, though he should act an arbitrary part; especially as in all probability he will be supported in everything at home.
Please to tell Josey that Riley has lost two hundred dollars, by insuring tickets in the lottery. It seems, he insured
but six hundred instead of eight hundred tickets.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN, (CH. J.,) TO HIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 21st, 1755.
HON'D SIR:-Agreeably to your directions, I have sent
you the early peas and a collection of garden seeds, which I
hope will prove to your satisfaction; radish seeds I can get
from  nobody but Duberry.  If the bearer should not set




36
off very early in the morning, I will send some by him,
otherwise, by the next safe hand.
States Morris* has been in the country several days, I
cannot learn when he is to be at Lancaster.
Thomas Riley, who so burnt his fingers with the last lottery, has a scheme to make money by the next, by purchasing the blanks in the first, second and third classes.
Two Commissioners are arrived from Boston, viz: Mr.
Oliver and iMr. Quincy.
LETTER FROIM TILE'COMMISSIONERS TO THE GOVERNTOR OF
PENNSYLVANIA.
Fort Cumberland, April 16th, 1755.
HON'D Sin: —In pursuance of your commission, we set
out on the road from  Carlisle on the 29th of March, and
with the greatest industry reached the waters of the Yohiogain on the 11th inst. We stopped at about eighteen miles
on this side of the forks, and would have proceeded further,
had we not had certain intelligence of great numbers of
French and Indians hunting and scouting, &c. Our Indians
all fled from us: some at Reastown, some on the Alleghany
hills, save one Delaware.
We were very fortunate in finding a good road all the
way, and particularly through the Alleghany hills, considering how mountainous that country is.
From  Barnall's Knob to McDowell's Mill, is about sixty
miles, and, were it not for the interposition of mountains,
* A brother of Lewis and Gouverneur Morris. He went to England and became a M. P. and a Lieut. General in the British army.
He married the Duchess of Gordon. See Sabine's Loyalists, s. v.
Wilkins.




37
would not be so far by ten or fifteen miles. The expense
of making a road thirteen feet wide, in the principal places
twenty feet, will be about eight hundred pounds.
Last Satorday evening we came to the camp, and were
kindly received by the officers, particularly Captain Rutherford.  We waited for Sir John's coming to the camp, from
the road towards Winchester.  He came this day at three.o'clock, but treated us in a very disagreeable manner.  He
is extremely warm and angry at our Province.  He would
not look at our draughts, nor suffer any representations to
be made to him, in regard to our Province, but stormed like
a lion rampant. He said our commission to lay out the
roads should have issued in January last, upon the receipt
of his first letter, that it is now mere doing of nothing;
that the troops must march on the 1st of May; that the
want of this road, and of the provisions promised by the
Pennsylvanians, has retarded the expedition, which may
cost them their lives, because of the fresh numbers of
French which are like to be suddenly poured into the
country; that, instead of marching to the Ohio, he would,
in nine days, march his army into Cumberland county, to
cut roads, press wagons, horses, &c.; that he would not
allow a soldier to handle an axe, but would, by the sword,
compel the inhabitants to do it, and take every man that
refused, to the Ohio; that yesterday he told some of the
Virginians, that he would kill all kinds of cattle, carry
away horses, burn houses, &c., and that if the French defeated them in consequence of the delays of this Province,
he would, with his sword drawn, pass through it, and treat
the inhabitants as traitors to his master; that he would,
to-morrow, write to England by a man-of-war, shake Mr.
Penn's proprictaryship, and represent Pennsylvania as a




38
disaffected province; that he would not hesitate to impress*
our Assembly, for his hands were not tied, and that we
should find. He ordered us to take notice of these warnings, and instantly to publish them to our Gover.or and Assembly, and tell them he did not value anything they did,
seeing that they were dilatory, and retarded the march of
the troops.t  He told us to go to the General if we pleased,
who would give us ten bad words, where he had given us
one.
At length he allowed us to speak, which we did in favor
of the Province, to the best of our ability.  Capt. Rutherford and Col. Ennis assisted us. All in vain. Our delays
were unpardonable. He said he would do our duty for us
himself, and never trust to us, but that we should pay
dearly for it. To every sentence he solemnly swore, and
desired that we would believe him to be in earnest.
In these circumstances, Sir, and especially as we have
not yet run the camp-road, we cannot send you a draught,
but thought it best to send forthwith this express, that
your Honor might take the most speedy measures for opening the road. In the meantime, we have taken the liberty
of writing to the representatives of our county, to inquire
whether the Assembly had made provision for opening the
road, and in such case, to encourage the people to set about
it immediately; also, to send the flour without delay to the
mouth of the Connogocheague, as being the only thing left
to avert the mischiefs threatened by Sir John.  We acquainted Capt. Rutherford with our design, who highly approved of it.
* For soldiers.
t I omit Sir John's Hudibrastic expression, which, though rendered classic by the genius of Butler, is still forbidden to ears and
eyes polite.




39
We expect to be at home in six days.  Please to excuse
the blunders of this letter, written, as it is, after one o'clock
at night.
We are, Sir,
Your most obed't and humble servants,
GEORGE CROGHAN,
JAMES BURD,
WILLIAM BUCHANAN.
ADAM  HIOOPES.*
REV. RICHARD PETERS TO JAS. BURD, (COL.,) AT SIDELING
HILL, ON THE NEW PROVINCIAL ROAD.
Mr. Maxwell's, May 27th, 1755.
SIR:-I laid down the road you are opening, to the Generalt and Sir John St. Clair, and they all mightily approve of
it. The General, in particular, expressed his acknowledgments to you and the workmen, and said that he would not
march one foot to the northward, until you came up to him,
and assured him of a good wagon-road to the Yhioagany, he
would, I might depend upon it, stay until this road was
finished at or near the place of its intersection with the
road of the army from Wills' Creek to Monongahela mouth.
It is a road of the utmost consequence, as he expects his
provisions by this road, and has ordered a magazine of stores
to be laid in at Shippensburgh, and to be carried to him in
July through this road.
* On the 19th of April, 3 days after date of foregoing, Col. Burd,
Mr. Buchanan and AMr. Hoopes, issued " an advertisement," offering
large pay for laborers on the roads laid out in Cumberland county,
to the Yoyhiogain, and camp at Will's creek.
t Braddock.




40
You are not to proceed on the road to the camp at'Wills'
Creek now, but make all despatch possible with this road to
the Crowfoot or Yhiogany. In case of any danger when
you are over the Alleghany hills, apply by express to the
General; and, whether danger or no, as soon as you are
over the Alleghany hills, send an express to him with the
news, tell him your numbers, any accidents that may have
happened, and the time when you think you shall meet him.
Do me the honor to write me an account of your progress,
and Mr. Maxwell, or others in this neighborhood, will get
it to my hands. The General, the officers, the whole army
place their account on this road, and the offsets that may
be made from it. I alm, &c., &c.
This work will redound to your glory, and the advantage
of Shippensburgh.
It is the General's orders that the road be brought up to
the very place through which the army passes to the fort,
on the Ohio; but as you approach him within ten, fifteen,
twenty, or thirty miles, he will, on your application, cover
you and assist you likewise. You will be pleased to make
the road good and easy for wagons, in every low, stony, or
hilly place. Twenty feet wide is enough in any place, and
fifteen where it is very difficult. The change from thirty
to twenty feet was judged right and reasonable.
SECRETARY PETERS TO COL. BURD AND THE COMMISSIONERS
AT THE NEW ROAD.
Philadelphia, June 19th, 1755.
SIR: —I have the favor of yours. To-day is the fast-day.
To-morrow Mr. Armstrong (the Assembly man,) will be




41
dispatched by the Assembly, and, I make no doubt, will
bring a sufficient sum of money with him to buy the necessary provisions. So keep up your spirits, and I hope your
provisions will not fail hereafter.
Your conduct is agreeable, and deserves our thanks.
I am, Sir,
Your affectionate, humble, &c.
The Governor says be will come to you, as soon as the
Assembly rises.
ROBERT H. MORRIS, GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO COL.
JAMES BURD, CUMBERLAND CO.
Philadelphia, Jul#y 3d, 1755.
SIR:-I have, by this post, the honor of a letter from
General Braddock, who desires,'that as it is not pefectly'understood in what part your road is to communicate'through that to which he is now proceeding to Fort Du-'quesne, this may be immediately settled by me: and an'express sent after him, with the most exact description of'it, that there may be no mistake in a matter of so much'importance.' I could have wished the General had enquired this of you by a special messenger, but as he has
thought proper to write to me upon the subject, I must
refer him to your judgment, not being able to fdrm any of
my own, for want of information. I took it for granted, by
the reports that the Commissioners made on their return
from examining the country, and laying out a road to Mononghiale, in the most convenient places that the waters and
mountains would admit,'that such road must pass by the'Turkey Fork, or three Forks of Yohiogany, and that there




42'could be no road got to the northward.' If I am right in
this, then it should seem to me that as the General's road
passes through to the Great Crossings of Yohiogany, which
is but three miles from the junction of the three branches
that form the Turkey Fork, the place where the two roads
can best meet is at the Great Crossings, and that you must
open and clear your road so far as that water. But if I am
mistaken, and your own experience can find a better place,
then, after consulting with all the persons of judgment
along with you, you are to name some other place to the
General, and give him a draught and oral description of it,
and send it to him  by express, for which purpose I have
wrote a letter to Captain Hog, to dispatch away one of his
officers, who may at the same time give a verbal account to
the General, and explain all matters that may remain doubtful, or want explanation. I approve of your maintaining
the General's detachment, and hope you make everything
as agreeable to Captain Hog and his officers, as the place
you are in will allow.
The Commissioners have a discretionary power in all
matters respecting either the price of wagons or provisions,
which I must desire they will make use of in such a manner
as that there may be no loss or hindrance to the King's
business, or to the clearing of the road, which I expect will
be finished time enough for it to be used by the army as a
road of communication between it and this Province.  And
you will likewise take care that the Province be not imposed upon by unreasonable and extravagant bills. I propose to be at Shippensburg next week, and there you may
write to me on any subject, in which you shall think my
advice and acquaintance necessary. Pray, consult together
immediately, and let the General be informed by express,




43
with all possible expedition, of the place where you will
enter into his road, with draughts and an exact description,
and be sure mention the time that you think you shall be
there, to the General.
Sir, your most humble servant,
ROBERT H. MORRIS.
RICHARD PETERS, (SECRETARY,) TO COL. JAMES B3URD,
CUMBERLAND CO.
Pirilade(phfia, July 3d, 1755.
SIR:-Yours, of the 19th ultimo, came by the post
yesterday, and, as twelve days have intervened, it is hoped
that the price of wagons is fixed to mutual satisfaction, and
that you are well provided with all necessaries, and not far
from the general road; the Commissioners surely have in
themselves the power of giving reasonable prices as well for
wagons as for provisions, and will take care that none go
from them for want of paying, or agreeing to pay them an
higher price if it cannot be done for less. The work must
be finished at all events, and if one price is objected to
another must be fixed on, so that there be no obstruction to
the work. It proves, indeed, heavier than was at first
imagined, but what then? It is not the less necessary on
that account, and as you have had more trouble and are
likely to have the weight of all upon you, I am instructed
to tell you that all reasonable expenses will be paid, and
all moneys or victuals, or necessaries advanced, will be
honorably allowed for. Public faith will not admit of any
one doubting this.
The Commissioners will, I am sure, from the method




44
taken when I was there, be always able to certify, at the
foot of each account, the quantity and quality of everything
used, and Joseph Armstrong or John Smith, or whoever
has made the contract, will likewise certify it; and when
this is done, who can doubt but all will be paid to entire
satisfaction.  On all differences about this, the  Commissioners (to whom the work is committed,) must be
judges, and take effectual care that the best be done that
the nature of the case will admit of, but always so as that
no obstruction be put to the finishing the road. The General desires the Governor will send an express to him, to
settle the exact place where your road is to come into the
general road.  Now this cannot well be done by the Governor, at this distance, he therefore writes to you on this subject. I take it that your intentions are to carry the road to
the Turkey Fork, or Forks of Yohiogany, where there are
three branches. I am told that the General's road passes
within three miles of these branches, and if so, it should
seem best to carry the road over one of these branches to
the General's road.  But as that part of the country is
entirely unknown to us, it is judged proper that one of the
officers, on receipt of the Governor's letters, go to the General's with your account of the place, where our road may
be brought to intersect the road taken by him. I believe
the Province will not scruple to pay for the provisions
necessary to support the escort, and think you did well to
undertake it till further order. I shall be always ready to
do justice to the zeal and industry with which you have
prosecuted this necessary work. I have not heard a word
from Mr. Samuel Smith, or Mr. Joseph Armstrong, or Mr.
John Smith, of any obstruction or difficulty, either in point
of wagonage or provisions, or whiskey, whence I am con



45
firmed in my opinion that all is well hitherto. I am the
friend and well-wisher of the Commissioners, to whom this
is written, as well as to you.
(AN EXACT COPY OF TIIE PRINTED PAPERS, LETTERS, &C.)*
Pennsylvania, July 7th, 1755.
Last night arrived here from Halifax, (via Boston,) in
fourteen days, and proceeded this morn to General Braddock; by him we have the following important intelligence,
viz:
Boston, Jane 30th.
On Tuesday last, arrived here, Major Bourne, who left
the English camp, near Chigneck, the 18th instant, charged
with dispatches from the Honorable Col. Monckton, to his
Excellency, Gov. Shirley, and brings the agreeable news,
that on the first day of this inst., in the evening, his Excellency, Gov. Shirley's two regiments arrived at Chigneck,
in the Bay of Fundy, and on the 2d, landed and joined his
Majesty's regular forces there, near Fort Lawrence; that
the English troops marched the 4th, and invested the
French Fort of Beau S6jour, (now called Fort Cumberland,)
in the evening, and in their way took possession of Fort
du Buott, where the French had a battery of four small
pieces of cannon, &c., block-house, and had posted four hundred men to oppose their passage, who soon returned, when
closely attacked, and left their block-house and the sundry
adjacent houses in flames. Our forces began bombarding
the French Fort from batteries, advanced within five hun* It appears to have been a copy made for his father by Ch. J.
Shippen, from letters, broadsides, &c., received in Philadelphia.




46
dred yards of it on the 13th, which, by a continued firing,
obliged the French to surrender before our batteries were
finished, on the 16th inst.  The fort is a regular built pentagon, with 26 pieces of cannon, mounted chiefly of twelve,
nine and six-pounders, and one ten-inch mortar, was garrisoned by one hundred and fifty regular troops, and four
hundred peasants, commanded by MIons. du Chamleon,* was
plentifully furnished with provisions, as well as all other
kind of stores; the regular troops are to be transported to
Louisbourg, and under a prohibition of bearing arms in
North America for six months.  The fort the French had
on the side of the bay, where they had requested the same
terms of capitulation, and Col. Winslow marched with five
hundred men the same morning that Major Bourne came
away, in order to take possession of it, and that the [troops]
were soon to sail for St. John's river, where it is not doubted
they would have the like success.
Extract of a letter from an ofcer in our army, in Nova Scotia, from
the camp before Beau S jour.
Junze 11th, 1755.
We had a very pleasant passage of four days, from Boston to Annapolis, where we all arrived safe on Monday, 6th
of May.  We remained there till Sunday, the 1st of June,
when we all sailed and got up here the same night, but did
not land till morning.
We were not a little pleased to learn, on our arrival, that
the French had received no reinforcement from Louisburg,
as we heard at Boston, nor were they apprised of our design
till we got here; the troops were quartered, the night we
arrived upon the settlers and inhabitants, and Tuesday even* A mistake. It was De Vergor.-Bancroft, IV. 197.




47
ing, near our fort, which day was employed in preparing
to march to the French side, on the next day. Accordingly,
on the 4th of June, (being the Prince of NWales' birthday,)
at break of day, the troops were under arms, and joined by
all the regulars of our garrison, both officers and soldiers,
except Capt. Hamilton, who was left to command Fort
Lawrence, with whom we left Capt. Brintnal, and about
sixty New England troops. At 7 o'clock, the whole army
being two thousand four hundred and fifty men, marched
with four fold persons in the front. As soon as they arrived at the carrying-place, where was a log house with
some several guns and a detachment of twenty troops, they
fired upon us, which was soon returned, and they driven
from their post, which they set fire to, as they did to all
the houses in their retreat, between them and the French
Fort; and before night almost every house at Beau Sejour,
together with their new large mass houses, the priest's
house, hospital, barns, &c., to the number of about sixty,
were burnt to the ground.  We had only one man killed,
(a Sergeant of our garrison,) and eleven wounded, one of
which is since dead; the French had five or six killed, and
we suppose more, how many wounded we can't tell. Our
troops traversed the ground on their side, and reconnoitered
the fort pretty near without being fired on; their people
were employed in protecting their fort by a glacis and
covered way, as if they did not intend to' surrender without a dispute, but turned their defence chiefly against an
assault, sword in hand, expecting we would storm the garrison, as they did not apprehend we had any artillery except our      *       *      *       *               * 
They have since taken off the roofs of their houses, and
pulled down the chimneys to prevent the ill consequences




48
of our cannonading, as they are now satisfied we have battering cannon and thirteen-inch shells. We have landed
our cannon and mortars, and the troops have been employed
in clearing a road for transporting them to the place where
we designed to open our battery, which we hope will be
effected this night, (within three hundred yards of their
ramparts.)  We had reconnoitering parties frequently out,
within half musket shot of the fort, which they frequently
fired at, but have as yet not hurt us a man. They have in
the fort about one hundred and fifty regulars, and as many
of the inhabitants; the remainder, with the women and
children, are gone off to the Bay Verde and other distant
places. We have not lost one of the men we brought from
New England, either by enemy or sickness, and have only
three slightly wounded; our men are in high spirits, and
perform their fatigues (which are not a few,) with great
cheerfulness.
Fort Cumberlanld, June 18th, 1755.
I have now the pleasure to congratulate you on the surrender of the French Fort, (which we have named as above.)
I have not time to write you the particulars, the Fork and
Bay Verde, and Gasperau, have surrendered upon terms.
Col. Winslow is gone there this morning, to take possession. We have lost but one of our New England troops,
killed on opening the trenches, and about twelve wounded,
who are like to do well. We began to fire some small shells
the 13th, some larger ones the 14th, the 15th with a few
thirteen-inch, and the 16th they desired to capitulate, the
terms being agreed upon. Col. Scot, who commanded in
the trenches, marched in the same evening in one procession, and struck the colors yesterday, the memorable 17th




49
of June, the same day that Louisburg surrendered to us.
The English flag was hoisted and saluted by all the guns in
the fort.  We found twenty cannon, the largest twelvepounders, one ten-inch mortar, plenty of ammunition, and
provisions enough to have held out a long siege. I heartily
wish our army at the south-east may meet with the same
success as we have. I believe there never was so considerable a conquest with so little loss. We had not a man hurt
by all their cannon and shells, and I suppose at a moderate
computation, they fired five hundred shot, and sixty or
eighty shells.
Extract from  Another Letter.
TWe did not expect, by their preparations, they would
have surrendered so soon, and it was chiefly occasioned by
a shell which broke through one of their case-mates, whereby
four officers were killed and several wounded. Among those
killed, was Mr. Hay, an ensign of ours, in Warburton's
regiment, who had been taken a week before by some skulking Indians, as he was passing from our fort to the camp;
and we learn, by other letters, that the New England men
behaved to the satisfaction of everybody; that the only
New England man killed was Joseph Pille; that the French
have lost, in all, eight officers, and fifty-one private men
and three Indians.
Halifax, June 21st.
Yesterday arrived Capt. Spry, in Majesty's ship, Tongeers, who brought with him  here the Alcides, a French
ship of war, of sixty-four guns, taken by Admiral Boscawen's squadron, cruising off Louisburg. The English fleet
have also taken the Lys, a French seventy-four gun ship,
c




50
with eight companies of French troops on board, several
officers and engineers, and the military chest. It is hoped,
by this time, the Admiral has fallen in with the rest of the
squadron.  Capt. Spry has also taken a brigantine and
schooner.
Besides the above, we were informed, by letters and
passengers, that the French were designed for Louisburg,
there to refit and put themselves in a condition to attack
Halifax, and reduce all Nova Scotia; that the Lys had
eleven hundred men on board, and a General, who was to
command all the French troops on the Ohio, and elsewhere
in these parts; that the French fleet had a large train of
artillery on board, and thirty engineers, the chief of whom
was killed the first broadside; that the Lys lost seventy
men in the engagement, and the ship that took her, thirty;
and that Capt. Taggart was arrived at Halifax, from England, with cannon and other military stores, and that another
store ship is daily expected.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD.
Lancaster, December 17th, 1755.
DEAR MR. BURD:-I just now received a letter from Mr.
Hamilton, informing me, that he and Mr. Franklin should
set out to-morrow on a journey to the frontiers on the Delaware, and from there all along to the Susquehanna, and
perhaps over that river, in order to get the Province put
into the best posture of defence they are able.  Neddy
writes me that there is to be an Indian treaty held at Harris's,* on the 1st of January, but does not say who are to go
* Now Harrisburg.




51
in it from Philadelphia.  The Governor went to New York
on the 8th instant, and is not yet returned, but I expect he
will be at the treaty, and it is very probable I shall accompany him.*
I hope you are going on briskly with the fort, for you
may expect the Governor will be there before he returns.
CHIEF JUSTICE SHIPPEN, TO HIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, February 18th, 1756.
IION'D SIR:-If my brother Jo. has an inclination to go
into the army, there never was a better opportunity, and perhaps never will be so good an one as now. He might get
recommendatory letters to General Shirley, who will admit
him as a volunteer, and upon the first vacancy give him a
commission. Young fellows of less merit and much fewer
friends, are continually promoting. What inclines me to
give this hint is, the consideration of Joseph  having
nothing to do in the world, at a time of life when activity
would be of the greatest use.
If it suits your circumstances to put him into trade, the
prospect of an approaching war would be very discouraging,
and without some scheme of life he will probably spend his
youth in idleness.
This thought occurred to me since my return home, I
thought it more proper to mention it to you than to Josey
himself, who will unquestionably follow your advice in this
as well as everything else.
* A treaty was certainly very desirable on many accounts; for I
find in a letter from Ch. J. Shippen to his father, (Dec. 8th):' Our'Commissioners set every day, and I understand will offer rewards' of ~40 or ~50 for every scalp.'




52
DR. WILLIAM SHIPPEN TO HIS BROTHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadclphia, March 8th, 1756.
DEAR BROTHER: —Upon the receipt of your last favor I
went to Peter Chevalier's farm, where I met with young
Hopkins with a few scions from Point-no-Point of the Priest
apple. He says it is a fine apple to look at, and that the
tree grows very handsome, but that the apple won't keep;
and for that reason they have cut all the trees down save
one. Will. Peters has promised to bring me those he promised you, but he has not as yet done it. I thank you for
your kindness to my son Jo. He has finished his Ledger
to pretty good purpose, and has gone over Euclid again, and
I think can raise a proportion secundum artem.
I would write you a long letter about our late politics,
but I take it for granted you have had it already.
His Excellency Gov. Belcher is cheerful and well.  I
just now received another very complaisant, religious letter
from him.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT FORT GRENVILLE.
-Lancaster, March 24th, 1756.
DEAR MR. BURD:-This gives you a copy of a joyful
letter, which I received just now from Mr. Peters, and to
let you know that we are all well. You have heard, no
doubt, of William's Fort, lying on the Virginia side of
Potomoc, being taken by the Indians, and thirty-three of
the men killed; only two men made their escape out of
thirty-five. It seems the fort had little or no ammunition,




53
and as soon as the enemy perceived a slack firing, they
immediately took advantage of it. I hope our forts are
better provided.
If the Six Nations should stop the Delawares and Shawanoes from giving us any more uneasiness, you are then to
apprehend your danger from the French and their own
Indians, who have had such a bad example set them, and
seen so much success attend our perfidious Delawares, in
getting about two hundred scalps. I suppose that you have
heard that Mr. Croghan threw up his commission.  He is
expected here every day. I shall endeavor to persuade him
to something, before he goes to General Shirley.
(coPY.)
DEAR SiR:-Scarroyady and Montour are returned, with' an agreeable account of the treaty, and say, positively, that' a party of warriors of every nation were to set out before'they left Colonel Johnston, for Susquehanna, to call off the'Delawares and Shawnese, or, in case of refusal, to cut them'off. Pray inform the people at Harris's, and in every part'of the frontiers, with this account of the return of our two'friends, and the hearty disposition of the Six Nations.'
REV. MR. PETERS (SECRETARY) TO EDWARD SHIPPEN, OF
LANCASTER.
Friday, 4April 16th, 1756.
SIR: —I thank you for your kind letters, and hope your
son will return with laurels and scalps. I very heartily
wish him all kinds of prosperity.
Please to inform  Mr. Chew and the other gentlemen,




54
that the Assembly is adjourned to the 24th May, so that I
shall have some respite.
I am, &c.
COL. SHIPPEN TO CAPT. THOMAS M'KEE.
Fort at Hunter's Mill, April 16th, 1756.
SIR: —Be pleased to enlist for me some young, active
men, of no less a size than five feet six inches high, agreeable to the terms in the advertisement I herewith give you.
As fast as you enlist them, I beg you will send them to Mr.
John Harris, who will entertain them, till I send him
further directions.
After they have taken the oath of fidelity and signed it,
let the Justice of Peace sign a certificate of it, setting down
the day of the month. I leave with you five dollars, to give
to the men, each one dollar for their advance money. Let
the articles of war be read to each man, before he enlists.
Your compliance will much oblige, dear sir, &c.
P. S.-They must be enlisted for not less than twelve
months.
REVEREND JOHN BLAIR TO COL. BURD, AT CARLISLE.
Shippensburg, April 17th, 1756.
DEAR SIR:-I am sorry we can't have the pleasure of
seeing you here at this time,-as to news, I scarcely ever
expect to hear any that are good, respecting our public
affairs, until our land confesses the hand of God in his
judgments that are upon us, and our governments alter their
maxims.




55
You have sustained your share of loss in the late melancholy action. That affair has given us the greatest damp
we have yet met with, and the loss of our men has weakened
this neighborhood. I have been trying, since, to prevail on
our people to form into larger bodies, but without success.
I think this valley will soon be waste, and indeed all about
Rockey-firing is almost so already.  I can say little or
nothing about your domestic affairs, except that the cattle
are brought this far, and there is yet a good deal of hay.
COL. CLAPHIAM TO CAPT. JOS. SHIPPEN, AT LANCASTER) OR
ELSEWHIERE, BY SERGT. BRADDOCK.
Philadel2hia, April 18th, 1756.
SIR:-Yours I received, and hope your recruiting is
attended with success. I have herewith sent a detachment
from the regiment, consisting of thirty-one men, under the
command of Serg't Braddock, to be disposed of in any manner you shall think most conducive to the good of the service. I have seventy more in town, almost ready to march,
which I intend to dispatch with all possible expedition to
the place of rendezvous; as some provision for their coming
may be necessary, I thought proper to give you previous
notice of it, and assure myself you will omit nothing in
your power necessary for that purpose. I have sent fortysix supernumerary bullet-moulders by this party, which
you will distribute as you think proper, and am, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
WILLIAM CLAPHAM.




56
EDWARD SIIIPPEN, OF LANCASTER, TO COL. JOSEPH
SH1PPEN, AT SHAMOKIN.
Lancaster, August 5th, 1756.
DEAR SON:-Last Saturday night I received your affectionate favor of the 25th and 28th ult., in one sheet, very
agreeable, except what you say concerning the unkind treatment which your brother-in-law has had. But we will sing
an opera song, and so forget it. I am glad to hear Col.
Clapham deserved no blame, respecting his march and
management of his regiment.  I am very well pleased to
see you go on so briskly with your barracks and stockadoes,
and that you are likely to be quite secured from the attacks
of your enemies.
If you find, on examination, that the hill on your opposite
side, has an easy ascent for an enemy, no doubt the Colonel
will represent it in a proper light to the Governor, that he
may order a small fort to be immediately erected there.
Your present situation must be very pleasant, but remember
now is coming fast on fevers and agues, and intermittent
fevers, and pleurisies. I have been credibly informed, that
in August and September, it is always so very sickly at
Shamokin, that the Indians endeavored as much as possible
to be absent in these months. My advice to you and Mr.
Burd is, immediately to provide yourselves each with a
dozen doses of the bark, taking one every morning, fasting;
and after you have done this, you should rest a week, and
then take six doses apiece of ZEthiops' minerals,* every
monrning, and these cordials, under God, will preserve you
in health, that you may be able to assist others, who will
* Now better known as' Blue Pill.'




57
not be advised until they get sick, and indeed, were I the
commanding  officer, I would  send to Philadelphia for
Jesuit's bark, enough for the whole regiment, for a twelfth
part of what would cure them when sick, would be enough
to prevent disease. Pray, give the Colonel a hint of this.
I told you his honor, the Governor, was gone to Bethlehem,
to hold a treaty with the Delawares, &c., but I did not know,
at that time, that Israel Pemberton and fifty more of the
Quakers, were gone to attend the treaty, and to inform the
Indians that their people throughout the continent, were
using their utmost endeavors to raise ~15,000, to be put
out to interest for them forever. The last papers are not
come to hand, nor indeed have I received any from Franklin these two weeks; I imagine somebody takes them up at
our Post Office. I am very much of your opinion concerning the Delawares and Shawnese, taking up the hatchet at
Col. Johnson's, against the French, except a few scattering
ones, who went from the Susquehanna to the treaty at
Onondago; but, I hope that Col. Clapham has desired
Ogaghiadauha to come back, and bring him an exact account of that treaty. I wrote a congratulatory letter this
morning, to your cousin Allen, on the recovery of little
Peggy and Billy from their innoculation, and took that
opportunity to say a good deal to him, of the great importance of keeping up our forts at the frontiers, and more
particularly that at Shamokin; not that I think it just
upon wealthy men, (who. have raised their fortunes by
trade, to the great encouragement of all the tradesmen,
such as ship-carpenters, smiths, sailmakers, and many
others,) to issue an inundation of paper money. But, I propose that the Assembly shall borrow thirty or forty thousand pounds, and pay six per cent. interest for it, till we
c*




58
know my Lord Loudon's determination about these forts,
though I think he will have matters stated to him in such
a light, as he will put you all on the establishment, and
keep all there, and that he will not look upon the other
forts as vain things.  He is gone to Albany, and it is not
known when he will be in Philadelphia. He came in the
Nightingale, and took a prize, bound from AMartinico to old
France, worth X~20,000, and sent her into New York. I
am very glad your detachment of a hundred men were prevented from proceeding as far as was intended, because they
might possibly have brought in some scalps, which would
have been difficult to make up with the Delawares and
Shawnese, should they now have entered into any agreement with us about a peace; though, as I said before, I see
no likelihood of it.
Mr. Burd mentions your and his intention to apply for a
furlough, to come to see us a little, but, although you will
always he very welcome guests, yet as everything stands
on a very ticklish foundation, I can't now advise you to
such a step.  You tell me the Colonel* frequently says he
will soon resign and go to Philadelphia, if he intends to do
it, I suppose he is not to be persuaded against it, but I
imagine he will stay with you till Capt. Lloyd returns; nay,
he is obliged in honor to wait for an answer to the letters,
he and all officers have sent to his honor, the Governor;
for, if your requests are all granted, you are bound, in justice to your King and country, to remain there until the
time of your enlistment is over; and if your demands are
not all complied with, you are not obliged to resign, while
you have a good store of provisions, and ammunition found
you for this month, and at the latter end of it, a full stock
* Clapham.




59
laid in to last till April, (I speak of yourself and Mr. Burd,)
unless the men should desert you for want of their pay,
which I hope will not be the case. As to your own pay, you
will be sure of it sometime or other, and so will Mr. Burd,
of his, either as major or captain, if not for both. However,
be that as it may respecting his pay, I advise you both to
stand your ground, while ever the men will stand by you,
provided you have necessaries as just mentioned. You received your commission from the Governor, and if MIr.
Burd is not paid for two services it will not be his fault.
He intended it should be so, and would fulfil his intentions;
poor gentleman, had he but the command of the purse
strings, for he is certainly a fast friend to you both, and for
that you are greatly obliged to him, as it has never been in
your power to merit anything more at his hands, than your
cheerful acceptance of the commissions for the present service, at too low a pay. Col. Clapham is a stranger to him,
and so is Capt. Lloyd. I say they are strangers to him,
and to all your friends at Philadelphia, and so its no matter
how they act. But as to yourself and Mr. Burd, their eyes
and whole dependence will be on you both, and on nobody
else.
We are apprehensive that Port Mahon is taken by the
French, if so, it is a bad beginning for the English. Our
troops have marched for Crown Point.  It seems Gen.
Winslow, who commands the seven thousand New Englandmen, let Major General Abercrombie know that he would be
under no command, nor march with him and the English
troops, but was resolved to try that fortress with his own
strength, to which the General consented rather than to
suffer such a number-of fine fellows to return home again.
Then the Major General said, he had a request to make to




60
Gen. Winslow, and that was, that he might be suffered to
follow with his regulars and artillery, that in case of a
repulse, he might in his retreat have some protection. This
was also agreed to, and Abercrombie is to keep exactly two
miles behind Winslow's army.
P. S.-The best physicians in the world, agree that a
man at forty should chew a little piece of Jesuit's bark,
and swallow the spittle, two months, fall and spring, every
morning, and should take a few doses every year of ZEthiop's
mineral. This last is a great sweetener of the blood, and
frequently given to children for that purpose.  Doctor
Chew is the most lavish in the praise of these medicines.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. SHIPPEN.
Lancaster, August 31st, 1756.
DEAR SON:-I wrote you very fully by Capt. Lloyd, and
whether he forwarded my letters and the papers by the express that was killed, I am at a great loss to know. However, I send you a copy of cousin Allen's letters to me, and
told you what Mr. Hamilton said, too, concerning the
menacing letter sent by the officers to his Honor. Neddy
writes me that Mr. Morris also was of opinion that you
were all punishable, but added,-' that although he could'not account for your and Mr. Burd joining in such a'mutinous manner with the Colonel, yet he intended to do'you both all the service in his power.' Mr. Hamilton
makes great allowance for your youth, but cannot excuse
Mr. Burd. We were lately alarmed here, with a story as
if our Fort Oswego, on Lake Ontario, was taken by the
French and Indians, an army said to consist of six thou



61
sand. Neither have we much reason to think it otherwise.
Here is what we have heard since. An officer came here
two days ago, from New York, and says Oswego is besieged
only, and that my Lord Loudon has detached a thousand
men to its assistance. And what Dr. Shippen says to me
of the 28th inst., —' my Lord Loudon writes that he hears'at Albany, from  Oswego, that it is taken by the French,'and apprehends it is true, but I imagine it must only be'one or two of our out forts, and not Oswego, which I think'cannot be given up under four or five weeks to any force' at all.'
My Lord Loudon has sent up here for Capt. IIerbert, (a
genteel Switzer,) to bring away his one hundred and fifty
men as soon as possible.
Our Assembly is in town. Stand your ground, and sign
no more papers to the Governor, of such a tenor. Capt.
Lloyd showed me all which you had signed, and I objected
to the menacing part of it, but he said you were all resolved
to show spirit.
I would have you and Mr. Burd to be very cautious of
venturing to come to see us, lest you should both be waylaid. How you will get this letter I cannot tell or imagine,
the Indians are said to be so thick about.
SIR JOHN ST. CLAIR TO CC(. BURD.
Belvil, September 29th, 11 at night, [1756.]
DEAR SIR: —I received yours at nine this evening, and
have lost no time in answering it. I am sorry that the
Post Master here is above his business.
I transfer you Sir Jeffry Amherst's letter to me, as much
as relates to provisions, viz:




62'I have wrote particularly to Col. Bouquet, regarding'the provisions that are to be allowed to the provincial'troops, inhabitants, &c., and whatever he may approve of,'will be allowed of in the provision account, and passed ac-'cordingly, in certificates to be granted on the treasury.'But I do not suppose the account you sent to me was pre-'sented to you, to be paid for in cash here.'
These were the accounts of Fort Cumberland, of the same
value as part of yours, so that you see I can do nothing in
them.  Had it been in my power, no man should be readier
to serve you.
If Doctor Grrme is in Philadelphia, pray send him out
to Betsey, (I mean lady St. Clair.) I have just dispatched
a messenger to Groeme Park for him, as my dear girl continues very bad.
I am, with much truth,
Dear Colonel, &c.
CHIEF JUSTICE SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, September 14th, 1756.
HON'D SIR: —Enclosed you have two letters from Mr.
Allen on the subject of my last, which, after perusing,
please to seal up and forward by some very safe hand.  Mr.
Cross has wrote to several of the ministers. How the thing
will take I cannot tell.  It is proposed that Mr. Stedman
and myself should be up at Lancaster on the election day.
It is a very disagreeable task to appear to solicit for one's
self, but if it is necessary, I must submit. You'll please
to speak to George Ross, Dr. Kuhn, and what others you
think have interest, and let me know how the thing is




63
thought of. What two members we must be put in the
room of, must be left to the people; but I should think if
Jimmy Wright inclines to stay in, it would be wrong to
leav6 him out of the ticket.  The chief thing is to split the
Dutch, how that can be managed I do n't know till I hear
your sentiments. We are pushing for a change in all the
counties, and shall certainly carry it in some.
The militia and associations are about making a junction
in this town. What will be the event I cannot yet tell, but
we shall very probably carry two or three good men for this
county.
The conduct of the Assembly, with regard to this excise
bill, is universally condemned: first, to request the Governor to show them his instructions, that they might avoid
offering any bill that should interfere with them; and as
soon as the Governor had gratified them, to send immediately a bill directly in the teeth of one of the positive
instructions, is a behaviour utterly indefensible. If the
Governor's amendments should not be acceded to, and so the
bill should drop, it will forever ruin the credit of the present
members. I impatiently expect to hear from you.
EDWARD SHIPPEN (CHI. J.) TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Sept. 19th, 1756.
HON. SIR:-I received your favors of the 15th and 17th
inst. and am very sorry to hear that the prejudices of the
people are so strong against Mr. Stedman.  What to do we
cannot tell. Mr. Hamilton declares positively he will never
sit in Assembly after filling the station he has; and we can
think of no other proper man here that is known in the




64
county. The thing must be left to the people. For my
part I am not anxious to be in the House. A seat there
would give me much trouble, take up a great deal of my
time, and yield no advantage to my family, whose good I am
bound first to consult. And really, in these times, it is no
easy matter to provide as one would wish for an increasing
family. However, as our friends thought it was necessary
I should stand for Lancaster, I gave my consent, and am
still willing to stand if there is any chance of succeeding.
No ticket is yet settled for this county, nor can any be
until the result of the yearly meeting at Burlington is
known. Galloway and Baynton are talked of by some:
Jacob Duche and Coleman by others. Nothing fixed.
CAPT. DAVID JAMESON TO WILLIAM ALLEN, ESQ., AT
PIILADELPHIA.
Fort Augusta, December 4th, 1756.
HONORED SIR:-The great concern I am under for the
irregularities in our regiment, and the sincere desire I have
for the provincial service to go on well, have caused me to
break through the diffidence under which I have labored for
some time, as to representing the bad state of our regiment,
and complaining of the injuries which I have received from
Col. Clapham. The character you bear of exerting yourself
for the public good has induced me to exhibit them first to
you, for your consideration; in the hope that, if they appear
to you likely to obstruct the service of his Majesty or the
Province, you will deliver the enclosed complaint to his
honor, Governor Denny, and at the same time make mention
of those things I write concerning the regiment: if you think




65
otherwise, then I beg you to excuse my presumption, for I
act from a mistaken notion of my duty.
The men of the regiment are not yet trained, and therefore of no more service to the Province than a number of
men, gathered together in a hurry, would be.
The Col. often damning the service, pointing out the disadvantages of serving in this Province, and threatening to
leave it and go to the Indian country, whereby many officers
and men are prejudiced.
Officers frequently arrested, and sometimes kept in confinement longer than the express words in the act of Parliament permit. Capt. Salter and Captain Miles (the latter
tricked out of his commission) were confined some weeks,
when there could not be the least pretence for it, there being
a sufficient number of officers to hold a general court martial
at the time of their confinement.
An exclusive license given to one Taaffe to sell dry goods,
and all other persons prevented, (Mr. Hunter, who sells
liquors, only excepted,) by the Col.'s orders, from bringing
any goods whatever to this fort or fort Halifax, whereby
both officers and men, that before this prohibition used to
get their things at reasonable rates, are imposed upon, and
obliged to pay extravagant rates.
Officers frequently used ill by the Col.; the whole body
of them often called by him a pack of rascals; officers and
men prejudiced against the Commissioners by crafty insinuations. Some of the former had nearly been drawn by the
Col. into what (I think) was mutiny; for that remonstrance,
which was sent to the late Governor Morris, as it was first
drawn up and assented to by the Colonel, instead of having
in it, "beg liberty," had "insist." This was objected to by




66
several persons, and, contrary to the Col.'s desire, was
altered.
Thus far, sir, the duty which, as I think, I owe to my
king and country, has made me venture. I say venture,
because I know not but what I have done may be looked
upon as ill, because Col. Clapham is my commanding officer.
You may depend that all, or at least the most of what I
assert, can be sufficiently proved. Now, sir, I submit to
your wise judgment, whether the complaint and the things
mentioned in this letter ought to be made known to the
Governor.
I am, honored sir, &c.
CAPT. THOMAS LLOYD TO COL. JAMES BURD.
Philadelphia, February, 1757.
SIR:-Your favor of 16th inst. and that of January 9th,
came both to hand; since the receipt of which the Colonel
has done himself the pleasure to write to you by Capt.
Trump. I am directed by the Colonel to inform you, that
he desires no person may be admitted to lodge in his quarters except the Doctor and Ensign McKee. Enclosed is a
list of the men whom the Colonel would have to hold themselves in readiness to march down to Philadelphia at a minute's warning and be employed in recruiting. Since my last
we have undoubted assurances of the embarkation of twelve
regiments for America, to be made on the 10th of January
last. Four of the officers' transports are yet missing. The
first batallion of Royal Americans ordered to take the field
the first of March. Lord Loudon hourly expected here to
preside at a conference of all the Governors to westward of




67
York, in order to which Governors Sharpe* and Dinwyddiet
arrived last night. It is said a fleet has sailed from Brest
with a force sufficient to storm Hell. Whither they direct
their course is unknown, but it is imagined that Jamaica or
the American continent will taste the fruits of their labors.
May continual tempests and everlasting rain whelm them
all!
A bill for 60,000 pounds, including Proprietary estate,
and since, another, excepting that estate, have been rejected,
upon which two of the venerable sages of Pennsylvania are
going home with their fingers in their eyes. Boscawen convoys the twelve regiments with seventeen sail of the line,
and we promise ourselves fair winds and prosperous gales to
waft him over.
I have exhausted all my subjects and have nothing more
to add, except that I hope the pleasure of seeing you in a
few days, and am, &c.
COL. JOHN ARMSTRONG TO MAJOR JAMES BURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Carlisle, February 22d, 1757.
DEAR SIR:-Your favor of the 17th instant for John Lee
is just come to hand, and the readiness on your part, in
regard to the two companies from that regiment, is very
satisfactory. I have not yet received an answer to the letter
referred to in yours, but look for it early next week. Soon
after the receipt of it, if the orders are not countermanded,
I shall write you per express.  Let me inform you, in strict
confidence, that my designs are not to march to the enemy's
~* Of Maryland.             t Of Virginia.




68
country, but only to waylay and endeavor to intercept their
descent upon us. This is all that can possibly be done
before grass grows and proper numbers unite, except it were
agreed to fortify at Reastown, of which I yet know nothing.
I think the route for your men, in case we rendezvous at
Littletown, will be as straight a course as the woods will
permit from Augusta to Aughwick —Juniatta to be crossed
by a raft. As to the horses you mention, they are a principal part of the instructions I now wait for, which, if not
granted, I don't see how we can leave the forts or inhabited
parts, but if your people can carry four days' provisions, it
will fetch them to Littletown. Next week, by a general
court martial, we  are to try the conduct of English Dick.
The Commissioners and we are at great odds. It seems to
me as if the devil had got possession of Bennie Franklin.
We hear the money bill is not yet passed-that Franklin
and Morris are to go to England.
This week his Lordship, with sundry of the neighboring
Governors, are expected in Philadelphia.  May God preside
in that. Congress for his glory and the British interest. Not
less than 8000 more troops are daily expected in Halifax.
A report is going that a York privateer on their own coast
has lately discovered fourteen sail of French ships, upon
which the privateer returned to York, and an express was
immediately dispatched to his Lordship at Boston; but this
story we hope will not prove true.
Mr. Thompson has obtained furlough to Philadelphia
with expectation of obtaining a pair of colors, and it is not
improbable that others, from the conduct of the Commissioners, will resign the service. His Royal Highness, the
Duke, has been pleased to express great satisfaction on the
news of the destruction of the Kittanning and death of Capt.




69
Jacobs. The Proprietaries send a general letter of thanks,
and I believe some presents. Capt. Callender has lain by
the chief part of this winter with the rheumatism. You'll
doubtless have the news-folio by the return of your officers
now in town.
My wife joins in our good wishes to you, and I am, with
friendly compliments to Captain Shippen, Doctor Morgan,
&c., sir, your real well-wisher and very humble serv't.
P. S.-I am sorry for your indisposition, and think the
reasons of it are justly accounted for. If we should have a
set of damp heavy weather I fear it may impede the service
in sundry places. I doubt a scurvy next summer from the
constant use of salt meat.
CAPT. DANIEL CLARK TO COL. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Harris's, February 22d, 1757.
DEAR MAJOR:-This minute I arrived here from Philadelphia. Matters stand in so great a confusion there that I
cannot give you any news of moment.
The Governor has rejected the money bill, the tenor of
which was that by the tax of one shilling the pound one
hundred thousand pounds was to be of all estates, real and
personal, in the province, the proprietary only excepted,
and to be sunk in four years. Lord Loudon was expected
in Philadelphia last Saturday; the Governors of Virginia
and Maryland were arrived there before I left it. The
Royal Americans I heard were commanded to prepare for a
march to Halifax, which is to be the place of general rendezvous, and the Halifax brigade ordered to Philadelphia,
by which some imagine there will be an expedition carried




70
on from these parts. I am afraid we Pennsylvanians shall
have no share in it; the Assembly will never give any sum
or sums for its use until Mr. Franklin returns from England,
who is immediately setting off. Colonel Clapham had received his beating orders. He went to the Commissioners
for the money; told them the consequence of delays at this
time, when this regiment was so near being free, &c. They
told him they could not be free in a better time. He sent
his boys for his horses. For my part, I don't think that
Fort Augusta will ever be ornamented with his presence.
Captain Jameson's grievances will be inquired into by Colonel Armstrong's officers. It was reported in town that Captain Jackson was a lunatic. This policy was a heavy slap
on the face of the author. It gave the gentlemen a worse
opinion of him,* (if it were possible for them to conceive a
worse,) as they were all convinced it was only made use of
as a plea of defence.
I am extremely ill with the pain in my breast. I am
under a necessity of taking some medicines to prevent its
growth. Dr. Shirley advised me strongly to it lest it turn
to consumption; so I must stay in Carlisle until I get better.
I have no leave from my commanding officer for this. I beg
you will excuse me if the Colonel should come before I am
able to return to the regiment. The Assembly prepared
another bill, but of the same tenor with the former, desiring
the Governor may either pass the bill or discharge the
troops. My compliments to Captain Shippen. I am your
most obedient, &c.
P. S.-I have sent you the last news and three magazines.
* Col. Clapham.




71
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MAJOR JAMES BURD.
Lancaster, March 24th, 1757.
DEAR MR. BURD:-Captain Shippen wrote me lately that
you had encouraged your good gentlemen soldiers to stay
with you till the Ist of April, to defend your fine Fort Augusta, which they had labored so hard to build for one of
the most glorious and most gracious kings in the whole
world: they know whom I mean, George the Second, of
Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the
Faith, &c., who, I hope, will one day reward them very well
for their fidelity and loyalty; and if he should not live to
do it himself, as he is now grown very ancient, yet there is
tno doubt but the noble Duke of Cumberland, who always
inquires after his trusty and well beloved gentlemen soldiers,
as well in America as in other places, will requite them for
their extraordinary services, as he did all the gentlemen
soldiers who fought so courageously and beat the rebels,
taking great numbers of them prisoners, at the time of the
last rebellion in Scotland. I am very sensible your corps
has been kept too long out of their pay, but I have great
reason to believe they will not only very soon be paid all
their arrears, but paid most punctually for the future, for
since my Lord Loudon has arrived at Philadelphia, I am
informed that the Governor and Assembly have agreed to
raise a hundred thousand pounds and to pass a militia act,
the sweets of which I hope you will feel, and expect before
the tenth day of April, Capt. Young will carry every farthing
that is due to them. Wherefore I shall only beg my compliments to all the worthy officers and gentlemen soldiers at
Fort Augusta, and so conclude,
Your affectionate father, &c.




72
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MAJOR JAMES BURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, March 26th, 1757,
Saturday, 5 o'clock P. M.
DEAR MR. BURD: —Though I had not heard that Captain
Young was going up to Shamokin yet, I ventured to tell
you I made no doubt of his being sent up with the men's
pay as well as the officers', and the ~100,000 money bill
was also passed according to my expectation. I congratulate you on the good news. Col. Clapham has resigned, (so
Doctor Shippen says,) and if he is pleased you have no cause
to be displeased, I am sure. I never doubted his skill in
fighting Indians, nor his natural disposition to quarrel with
and abuse all mankind. It was always my opinion, that if
a man had the natural abilities and education of an Indian
or a Negro Prince, and if he were never so famous a General among them, yet until he changed his manner and
savage nature and became like one of us, and had had the
advantage of keeping gentlemen's company; I say, unless
those changes had been wrought in him, he was as unfit to
command a batallion belonging to the king of England as
ever Shengar or Jacobs were.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN, (COL.)
April, 1757.
The Governor inclines to send six twelve, or eighteenpounders to Fort Augusta, and with them, attairil.
The General and Sir John St. Clair say, they will be of




73
no use. Pray contrive some way of satisfying these great
men of their mistakes.
Yours, &c.
I dine at Willing's.
GEORGE CROGIHAN (COL.) TO MAJOR JAS. IBURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Harris's Ferry, A4pril 3d, 1757.
DEAR SIR:-After a long silence I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors. To-morrow I set
off for Lancaster with the Indians; but have not been able
to fix the time the treaty will hold, as there is a great number of Indians yet to come in. Some, I suppose, will conime
in by the way of the fort, and others by Easton.
I left Philadelphia the 29th of March. Lord Loudon had
been there ten days, and was to set off for York the next
day. He had a Congress with the several Governors, which
ended before I left town, but he is so capable of keeping
secrets that nothing has yet transpired. A packet arrived
in York the 24th of March with express to his Lordship, by.which it is considered that Mr. Byng was condemned to be
shot for cowardice, but recommended to the mercy of his
Majesty by the Council.'Tis said there is a fleet of twenty odd sail of men-of-war,
with seventy transports, sailed from England with ten regiments on board for North America, two of which are
Highland regiments: young Lord Lovatt has one of them.'Tis generally thought this great embarkation is designed
for Cape Breton or Quebec, or perhaps both. There is little
talk of an expedition against Ohio, but I believe there will
D




74
be a number of Provincial troops rendezvoused at South
Carolina, though this is kept a secret. The New England
government has engaged fifty companies of dragoons to join
his Lordship and the King's troops; no field officers, and'tis
said there will be no field officers in the Provincial troops in
those Provinces. This is perhaps onlytalk.
I need not inform you that Colonel Clapham has resigned.
I suppose Captain Young has informed you of that; and I
believe he is in great disgrace with his Lordship, as well as
with most gentlemen in Philadelphia.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN TO COL. BURD.
Lancaster, April 5th, 1757.
DEAR MIR. BURD: —I am glad you have got so well rid of
Clapham as your Colonel, and if the poor fellow should desire
a license to set up his trade at your camp, I hope you will
grant him the favor; for though he did not understand the
business of a commandant, yet he can bring credentials from
the Carbuncle, alias Rednosed Club, in Boston, of his skill
in hat making; and as he was well recommended by my
countrymen as a good wood-ranger, he can never be at a loss
for materials to make up. But if there are no sheep in the
wilderness to fleece for wool, perhaps there are wolves and
buffaloes to be found to answer his purpose; for a man, who
had not cunning enough to keep a ball at his foot which
turned him ~365 per annum, could not be expected to outwit foxes, beavers, and such other sagacious creatures.*
The behaviour of Capt. Shippen and yourself to the officer
* As proposed, this is quite a specimen of Mohammedan ups-anddowns. See Edinburgh Review, Jan. 1854, p. 290.




75
who refused to mount guard in his turn, reflects honor on
you both; and, as he is a gentleman of good parts and of
pretty school education, he will improve that act of indulgence to his own advantage. First of all, the thought will
fill him with shame, as you had no regard to lex talionis,
and then, if he has any ingenuousness, he will naturally
make the proper concessions, and behave, as Captain Staats
Morris says,'excessively well for the future.' I don't
wonder in the least that he is afflicted with the gripes. How
could he, as he is a physician, expect that the Colonel's
poultry, fine as it was, could set well on his stomach, when
he and his two companions devoured them all without the
sanction of Major Burd and Captain Shippen; or I should
rather say without the favor and enjoyment of their company
at the banquets. However, Providence has made it up to
you, and I congratulate you too on the addition of your turnips, &c. Your poor sick man will be all the better for
them.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO COL. BURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Philadelphia, April 7th, 1757.
SIR:-I am obliged to you for your kind favor. As Col.
Clapham declines further service, my duty, as well as the
particular attachment which I have to your person and
family, will lead me to serve you, inform you, correspond
with you, and promote your interest, ease and satisfaction,
all I can. At present you stand well with the Governor.
Could you preserve the soldiers from leaving the service
all would do well, and I should not doubt of your making a




76
gallant defence. I will write you by Peter Bard, as I shall
then know in what temper the garrison is, after Capt.
Young's visit.
I am in the greatest haste. I wish you everything your
heart can desire. God bless you.
SECRETARY PETERS TO MAJOR BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Philadclphia, MNay 1st, 1757.
DEA  SIR: —I am favored with two of yours. The Governor expressed great satisfaction in your conduct. Pray
write to him by all opportunities. It is not here that the
intelligence given you by the Six Nation Indians would
have any foundation in it; but as our accounts agree that
there are seven hundred men more at Fort Du Quesne and
four hundred at Venango, it is not improbable but parties
of fifty or sixty French and Indians, perhaps more French
to a party, will drive a final stroke on our back inhabitants
this spring and in harvest. The two main points are to
screen your numbers, and to obtain intelligence, in which I
am sure you will do all in your power, as you know the
country would think you could convey letters to Colonel
Armstrong, who may post his men so as to cut off those
parties in their retreat, though I believe the routes will
be from above Drahaye through the country cast of Susquehanna to the Minnicks and Northampton county, where
murders are daily committed, and new parties expected.
Dr. Morgan's business very much requires his waiting
here, and particularly his attendance at the commencement,
and I would fain have persuaded the General to order him
down, but he did not choose to do it, on receipt of your let



77
ters. I think if you would so far favor him as immediately
to order him on service with the recruits here, it would, at this
time, be particularly kind and agreeable to him. You can
judge best of the circumstances of your command; but if
those will admit, his friends here, who are all yours, desire
much that he may not let slip the taking his degrees at the
commencement. No news, no packet, no fleet, no trade —
all are embargoed.  I am, sir, yours affectionately.
COL. SHIPPEN TO MAJOR JAMES BURD, FORT AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, 1facy 19th, 1757.
DEAR BROTHER:-I have the pleasure to inform you that
we all arrived here Tuesday night, except Capt. Lloyd,
whom we left at Harris' ferry, too much indisposed to ride;
he therefore gave me your letter to the Governor, and desired me to wait upon him, with the other Captains, agreeably to your instructions. When I came here, I found the
Governor, Col. Stanwix, with other Royal American officers, and Mr. Hamilton, at our house drinking tea, and as
soon as I came into the parlor, Mr. Hamilton introduced
me to them. We all waited upon the Governor yesterday
morning, but his hurry in the public affairs on his hands,
prevented him from finishing our business with him.
This morning I waited upon him myself, and had a long
conversation with him in regard to recruiting the regiment,
when he told me, he had recommended it to the Commissioners to allow the officers ~4 for every man they enlisted for
3 or 4 years, and ~5 for any enlisted during life. But they
say they cannot consent to allow us any recruiting expenses
without a full board, and they assure us, when they go to




78
Philadelphia, they will take that matter into consideration,
and I believe they will allow us something, the Governor having recommended it to them very strongly.  They have
given us ~25 each to recruit with for the present, as they
have but little cash with them, and they will supply us with
more money whenever we shall draw upon them. They insist that all the troops (except 300 in garrison), shall be employed for the future in scouting and ranging, as the Act of
Assembly directs, because they say they cannot otherwise
pay them  agreeable to law.  The small pox continues
anmongst the Indians; 14 of them died of it. The treaty,
I believe, will be over to-morrow. As soon as I know the
purport of it, I will inform you. The Indians have lately
killed a great many of the inhabitants about Swatara Gap,
four of whom were yesterday brought in town scalped, as a
spectacle for a number of Quakers now in town. The officers are to set off this afternoon for their different homes to
recruit. I am therefore in a great hurry. The Governor
has summoned the Assembly to meet in Philadelphia soon,
in consequence of the late murders.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MAJ. JAMES BURD) AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, May 22d, 1757.
DEAR  IMAJ. BURD:-Captain Shippen, a most welcome
guest, brought in your agreeable favor of the 14th instant,
and found Col. Stanwix, the Governor, MIr. Hamilton, and
Captain Munster (a German Baron,) and several other officers of the first rank, drinking tea with us; to every one of
whom Mr. Hamilton immediately introduced, him.




79
I have engaged nine wagons at the Col's request, to go
to Winchester for powder and lead, (being the remains of
General Braddock's cargo,) to be all bought and left there,
excepting as much as he shall deem necessary for his army
of two hundred or three hundred men at Carlisle, or Shippensburg, whither he is going next week, and if I can possibly spare the time, I have promised to go with him to
show him the country, and the best place of encampment.
We have had May meetings of the Indians here, to whom
valuable presents have been given by the Governor and the
Quakers; but as Tedyescung and the Indians who were expected along with him, were not come, a very handsome
part is reserved for them.  The Governor went off this
morning very privately by way of Reading, leaving the
Speaker of the Assembly and some other members, besides a majority of the Commissioners, except Mr. Lardner,
who is gone home. You will see by the enclosed papers,
that the savages have been committing more murders near
Swatara, and it appears to me that unless the Militia Act
be passed, with the Governor's amendments, we of this borough shall, in less than a month, become the frontiers.
The Quakers want to have the choosing of officers. Several
Quaker preachers, with all the principal men of that Society,
attended the treaty.  The Indians assisted this government
to send a message to the Senecas and to Tedyescung, to
come down with the Shawanese and the Delawares, to hold
a treaty with their brothers the English, hinting at the same
time, that it would be very prudent in us to give up some
points respecting some late purchases, rather than not to
bring about an accommodation of matters, especially considering that we either would not, or could not fight, and they made
no doubt but a peace might, by such means, be concluded




so
between us. And according to their judgments, Mr. Jacob
Gary, an Indian trader, is employed to go to Diaboga, to
invite these Indians down, and Mr. M. Lee, I hear, is to
escort some of those Indians (who are here) up to your fort,
where they are to plant Indian corn this spring, for their
subsistence, as they are to settle near the fort. You will
see by the papers, that Admiral Byng was shot the 24th of
March, 1757, on board the Monarque, which belonged formerly to the French. The Governor has issued his warrants
to all of the Assembly, on the 30th instant.
I was absent from the 8th ultimo to the 7th instant. I
spent two weeks of my time at Philadelphia, almost one
with good Mr. Morris, (who sent you his compliments,) and
another with Governor Belcher, and riding about the Jerseys, and coming home. And as to your savage black Colonel, (for you know the natives of Guinea have countenances as black as their diabolical hearts, and our Indians
blacken their faces that they may be of the same color with
their hearts also,) I can only say if he knows what humility*
is, that he has had enough of it, ever since he came to
this borough.  He appeared, it's very true, with the crowd
at the court house, once or twice at the time of the treaty,
but was so totally neglected by the Governor and the officers and the gentlemen present, that he seemed to be sitting upon needles the whole time. Nay, I would not pretend to affirm that even one of his sad colored brothers took
the least notice of him, so that it seemed to me that he was
condemned by the universal consent of the whole human
race, except the pity that Captains Croghan and McKee took
on him, for they visited him pretty often at his lodgings at
Frederick Yesser's, upon the score of mere charity; so
* Humiliation.




81
that with their good company and a little good punch, he
has been able to survive the mortification of seeing himself lowered frorm the state of a colonel to the condition of a
nobody. Israel Pemberton has reported about, that you are
a useless member, and of no service in your station, but
your happiness is that nobody except the Quakers believe
his report, (nor they neither,) for the Governor and t3r.
Hamilton, MIr. Peters and iMr. Lardner, and many other
deserving gentlemen take your part, and speak very respectfully of you. I had this story from the several gentlemen
above mentioned. Capt. Young has done justice to your
character, and to Capt. Shippen's, so that said Israel Pemberton mlay snarl, but will never be able to bite you.
I have good reason to believe said Black a mere colonel,
who goes about, I doubt not, like a lion, not a roaring one,
for that he durst not do, but a whispering one, seeking
whom he may devour.
Write very respectfully to the Commissioners, who, I
hope, have a regard for you.  Captain Shippen is not returned from Reading.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH SIIIPPEN TO MiAJOR JAMES BURI)
Lancaster, May~ 31st, 1757.
DEAR BROTHER:-I wrote you on the 19th or 20th
inst., since which, I have not had the pleasure of an opportunity to write till now. On Sunday, the 22d inst., the
Governor ordered me to attend him  to Reading and Fort
Henry. The Governor took this small excursion on the frontiers to spirit up the people to act for their own defence, and
in these troublesome times he would have visited all the forts
D *




82
on the eastern frontiers, if he had not been obliged to meet
the Assembly in Philadelphia yesterday. There are eleven
forts garrisoned by Col. Weiser's battalion. The Governor intends to evacuate them all but Fort Henry, Fort Allen, and
Fort Hamilton, between which all that battalion, consisting
of 450 men, will be continually ranging, so as to leave always
a garrison of 50 men in each fort. The Governor has, with
the consent of the.Commissioners, ordered the Colonels to raise
150 men for the immediate defence of the Eastern Frontiers,
and they are to be discharged when our regiment is complete,
and the three companies of his battalion can be recalled from
fort Augusta. I was absent from hence eight days with
the Governor, which retarded my recruiting so long, in
which I have found little success, having enlisted as yet but
five men.  Captain Jameson writes me he has got but six.
Captain Haumbright has had better success; the day when
all the Captains came to town to wait on the Governor he
enlisted twelve or thirteen of our discharged Dutchmen, by
assuring them that they were not to go to Shamokin, nor do
any kind of work, but to range and scour the woods continually. This pleased them so much that they have been
endeavoring to persuade all their countrymen they meet
with to enlist with Captain Hambright, by which means I
believe he has now thirty recruits. He himself left this town
ten days ago, since which I have not heard from him, but
his brother, (together with ten or twelve of his men,)
recruits here, and gives every man a dollar, besides a pistol,
which I can't afford to do unless the Commissioners would
allow it, so that nobody recruits upon the same footing with
Captain Hambright, and so can't expect equal success. I
enclose you the original beating orders by Mr. Peters'
desire, as he had not time when here to write to you.




83
Captain Lloyd, (from whom I have not yet heard,) did not
come by way of Lancaster. Perhaps the Governor, Commissioners and a number of gentlemen and Quakers being here,
prevented him. They continued here four days after I arrived.
He desired me to apologize to the Governor for his not
coming, that he was sick at Harris'. Christian Vertz
behaves himself extremely well, and takes a vast deal of
pains to persuade men to enlist, ahd if we have not much
success it is not for the want of efforts. I should be glad
if you'd send me Vertz' discharge, with a blank for the date,
that I may have it ready for him when he chooses to go,
though he says he will continue with me while I have
occasion for him. I think he should be paid as Sergeant
while he is recruiting with me, he deserves it as well as
Bane, who assists Captain Work in recruiting.  If you
think proper I would be glad if you'd mention him as a
Sergeant in his discharge, and then he can receive Sergeant's
pay from Captain Young. I have not learned yet whether
the Commissioners have come to a determination about an
allowance for our recruiting expenses.  I told them  that
unless they did something for us in that respect the recruiting service would necessarily go on very slowly, &c. I am
informed that my lord Loudon sailed last week from New
York, that a day or two before he ordered a general press
there, by which means he got 1100 men very quickly. It is
imagined from thence that the English fleet and transports
are arrived which every body is impatient to hear. Jemmy
Pike who came to town yesterday, asserts that Major Lewis,
of Virginia, with fifty soldiers and one hundred and seventy
Cherokees, has destroyed some Indian town on the Ohio
below Du Quesne, taken nineteen Indians prisoners and




84
brought home five scalps. I hope this may be true; most
people believe it.
I shall write to my brother for your sword and one for
Mr. Scott, as I am disappointed in going to Philadelphia by
meeting the Governor here. Enclosed are the papers; my
compliments to the gentlemen.
The Governor told me he could not tell me whether our
regimentals were to be changed till he should see Captain
Young in Philadelphia.  He seems to like green, trimmed
up with red.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MIAJOR JAMES BURD.
Lancaster, June 16th, 1757.
DEAR Mni. BURD:-And now I have begun this letter,
I have little else to say than to tell you we are all well,
except that just as Allen Burd begins to find the use of his
feet,* poor Polly's heels are tripped up.  She was taken with
the small pox four days ago, and as her fever is not high,
we have as great reason to think she will be as favorably
dealt with as her brother.  She lodges with her mammy
Shippen, and will not be contented any otherwise.
Perhaps it may not be improper to inform you that I
have here under my care, seven wagon-loads of powder and
musket-shot, 50 six-pound balls, and plenty of flints, which
Col. Washington sent me from Winchester (Fort Loudoun)
by Col. Stanwix's orders, (being some of the remains of poor
General Braddock's ammunition.) There were nine loads at
first, but the Colonel ordered me to send him two of them to
Carlisle, which I took care immediately to do. I refer you
* After an attack of small pox.




85
to Captain Shippen for information in relation to your recruits, &c., and for the newspapers; but I must observe,
that the officers have been very diligent, and that Captain
Hambright seems to have had the most success; and if he
has not been too cunning in his business, he will have reason to rejoice at the thoughts of filling his company so soon.
I hope he has promised his men nothing more than he is
able to perform; I wish him very well, I am sure.  However, I might relate you a little story of him, which caused
me to smile last night at Gibsgn's, where I was with Doctor
Thompson, hearing the complaint of a married woman against
Clinch.  Observing Clinch to sit while she was giving
in her evidence; (we took notice of the same thing, but we
said nothing;) but by-and-by he took occasion to speak to
the prisoner again, at which I gave a gentle reproof, and
desired him not to speak another word in an affair he could
not possibly have anything to do with. He seemed a little
crumpled at first, but presently came to himself again, yet
I could perceive by his countenance he would not account
more of us than a couple of wooden Justices; but, notwithstanding all I have said about him, I believe him to be a
good officer when put upon the right scent, and kept within
due bounds.
We wait now with great impatience to learn whether
Lord Loudon is going against Louisbourg or Quebec. Various are the opinions about it; but be it against one or both,
may God be pleased to give him success. I understand that
Mr. Lee was confined by the Indians he was sent to accompany to Shamokin. I should be glad to know the truth of
that story. I don't approve of your crossing the river with
parties to attack any impudent Indians who may show themselves there in a small number, when a majority of them




86
might be lying in ambush, resolving beforehand to attack
your men or not, according to their number. No, no; let
the dogs and their brothers, the French, come over to your
shore, and try to decoy you if they dare, and then I think
you will know how to deal with them, with all their stratagems. But don't misunderstand me; I am very sensible I
am speaking upon a subject I don't understand, and must
insist upon it that you take your own advice.
Captain Davis, belonging to Col. Stanwix's regiment, from
Fort William Henry, and last from New York, tells us all is
well, but that Lord Loudon has not yet sailed with his
Government transports, for as he has but three men-of-war
with him, and has heard from Halifax that five French
men-of-war have been seen hovering off and on thereabouts,
he does not care to venture till he receives certain advice of
the arrival of our seventeen line-of-battle ships, with the
transports from England.
CAPT. TIIOS. LLOYD TO MAJ. JAMES BURD.
Philadelphia, July 5th, 1757.
SIR: —His honor, the Governor, has ordered me to acquaint you, that Captain Jameson has his permission to be
absent from Fort Augusta till he finds himself reinstated in
his health; on which account you will be pleased to send
down one subaltern the less, till he shall signify to you
the recovery of his health. We have no news, of any
consequence, but ill news-that the Fleet from Ireland is
not yet arrived, though we flattered ourselves, from some
accounts from the northward, (since contradicted,) that it
was arrived; nor hear we a word of. Lord Loudon. The




87
nation at home is in the greatest ferment ever known, insomuch that almost a civil war is apprehended. Secretary
Fox is reinstated at Westminster, and Mr. Pitt obliged to
resign his place in his favor.'Tis said, that Pitt was for
confining the war totally to America, that Fox was opposide in his sentiments, and for carrying it into Flanders,
with the very forces destined and embarked for America;
which opinion pleased the Duke and Court best.  The
former was most popular and agreeable to the nation:
in short, the Court espouse one, and the people the other,
and nobody knows where'twill end. I beg leave for Boon
Penny, one of my recruits, to stay at Halifax till I come
up, as I promised him at the time of his enlistment that he
should not go to Fort Augusta before I did.  He writes a
very good hand, and will be an assistance to Captain Work in
the store, and has borne commissions as Lieutenant and
Ensign in his majesty's service. I hope you will have no
objection to my keeping my promise with him,
And am, sir, &c.
P. S. I have leave to detain Knipp beyond the extent of
his furlough on the recruiting service, and am, &c.
7th. We have now certain intelligence of the Fleet sailing, by a vessel which left Cork in company with them;
17 sail of the line, 2 ketches, 2 fire-ships and 150 transports, and parted from them 200 leagues off the land.
CAPT. THOS. LLOYD TO MAJOR JAMES BURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Philadelphia, July 26th, 1757.
SIR: —I was disappointed in my expectation of a conveyance of the enclosed, and shall take the opportunity to let




88
you know that I fear some difficulty will arise on account of
the defective blankets and arms, &ec., as the Governor told
me, in a conversation on that subject, wherein I proposed
their being given to the recruits, to save the expense of carriage, that the Commissioners being pressed on that subject, had refused, in a manner, to grant them, until informned what was become of those already given, for they
had once completed the battalion, and expected no more such
demands; (I don't know that the Governor meant this as
an answer on that, head;) but you must know they intended,
I suppose, to pass an act that arms should never perish
through time, age, and blankets never decay-in short,
that everything which had the honor to pass through
their hands, should acquire a sort of immortality. I have
purchased, at my own expense, knapsacks for my men, and
don't doubt the rest of the captains will think them necessary, as it is a much better way to carry their provisions
and their clothes free from the effects of the bad weather,
than osnaburg sacks, or any other kind of bags they can
procure.
I have enlisted one Theobold Scheibel, a very decent and
well-behaved fellow, who has been long in the German service, whom I would desire to recommend as a sergeant in
our company, to which, from the regard I have for the fellow and his merit, I flatter myself you will have no objection. You observe, I remember, in a former letter, that
some of the recruits are bad and unfit for service, insomuch
as to oblige you to discharge them, for which I am sorry,
and hope I shall not be a sufferer by it, as every one of
mine have been examined and approved by the Governor.
But, after all, it happens that the proof of the pudding is
in the eating; and a man who looks very well, may prove,




89
when tried, quite otherwise. Indeed, I can't say much for
the looks of mine, and in a court of justice would advise
some of them myself not to have great dependence thereon.
However, I hope you will not conclude to discharge any till
the regiment is complete, and the officers reimbursed what
they may have advanced their men; some of mine are
many pounds in debt to me-three of whom I purchased of
their masters, and one at ~14 expense.* The Duke of Cumberland is now at the head of 60,000 men in Westphaliaan army of observation-to be shortly joined by a body of
Prussians. I suppose the good old man, his sire, is a little
apprehensive for the safety of his electoral dominions. God
guard him and all belonging to him, even Hanover.
I am, sir, with the utmost esteem, yours, &c.
This party of mine are a set of damned fine fellows.
JAMES READ TO EDWARD SHIPPEN, AT LANCASTER.
Reading, July 31st, 1757.
DEAR SIR:- I am exceedingly obliged to you, for your
very kind letter by Henry Hahn. There is much matter
in it for my serious consideration; but there is nothing
more pleasing than your giving me hopes of seeing you. I
am sorry you so quickly returned Ozinde; and I must,
when I see you, give my reasons why. The Grammar was
published in 1736, and the Dialogues which I mention, not
till 1749; that is the reason, in the former, he makes no
mention of the latter. I know two grammars of the Greek
language written in English. You shall hear of them, and
* Redemptioners; persons brought out and sold to pay for their
passage-money.




90
of some other things, which, by your letter, I see you
inclined to hear from me about. I am just now going to
get together our night-watch, and must leave off. If I am
not exceedingly hurried, (which, having no clerk who understands business, I expect to be,) I will write you pretty
fully by IMr. G. Ross, when he returns from our court. I
have not much fear about my Lord Loudon. I expect good
news from him soon. Let us not despond. It is my request
now, that when I write to you next, you would read my
whole letter over, and consider what I write, before you
mention anything contained in it; you will, theCi, know my
reasons for this caution. What a terrible prospect have we
in this quarter! I will soon let you know what reason I
have to expect sad desolation! Strange officers! - surprising inactivity! I am of opinion, that, except in the regiment at Shamnokin, there is no discipline on this side Susquehanna. I should, too, except the discipline observed by
Dr. Busse.
I am, dear sir, your most obliged,
affectionate, humble servant.
P. S.-I beg you would put me in a way to get a supply
of powder and lead of Colonel Stanwix.  It would be a
very great service done us.
CHIEF JUSTICE SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, August, 1757.
HONORED SIR:-I suppose you must, before now, have
heard the melancholy news of the loss of Fort William
Henry, an event which has thrown us into the utmost con



91
fusion. We have no regular account of particulars: but,
as well as I can collect them, I will relate them to you. On
the news of the approach of the French army, General
Webb, then at Fort Edward, despatched Col. Young, with
1300 men, to the assistance of William Henry, whose garrison consisted of about 2200. Col. Young seized an advantageous post near the fort, and awaited the arrival of
the enemy, who appeared (about 11,000 strong) on Thursday, the 4th instant, and invested the fort. They were
repulsed several times, both by the fort and by Col. Young,
whom they attempted to dislodge three several times, but
without success. We know nothing more of the action,
but that on Monday following the garrison capitulated, by
which 3000 men, together with a very considerable quantity of artillery, fell into the hands of the enemy.
The next morning the enemy appeared before Fort
Edward. What has happened since, we know not-but it is
the opinion of everybody that Fort Edward could not hold
out long. We are in hope General Webb has not suffered
himself to be taken. Should that be the case, we have lost
an able general, and the only train of artillery left in
North America. Where the victorious army will stop, we
know not; not short of Albany certainly, perhaps New
York. We hear that there is an embargo at New York,
and not a boat suffered to cross the water, that they may
be as full-handed as possible. Part of the Jersey militia
is marched; more are going.
Pennsylvania does nothing. To complete our misfortunes, there is news of sixteen sail of French line of battleships in Louisbourg, expecting the arrival of my Lord; well
prepared, no doubt, to receive him. Should he be destroyed,
I'm afraid America is gone.




92
August 17th.
Since writing the above, Mr. Allen has received a letter
from Mr. Jno. Watts, of New York,-giving an account that
Fort William Henry surrendered on the 9th instant, after a
very vigorous defence, having expended all their ammunition, and split their largest cannon and mortars by quick
firing. The forms of capitulation were, that the garrison should
march out with all the honors of war, (that is,'with their arms,
drums, and colors,) and that they should not bear arms against
the French in America, for eighteen months. After the articles
of capitulation were signed, and the enemy admitted into
the fort, our people were told they must leave their guns
behind them, and they were accordingly escorted, unarmed,
by a French guard, about a mile from the fort, and there
left to the mercy of a large body of Indians, who scalped
and slaughtered all they could. Out of eighty women and
children, but ten escaped. Col. Munroe got into Fort
Edward in his shirt, having been stripped, but not murdered. Good Col. Young was wounded in the head, his
brain so affected that he is run mad. Capts. Ord, Furnace,
Collins, with, I know not how many more, killed. What
number of soldiers escaped their fury, is not yet known.
The thoughts of such a horrid massacre chill my blood.
Nothing but French perfidy and Indian barbarity, could
have planned or executed so hellish a villany. Fort Edward
was not attacked the 10th. Great numbers of men have
marched from New York and Jersey; New England is all
in motion. We are not without hopes that there will be so
considerable a body collected, as at least to frighten the
French from pursuing their victory.
As none but posts and expresses are permitted to leave
New York, we do not hear how matters go, as often as we




93
wish. This affair concerns us all so nearly, that, for my
own part, I can think of nothing else.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MAJOR JAMES BURD, AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, lionday, August 23d, 1757.
DEAR IMR. BURD:-This covers a scheme of Mr.   for
driving away the French; but this I am sure of, let it be
ever so good an one, that unless we put it in execution very
soon, they will drive us away. We have heard nothing since
the post (which always comes on Saturday,) from Fort Edward, so that we are in hopes it has not been attacked, or if
it has, that the enemy has not prevailed, or cannot prevail
against it. We have all the reason in the world to hope for
Lord Loudon's success against Louisbourg, and should that
place fall into our hands, it will moderate the very great joy
which possesses Monsieur's heart at this day, for having taken
Port Mahon, Oswego and Fort William Henry from us.
The English Lion is opening his eyes and ears, and I hope
will roar first, and then tear up all before him. Let us hope
that every demi-century will produce a Marlborough or an
Eugene, (Generals,) for the land service, and as noble
Admirals for that of the sea, as ever the English nation
were blessed withal. May God be pleased to give us success against all our copper-colored cannibals and French
savages, equally cruel and perfidious in their natures and
the truth of what they say and promise, just as much to
be depended upon as every thing which the old serpent said
to our first parents in Paradise. I write by this conveyance
to Captain Shippen, my love to him and compliments to




91
the Rev. Mr. Steele, to Mr. Bard and the other officers of
the corps.
The Indians rage, scalp, cut, and slash more and
more at Swatara, and have lately began upon Paxtang, so
that unless Hunter's Fort be kept open, all Paxtang will
be obliged to move away with their families.  And this
day, Justice Galbraith has carried a petition from Paxtang
to the Governor and Assembly, to remove the garrison from
Fort Halifax, down to Hunter's Fort, as it cannot be supported by the Province.
I hope you both take bark every day by way of prevention of the intermittent fever, which rages almost throughout
the whole Province. I mentioned this before.
CAPT. T. LLOYD TO MAJOR JAMES BURD.
Phtiladelphia, Sept. 4th, 1757.
SIR:-I have herewith sent -     recruits, the names of
whom you will see in the roll. I am greatly obliged to you for
the appointment of Sheibel and Gotlib, as Sergeants in my
company, and am fully convinced that you will take no step
prejudicial to the interests of the Captains of the regiment,
who have never yet had any just cause of complaint against
your conduct, and are fully persuaded never will. I am
extremely sorry to hear of the [state] of your hospital,
and believe nothing will be more effectual in preventing
disorders in the garrison than the plenty of vegetables which
your care has furnished them.  My Lord Loudon has returned to New York, with ten regiments, prevented in his expedition by the arrival of a superior force of twenty-three sail of
the line and 15,000 land forces at Louisbourg. His lordship




is honest, brave and wise,.and yet there is no character so
sacred which envy and malignant obloquy will not attempt,
no merit so great which ill-nature will not sacrifice.'Tis
for this reason that his lordship is censured, but'tis only
by the bad-and scoundrels who are themselves incapable
either of acting or judging. Scandal is a tribute which all
great men pay the public, yet, if amongst my Lord's enemies there should appear but one person worthy our notice,
would'nt you be surprised to hear that my Lord Chas. Hay
was he.  My Lord, in order to discipline his men, exercised
them in sham sieges and feign battles; and'tis said that, in
council, Lord Charles Hay asked Admiral Holborne why
he did not divert his folks with sham fights as well as Lord
Loudon.  For this and other freedoms of speech he was
arrested, though the third in command and a Major General. I told you, in my last, of the unhappy loss of Fort
Henry, but Fort Edward is ours yet.'Tis rumored, and we fear from too good authority, that
the Duke's army in Flanders is routed, and himself slain.
Avert it, heaven! though there is, from circumstances, room
to apprehend its truth.
We have yet no Militia Bill, nor any likelihood of one
shortly. Governor Denny's lady is arrived; he writes you
by this opportunity. Barracks are to be built for the regulars in this city.  Recruits are very scarce.  Prague is not
ye't taken, though reduced to the utmost distress; and, except the report of the Duke's defeat, we have no European
news, unless the taking of Bengal from the East India Company by the Indians themselves, together with the loss of
more than two millions of treasure, is news to you. By
-! I think we meet with nothing but losses, and am tired
with reciting them. I believe you think me like Job's




96
messenger. I am sorry the comparison is just. Unhappy
times! I hope, in return, you'll send me better news from
Augusta. You can't conceive the low ebb our service is at.
Colonel Munroe, in his capitulation with the Montcalm,
has deprived himself of the whole of his garrison, which was
3000 regulars, for eighteen months.  Men are wanted, and
very scarce. Perhaps his lordship, for the want of them,
may find himself under the necessity of establishing us. I
wish he may; and am sure he'll find the benefit of it.'Tis
thought he'll dispose of some of his men in garrison, and
lead his recruits into winter quarters, without attempting
anything more this season. Give me leave, before I conelude, to observe one thing worth your notice: which is,
that both lawyers and magistrates unite in asserting that
we have no right to the same privileges with the King's
soldiers, in regard to enlisting and desertions, and in every
other respect. If a man enlists and recruits, we have no right
to smart money, (which I never took in my life,) but a man
may play the fool or the devil with us with impunity; if a man
deserts, he may and welcome, for them; in short, they make
such damned distinctions, that the recruiting work is a heavy
burthen. Immunity from prosecution for a debt if less than
~10 sterling, has been peremptorily refused.  Nay, my
drummer was cast into jail for 7s. 6d. currency, and I forced
to pay it. I wish you would solicit this matter, by a letter
to be laid before the House, in order to obtain a law in our
favor.  Some of the members told me it would be easily
carried. I wish you would write to his Honor on that head,
and he will lay it before them. I am sure'tis necessary,
and I know he thinks so, and if you apply for it, he will
countenance it.




97
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO EDWARD SIIIPPEN, AT
LANCASTER.
Lancaster, Sept. 12th, 1757.
DEAR SIR: —The Governor is very importunate for the
tavern fees. Pray enable me to quiet his demands. He
expects much from your diligence, but says he never saw
anv return of fines, or a stated account for the Gov. from
10th August, 1756, to 10th August, 1757, from Lancaster,
which he expects.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO COL. JAMES BURD, FORT
AUGUSTA.
September 12th, 1757.
SIR:-John Young will tell you how difficult it is for me
to get one moment for my friends; you give great satisfaction to the Governor and every one else. If a new regulation is made, throwing the three battalions into two regiients; one will, I think, be in your power. The second
battalion of Royal Americans is now on its march to reinforce
Colonel Stanwix, and one to Carlisle. All your friends are
well. The continuance of Captain Lloyd in this city so long,
had been taken notice of by some people who do not wish
him well, and the Governor is blamed for performing unequal duty. If the Duke of Cumberland holds his ground
and Prague falls into the hands of Prussia, all will do well;
but if any accident happens to either, we shall be obliged to
patch up a bad peace. I thank you for your favors. I
deserve no more, being so bad a correspondent, but affection
and readiness to serve you are not wanting.
E




CAPT. DANIEL CLARK TO COL. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, September 27th, 1757.
DEAR MAJOR: —I have this day sent off six men, which
I hope, with the command, will arrive safe at Fort Augusta.
I have kept them to assist at the election which is next
Saturday.  Captain Bosomworth's lady arrived here last
night from New York, and informs, that his lordship has
marched toward Lake George, and is determined to rebuild
Fort William  Henry this winter.  Enclosed are the last
papers. Our Assembly is now sitting. The people hope a
militia law will be made at this sitting. Last week no less
than twenty-two were killed and captivated in Hanover
township.  Lord Charles Hay is still at Halifax under an
arrest, and will be sent home with the fleet.
Barracks for five thousand troops are building in Philadelphia. It was proposed they should be built at the head of
Arch street, on one of the proprietors' lots, but Mr. Hockley
forewarned them of erecting any buildings on the proprietors'
lots, else they must expect to have forfeited them. They have
since purchased lots and are going on very fast with the
works.  Colonel Weiser is now in Philadelphia, and I hear
will resign. Captain Bosomworth, a Lieutenant and thirty
men are stationed here, two companies in Reading, an
ensign and thirty men at York.
CAPT. SIIIPPEN TO MAJ. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Harris', Sunday, at 12 o'clock, October 23d, 1757.
DEAR BROTHER: —The Governor (agreeable to the promises made the Indians at Easton,) has appointed John




Hughes, Edward Shippen, James Galbraith and Henry
Pawling, Esqrs., Commissioners for constructing a stockade fort, and building a number of houses for the accommodation of the Indians, at Wyoming, which is an affair
of great consequence, to be done immediately. The Governor has ordered a party of three companies to be
detached from the Western battalion, to escort the above
Commissioners to Wyoming, and to accomplish the work
there, and he has appointed Capt. Mercer and myself
to be two of the officers upon this service. The batteaux are to be employed in carrying provisions and tools,
&c., for this expedition to Wyoming. The Commissioners
will be here on Friday, and are to make no delay: therefore I am sent up with orders from the Governor to detain
all the batteaux at Hunter's, till they come up. But upon
consulting with Capts. Hambright and Mercer, I have concluded it is most prudent to suffer the batteaux to go up to Augusta with the present loading, as you will be in great want
of salt, and the cattle for the garrison's winter provisions.
This and other considerations have prevailed on me to suspend, in some measure, my orders from the Governor. I
therefore beg it as a favor and as a thing of the greatest necessity, that you will, immediately upon the arrival of the
batteaux at Augusta, dispatch them off again for Hunter's,
that the Commissioners and the detachment may not wait
there. I expect them up on Friday next, at furthest. If
they are detained at Hunter's any time, all the blame
will be laid at my door.  Everything else I have to
say, I must leave till 1 have the pleasure of seeing you,
which can't be till the Commissioners go up. I've given
the Governor's letters to you in Capt. Hlambright's care,




100
and the last news. I have something to say in excuse of
Capt. Lloyd's not coming up now.
CAPT. THOS. LLOYD TO MAJ. JAS. BURD.
Philadelphia, November 15th, 1757.
SIR:-Ever since the loss of Mrs. Lloyd, I have been so
indisposed as not to relish writing at all, or even able to
write, for the most part, having been in a very bad state of
health, which still continues. I wrote you some time past
his Honor's answer when I waited on him for his commands
to Fort Augusta, which, least the letter may have miscarried, I here repeat, namely, to make his compliments, and
tell you he had ordered me to stay for some time. I have
great reason to be tired of Philadelphia, and if it is agreeable to you, would be glad you would write to me with orders
to return to my duty, in such manner that I may show your
letter to his Honor.
SECRETARY PETERS TO MAJ. JAS. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Philadelphia, November 18th, 1757.
DEAR SIR:-I am ashamed that the Governor has not
given you leave of absence. The length of time and severity
of your duty make it also of late necessary, as I observe
by the return, there are only sixty-seven wanting to complete the regiment. All the officers now recruiting, may be
ordered to their posts, and then you may be spared to meet
your family. This shall be my endeavor to obtain for you




101
from the Governor, who is' afraid of leaving the command
to any other person, lest accidents should happen, and therefore postpones answering this part of your letter.  I have
here no news of a public nature different from that you see
in the newspapers. Poor Captain Lyon was taken lately by
the English, and retaken by the French, and is now in a
French post. It appears to me that the Commissioners will
send no more things of any sort to Fort Augusta, till a new
supply bill passes. All the sum of ~100,000 is entirely
expended, and a new  debt incurred.  Your conduct is
highly approved. It is not, I assure you, for want of reminding the Governor, that there is anything wanting in the
regiment. Lieut. Clark resigned, because he was not justly
paid, and had no prospect of preferment. This is to yourself, as well as what I say above. My prayers attend the
Commissioners at Wyoming. Col. Stanwix marches with
five companies this day, from Carlisle towards Lancaster,
where he takes his quarters.
COL. BURb TO THE GOVERNOR, GIVING THE CHARACTER OF
THE OFFICERS OF THE AUGUSTA REGIMENT.
Captain Lloyd, a young gentleman of a pretty education and a good scholar; he has acted always as aid-de camp
to Col. Clapham, and has done no duty in this regiment,
only mounted two guards since he came last from Philadelphia. He is a gentleman of a hasty temper, and his understanding entirely subservient to his extravagant passion,
which is greatly prejudicial to himself and troublesome to
all around him.




102
(captain Sh/ippe. —My near connection with this gentleman, I hope, will apologize for me to the Governor for not
doing justice to his merit. I beg leave to refer his Honor
to Mir. Young, the Paymaster, or to Wm. Allen, Esq., and
James Hamilton, Esq., for his character, and will only say
that he does his duty with great punctuality.
Captain Work, a gentleman of good nature, does his duty
with cheerfulness, and of good spirit.
Captain Jameson, a gentleman of education; does his
duty well, and is an exceeding good officer.
Captain Icambright, a good soldier, and indefatigable in
the service of his country.
Captain Trump, does his duty with freedom, and has
shown a good spirit upon all occasions.
Captain-Lieutenant Davis, does his duty well, and a good
officer.
Lieut. Garraway, a gentleman of some education, strictly
punctual in the observance of duty, a good soldier, and
ready to exert himself at all times in the service of his
country.
Lieut. Clark, a young gentleman of education, a very
good officer, does his duty well, and has a great deal of spirit
and merit.
Lieut. Clatlton, A7djutant, an exceeding good soldier,
very active, and extremely assiduous in the discharge of his
duty.
Lieut. Clapham, Jr., I can say very little about.
JLieut. Miles, Sen., does his duty pretty well.
Lieut. Atlee, a young gentleman of some education, a
sprightly young man, has good spirit, and does his duty
well.




103
Enisign Broadhead, a gentleman of little education but
a very good soldier; does his duty well and cheerfully.
Ensign Patterson, a gentleman of little education, a very
good soldier, and does his duty well.
Ensign Scott, does his duty pretty well.
Morgjan, Surgeon, a gentleman of education, and does his
duty very well.
Miles, Jr., a sprightly young man, does his duty very
well; will make a very good officer.
Rev. Mr. Steele, Chaplain., acts in his station to the
general satisfaction of all the officers, and claims their respect.
CHIEF JUSTi:CE SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
PhliladcelhAia, Dec. 9th, 1757.
XHON'D SiR:-I have spoke to two of the master chimney
sweepers, about sending a boy or two to Lancaster, but they
say they are at present so busy in town that they can by no
means stir as yet. I hope to prevail on one to go in a, short
time.
The Governor has been prevailed upon at last to give his
consent that TMr. Burd shall come down to Philadelphia,
and I believe orders have gone up accordingly.




1ornitng Report of the Main, and Quarter Guards of the Garrison of Fort Auyjtsta, commanded by
Capt. Joseph Shihppen, Esq., December 31st, 1757.
COUNTIES.    MAIN GUARDS.    QUARTER GUARDS.              ARTILLERY.
1 Sergeant,          I Sergeant,      o   6 Cannon,               IA Watch Coats,
1 Corporal,          1 Corporal,      %   2 Swivels,                in good order,
1 Drum,            12 Privates,      r   3 Blunderbusses,   19 Tomahawks,
18 Privates,          2 Patrols,           4 Muskets, in good  15 Wheelbarrows,
2 Patrols,                                     order.          6 Batteaux,
43 =    2 Matresses,        16 Total.            104 Cannon Balls.    10 Canoes.
Flocks, etc..
6 Sentries.          4 Sentinels.
Officers round every two hours, Sergeants round every hour.
McKEE,
Officer of the Guards.




10o5
COL. SIJIPPEN TO IIIS FAT1IER, AT LANCASTER.
Fort Augulsta, January 2d, 1758.
DEAR AND HONORED SIR:-I was favored with several of
your affectionate letters two nights before the Major* left
US.
I am sorry for the unfortunate accident in the accadelny,
between IMr. Smith and Mr. Allen's son. I hope the consequence of the quarrel will teach that gentlemen to practice
more philosophy in his discipline for the future.
I believe Captain Jameson has lost the small book on
fortification, you desired me to borrow for you from Captain
MIercer. However, I will ask him when he comes up with
the batteaux. I should have been glad to have had the
pleasure of testing some of mammy's good minced pies, and
enjoying all your companies with the Major at Christmas, but
I must content myself with only having had the honor of
feasting on a few whlortleberry pies, made by the famous
q:uondam  cook of the brave old General Blakceny.  Plain,
wholesome repast.
CII. J. SHIPPEN TO IlIS FATHER) AT L.kNCIASTER-..
Philadelphia, January 8th, 1758.
HON. SIR:-Conrad Weiser has resigned, and a commission is making out for Mr. Burd as Lieutenant Colonel.
Our Assembly have taken up William Moore and the
Provost, and put them  into custody for writing a libel
against the former assembly. Thomas Bond and Phinca3
Clolonel Bur l.




106
(Bond,) were on the point of being committed on the same
account. The latter was actually in the custody of the
Sergeant-at-arms, but afterwards discharged.  How  the
matter will end is yet uncertain.
Samuel Rhodes, William Griffiths, and Jacob Lewis, have
purchased of the proprietors, all that piece of ground adjoining the house where the Governor lives, together with the
ground on the opposite side of the way down to the dock,
for which they have given a bill of exchange for two thousand guineas. They design to lay it out in lots for sale.
Thomas Willing has almost agreed for the piece of ground
adjoining his house for ~900 sterling.
Mr. Burd is not certain when he shall leave town, The
Governor is so dilatory, that no business can be done with
him.
Mr. Burd has an account of Johnny Burd's death at
Jamaica, and also of the death of another brother at Surinam.
JOSEPH SHIPPEN (COL.) TO MAJOR JAMES BURD), AT LANCASTER.
Fort Augusta, January 20th, 1758.
DEAR BROTHER: —I had the pleasure to write you the
2d inst., per Mr. Bard, when I enclosed you the returns,
&c., for the 1st January, 1758; since which several small
parties of Delaware Indians have arrived here with skins to
trade, at the store; among the rest came old King Neutimus, Joseph, and all their family; and we have now fortythree present, including women and children.
Job Chilloway (brother to Bill Chilloway,) came here




107
t'other day from the Munsey country, at the heads of the
Cuyuga Branch, above Diatoga.  He was born and bred at
Egg-Harbor, is a very sensible fellow, and speaks the English language perfectly well. From all the circumstances of
his conversation and behaviour, he appears to be a strict
friend to the English interest. His releasing Armstrong's
wife from the enemy Indians last summer, and the prudent
precautions he used in sending her here, is a confirmation
of my good opinion of him. He assures me that the only
Indians on the Susquehanna who are our enemies, are those
of the MIunsey nation, and they are determined to continue
the war against the English. He says, he understood from
some of the Indians, when he came away, that a small
party of French were expected next month from Niagara,
to join a Munsey captain and some of his warriors; and
their intention is to go towards the settlements near Delaware, and to take an English fort, situated at a place called
by the Indians the Bending Hill, which we suppose to be
Fort Allen.  He further informs me, that last March lihe
carried a parcel of skins to the French at Niagara, to purchase clothing for his family, which sheer necessity obliged
him to do, much contrary to his inclination, observing that
the unhappy Indian war had put an end to English trade;
that while he was at that fort there were but five officers,
and he computed the number of soldiers not to exceed 150,
who by his description of their appearance and dress are
regulars; that they mounted in the fort 45 pieces of cannon, some of which were the brass field pieces taken from
General Braddock, which they intended in the summer to
send to Fort Frontenac; that the fort was strong and pretty
large, having in it a great stone house, three stories high,
where the officers lived. He intends to return to the IMun



108
sey country in a few days, in order to bring away his things,
and in the spring is determined to live among his brethren
the English, with whom he has always enjoyed peace and
friendship. I have the pleasure to inform you, that Captain Jameson and Lieutenant Garraway arrived here yesterday, with 12 batteaux, containing 6000 pounds of flour,
2 hogsheads of whiskey, 3 barrels of salt, and 20 bushels
of Indian corn for the garrison, beside a quantity for Mr.
Carson's store.
In the morning, I shall dispatch off Captain -
Lieutenant Davis and Ensign McKee, with a party of fifty
men in the batteaux, to make another trip, if possible,
while the river is open and favorable. I have restricted the
garrison to an allowance of one pound of flour per man
since the first of January, and shall think it necessary to
continue the same till Captain Davis' return with an additional supply.  We have now in store 17,390 pounds of
flour, and 91,481 pounds of beef.
Enclosed you have a list of prisoners here for desertion.
EDWARD SITIPPEN (CI. J.) TO HIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, January 28th, 1758.
HON. SIR: —The affair of Will. Moore and Mr. Smith has
put everything into a flame. Moore, upon being called upon,
acknowledged himself the author, so that he was committed
without any trouble. Smith denied the charge, which
was against him, for aiding and abetting the writing, and
publishing the libel; so a solemn trial came on, which
lasted two or three days, and at last ended in the conviction
of Smith. After his condemnation, he made a very elo



109
quent and pathetic speech, which had such an effect upon
the auditory, that about a hundred people joined in a general clapping of hands, in the face of the House. This, you
may believe, gave great offence. The members started
from their seats, and called upon their friends for assistance.
The doors were immediately shut to, and, after the confusion was pretty well over, there was an inquiry set on foot
for the discovery of the clappers; several were charged
and committed to the sergeant-at-arms; the rest of the
evening was spent in long harangues on the heinousness of
the insult. The next morning, people were invited in to
make discoveries, but, in so general and sudden affairs,
few particulars could be fixed upon. However, the following persons were at last charged upon oath, viz: John Bell,
James Young, Thomas Lawrence, William Peters, Richard
Hockley, Charles Osborne, and William Vanderspiegel.
They were sent accordingly to make their defence; some
asked pardon, others were more stout, and would make
little or no confession.  The House has the matter still
under consideration, and the above gentlemen are in the
custody of the sergeant-at-arms, but permitted by him to
remain at their own houses. Thomas Willing, apprehensive that he likewise should be charged, went voluntarily
into the House, and acknowledged himself guilty, and made
proper concessions; upon which he was excused, as having
behaved with manliness and candor.
Mr. Lardner was charged, but was acquitted, upon proving he was not out of his own house all that evening. I
make no comments on this affair till I see you. I shall
only say that people are more equally divided in their
sentiments of the Assembly, than has been usual. I have
only told you the general part of the story; the particulars




110
are so numerous and so circumstantial, that I will not
attempt a relation by letter.
EXTRACT FROM MR. FRANKLIN'S LETTER,
Dated January 14th, 1758.
Benjamin Franklin insisted, in a conference with the
Proprietaries, that when commissioners were named in
a bill, the Governor might not strike out or change them at
his pleasure, as none but his own creatures might be
admitted, and the Assembly might as well trust him with
the whole; and that it was an undoubted right of the
House of Commons to name commissioners in bills, in all
cases, where they thought it necessary and proper; and to
have such commissioners so named, stand without alteration
and amendment, and therefore our Assembly-claimed the
said privileges. To which he was answered, that, in such
cases, before the House of Commons inserted the names of
commissioners in bills, the rest was privately settled with
the ministry by the committees, but, though it must be a
privilege of the House of Commons, it did not follow that
it was the privilege of a Pennsylvania Assembly; that we
were only a kind of corporation acting by a charter from
the crown, and could have no privileges or rights but what
was granted by that charter, in which no such privilege as
we now claim, was anywhere mentioned. But, says 1,* your
father's charter expressly says that the Assembly of Pennsylvania shall have all the power and privileges of an
assembly, according to the rights of the free-born subjects
* Franklin.




111
of England, and as is usual in any of the British Plantations in America.'Yes,' says he,'but if my father granted privileges, he'was not by the royal charter empowered to grant; nothing
can be claimed by such grant.' I said, if then your father
had no right to grant the privileges he pretended to grant,
and published all over Europe as granted, those who came
to settle in the province, on the faith of that grant, and in
expectation of enjoying the privileges contained in it, were
deceived, cheated, and betrayed. He answered they should
have themselves looked to that, that the royal charter was
no secret; they who came into the province, on my father's
iffer of privileges, if they were deceived, it was their own
faults, and that he said with a kind of triumphing, laughing insolence, such as a low jockey might do, when a purchaser complained that he had cheated him in a horse. I
was astonished to see him thus meanly give up his father's
character, and conceived at that moment a more cordial and
thorough contempt for him, than I ever before felt for any
man living, a contempt that I cannot express in words, but
I believed my countenance expressed it strongly, and that
his brother, who was looking at me, must have observed it.
However, finding myself grow warm, I made no other
answer to this, than that the poor people were no lawyers
themselves, and confiding in his father, did not think it
necessary to consult any.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, February 16th, 1758.
HON. SIR:-I observe your rule for discounting, and
think it much better than my own, which, however, I shall




112
give you as what occurred to me from -the reason of the
thing.
Suppose I owe ~100, payable six months hence. It is
agreed I shall pay it now upon a proper discount. What is
the sum to be paid? First, I consider it shall be that sum,
which with its interest, will amount to ~100 in six months.
Then from            ~100  Then calculate the interest
Deduct half per ct. interest, 3    on ~3 for six months,
-- --  which is         Is. 9d.
~97 [ Which added to ~97 Os. Od.
J Makes the sum ~97 ls. 9d.
EDWARD SHIPPEN (CH. J.) TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia February 21st, 1758.
IHON. SIR:-I this day saw a letter from Colonel Gage,*
giving a very discouraging account of the intended expedition to Ticonderoga. He writes from Albany that the
forces would not be assembled at that place till the 14th
instant; that things were not in that state of readiness which
he expected, and that everything appeared to be conducted
in a loose manner; that the snow upon level grounds was
four feet deep, so that till a rain and thaw should come to
settle it, they could not expect to make much head in
marching; or if they should get before the place, that it
would be impracticable to storm it while so deep a snow
remained; that in short their success would much depend
upon being favored with weather and some lucky accidents.
He seems to intimate, that there might have been much
better management in making preparation for this expedi* Afterwards commander of the British troops at Boston.




113
tion, of which he does not seem to have very sanguine
expectations.  He writes this to a friend in confidence, so
that you'll please to be careful about mentioning it. There
seems as if some kind of fatality attended all our affairs; what
with cross-accidents, our inattention and the bad conduct of
our superiors, nothing succeeds. Our Assembly sent an Indian
trade bill up to the Governor, in which they appointed nine
commissioners, most of whom the Governor struck out, and
named others in their room.
Commissioners named in the Assembly, were:
Joseph Fox,                Abel James,
John Hughes,               Edw'd Pennington,
Jos. Galloway,             Sam'l Wharton,
John Baynton,              William Fisher,
Isaac Zane.
Commissioners named by the Governor, were:
Edw'd Pennington,          Samuel Smith,
William  Fisher,           Tho's Willing,
William Coleman,           Will'm West,
Henry Harrison,            John Wilcocks,
Evan Morgan.
The Assembly sent up the bill again, with the Jollowing new
Commissioners.
James Pemberton,          Thomas Wharton,
Joseph Richardson,        Enoch Story,
John Reynell,              Daniel Rundle,
Thomas Combs,             Plunkett Fleeson,
Peter Chevalier, Jr.




114
The bill is now with the Governor, but I believe will not
pass. In that case, it is said there is a number of gentlemen who will apply to the Governor for his license, to carry
on the trade in much the same manner as is proposed by
the bill. They are to furnish the whole stock themselves,
draw six per cent interest for their money, and five per cent
commissions for managing the business.
Lord Loudon has applied to this province for eight hundred men, to be under his command the ensuing campaign,
to be paid by us, and victualled by the King. What our
Assembly will do I know not. A report prevails that the
eastern battalion will be destined for that service, and that
a guard of fifty men only is to be left at Fort Augusta.
But this is only town talk, and therefore I cannot say how
far to be relied on.
Mr. Hamilton sailed last Sunday from New York, and
my Lord Loudon has set off for Connecticut.
I write you all our news, because you seemed to desire it
when I last saw you.
JOSEPII SIIIPPEN (COL.) TO LIEUT. COL. BURD, AT FOItT
AUGUSTA.
Plilade7phia, April 19th, 1758.
DEAR BROTHER:-I have been here now a week, with
Capt. Jameson, waiting till the money bill should pass, before I could safely purchase clothing and other necessaries
for my company. The Assembly adjourned themselves
from the 8th to the 18th inst., and now they are sitting to
prepare another bill, laying aside the clause for taxing the
P'roprietary Estate, which must certainly be assented to by




115
the Governor to-morrow or next day, unless he still insists to
have new Commissioners. I waited with Capt. Jameson on
the Governor when he came from New Castle, and acquainted him with your orders to us about our companies, but that
we could do nothing without money. He told us there was
no money yet, but perhaps there would be some in a short
time. As soon as the bill is passed, I shall proceed to get
everything in readiness for my company immediately.
General Forbes arrived in town with Major Walker last
night, but nothing yet transpires from him about the expedition. We hear, by express from New York, that Admiral
Boscawen is actually arrived at Halifax with a large fleet,
and, after landing the troops there, proceeded immediately
to join Admiral Hardy to block up Louisbourg.  The 2d
battalion Royal American regiment, and Otway's regiment,
have embarked here on board of transports, and to sail for
Halifax to-morrow to join the troops there.  The troops,
which the several colonies have agreed to raise for his Mtajesty's general service, the ensuing campaigns, are:
In the Province of                     Men.
Massachusetts Bay, -    -    -          7,000
Rhode Island,                           1,000
New Hampshire,    -    -    -    -    1,000
Connecticut,   -                        5,000
New York,    -    -    -    -    -    2,600
New Jersey,   -                         1,000
Pennsylvania, -    -    -    - 2,700   3000
3 (Lower Counties)  -    -    -   300
Maryland, (suppose).        -          1,000
Virginia, (suppose)  -    -             2,000
23,600




116
The Army under General Forbes will be composed of Montgomery's Highlanders, 13
companies, -    -                         1,300
4 companies of 1st Batt. Royal Am's., under
Col. Bouquet,    -    -    -    -    -      400
3 Carolina Independent Companies,  -    -     300
Regulars, 2,000
To be joined by the Provincials of Pennsylvania, Maryland,
and Virginia, and a large number of Cherokees, now at
Winchester. Mr. Allen has released Smith and Moore from
prison, by a habeas corpus; and, as soon as the money bill
is passed, the House will resume the consideration of that
affair, to support their dignity.* I shall endeavor to return
to Augusta as soon as possible, with the Paymaster, who
says he will pay the companies there first.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO LIEUT. COL. JAMES BURD) AT FORT
AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, May 2d, 1758.
DEAR MR. BURD: —Enclosed is a few lines from Captain
Shippen, whom, with Mr. Allen and family, and all our
friends, I left well in Philadelphia last Saturday. I know
no news but what you will find in the papers, except that a
Liverpool man tells us that the King of Prussia has obtained
more victories over the French, and particularly beaten the
Marshal De Richelieu, and all his troops, from Hanover. I
expect Sir John St. Clair, with Tommy Willing and his
* See Gordon's History of Pennsylvania, p. 353. Smith appealed
to the Council in England, which sustained his appeal.




117
sister Nancy, here to-night. I can't tell you, of a certainty,
of any promotions of our Provincial officers. Capt. Allen
thinks Capt. Shippen ought to stay behind to command Fort
Augusta, as you (it is supposed) will go on an expedition.
But he will not agree to this. We have three companies of
Highlanders in Lancaster, in exchange for Colonel or rather
General Stanwix's battalion, which is now near Albany.
P. S.-MIr. Coleman, at a Common Council held last Saturday, resigned his office of Clerk of the Mayor's Court
and of the Common Council to Neddy's hundred a-year.*
My compliments to the Major and all the officers. Colonel
Armstrong is in town (I mean Philadelphia) and Mr. Peters
told Captain Shippen that Colonel Burd ought to have come
down too, to have been present while General Forbes and
Sir John St. Clair were in their consultations. I and Capt.
Shippen made answer that the Colonel would have readily
come if he had had any intimation of it.  I would advise
you to consider whether it may not be proper for you, now
you hear the General is in town, to wait upon him. I can't
say yes or no. Do what you please; but if you should resolve to come, you ought to lose no time.
ORDER OF GOVERNOR DENNY TO JOHN HUGHES AND OTHERS
RESPECTING WYOMING.
Philadelphia, May 4th, 1758.
GENTLEMEN: —Tedyescung having demanded the performance of the engagements made by this government in
building houses, clearing ground and making some other
* Mr. Shippen, according to the fashion of the day, paid an annuity to his predecessor.




118
improvements at Wyoming, and having fixed the time for
doing it to be within three weeks after this date, and the
Assembly having very much approved of my intention to
employ the gentlemen already commissionated, and recommended it to me to use the utmost dispatch in forwarding
this work, I make you acquainted therewith, and desire you
would once more undertake the journey to Wyoming, and
superintend the finishing of the buildings and other works
to be done there in consequence of my promises. I must
particularly desire of Mr. Hughes, as he is in town, and
one of the Provincial Commissioners to settle everything
with them respecting the number of carpenters and workmen, as well as the sums of money necessary to be engaged
and provided for this service; and further, that he will
confer with Tedyescung, and fix with him such matters as
he shall think proper should be previously agreed upon, and
to give notice thereof to the other Commissioners, that they
may conform thereto, so as not to miss of one another, or
to suffer anything necessary for the work to be left behind;
I understand that the provisions for the Commissioners and
their company must be sent from Fort Augusta, together
with the tools, and many other things which were left there.
The Commissioners who go by Augusta, will take them with
them; and if no Commissioners go by the way of Fort
Augusta, they are nevertheless to give directions that the
provisions be sent in batteaux to Wyoming; and the commanding officer at that fort, is hereby ordered to yield obedience to the directions of the Commissioners, and send
them up with a proper escort, to consist of an officer and
twenty men, which is to return to the garrison immediately
on delivering the provisions, &c., to the Commissioners at
Wyoming. You are to act agreeable to my commission of




119
the fifth day of October last. If it shall happen that only
one Commissioner can attend, the person attending is hereby
invested with the same power and authority as if the whole
were present, at the same time requesting that all may
attend this important work, if possible.
If Mr. Hughes should choose to go by way of Fort Allen,
and a convoy be wanted for him and his attendants, Capt.
Orndt, or the officer commanding there, is hereby ordered
to send along with them fifteen or twenty of his men, with
an officer, for a guard, and who are to conduct them to
Wyoming, make no stay there, and return forthwith to the
Governor.
I recommend it to you to take care that everything be
done in the premises that the Government stands engaged
to do, as far as in your power. You will consult the Indians in the course of the work, and act to their satisfaction.
I most heartily wish you health and a safe return.
Gentlemen,
Your most humble servant,
WILLIAM IDENNY.
JOHN HUGHES,   1
EDWARD SHIPPEN,    Esires.
JAMES GALBREATH,
FRANCIS TOMLTIN    )
CAPT. JOSEPH SHIPPEN (COL.) TO LIEUT. COL. JAMIES BURD,
AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Philadelphia, May 8th, 1758.
DEAR BROTHER: -When I shall take my departure
from hence I can't yet tell, as the Governor, with General




120
Forbes and Sir John St. Clair's approbation, has been
pleased to appoint me Brigade Major to the Provincial
troops; wherefore, the Governor keeps me in town a little
longer. The money bill is now making, but it will not be
finished and signed these ten days. The Government is
therefore borrowing money, that the Paymaster may immediately pay off the companies westward of Susquehanna, it
being thought they will march first in order to take post at
Reastown. How this will be I can't tell.
The Commissioners are ordered to take another journey
to Wyoming, agreeably to Tedyescung's request; Mr.
Hughes to go by the way of Fort Allen, the others via
Fort Augusta, and to take with them the tools, provisions,
&c., in batteaux, to be escorted by only twenty men; but
I believe neither my father nor Jemmy Galbreath will consent to go. General Forbes is a sensible and prudent gentleman; I wish you had been here to have enjoyed his
acquaintance; however, you will have that happiness this
summer.
The Highland regiment of 1100 men is to be embarked
at Carolina the 12th inst., and I suppose will be here the
latter end of this month.
Please to tell Lieut. Scott, that in two days I shall send
off the clothes for my company, viz., coats, waistcoats, leather breeches, stockings, hats, (my shirts are making at
Lancaster).




121
CAPT T. LLOYD TO MAJ. JOS. SIIIPPEN.
Fort Henr;y, May 15th, 1758.
DEAR SIR:-'I had the pleasure to receive at Fort Henry
his Honor, the Governor's, orders of the 11th of May, transmitted by you, to which I have paid a proper obedience. I
sincerely congratulate you on your promotion, which I hope
will prove an introduction to something more considerable,
and that I shall have the pleasure of saluting you Imperator
before I die. It gives me unspeakable satisfaction to observe
the order of your regiment in general for this campaign, as
I take it to be a happy omen of their future good behaviour,
and perhaps the surest foundation of victory, should not
anything unhappily check this generous spirit. You'll see
the Pennsylvania phalanx sacrifice myriads of enemies to
the Manes of their butchered friends, and thunder with irresistible fury at the gates of Fort Duquesne. You may perhaps mistake this last effort, of my genius for a quotation
from some modern tragedy, but I'll assure you upon honor'tis all my own, and that I would as much despise to steal a
quotation as I would a victory. If it should sound a little
tragical you know'tis a tragical subject-to the French, I
mean. I intend to halt here, for want of breath; but do
you go on and prosper, and believe me to be,
Most sincerely and affectionately yours,
T. LLOYD.'Tis odd, but certainly true, that the company at Fort
Henry, who before used to sing psalms fervently every
day, have, ever since the news of the expedition, sang
F




122
nothing but songs of mirth, and seem to have certainly forgot their psalms. One fellow, on being told that he would
have two hundred acres of rich land on the Ohio, swore he
would have no lands, for he never intended to work any
more. The same fellow, being apprehensive that he should
be left behind in garrison, damned himself if he did not
desert, and follow the regiment, if they left open, one minute, the back gate of the Fort.
The following story of Dudley Dougherty, I think ought
never to be forgot:
Dudley, on his passage from Augusta, fell into the river
in a d-d deep hole, and would have been drowned if
Captain Hambright had not pulled him out. On being
asked by Hambright if he could not swim, he answered,
very well. Why the devil, then, did not you do it?  By
my soul, answered he, I never once thought of it.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO MAJOR JOSEPH SHIPPEN, AT PHILADELPHIA.
Lancaster, Maly 28th, 1758.
DEAR SON: —Yesterday arrived twelve Cherokees and
one Mohawk from Winchester, recommended by magistrates
there to Sir John St. Clair. They are going to Col. Johnston's, and I have employed Mr. John Head to go to Philadelphia with them, as he understands the principal man of
the Cherokees, who speaks the Shawnees tongue well; and
I hope the General or the Commissioners will pay Mr.




123
Head handsomely for his trouble.  The expenses will, I
hope, be paid; for if the charges of sending Indians backwards and forwards are to be borne by me, without a reimbursement, I must let them travel as well as they can for
the future.  I paid ~4.10 last fall, for a man and horse,
conducting Indians down to Philadelphia, and wrote to Mr.
Peters to get me the money, but he sent me no answer.
I look upon the safety of these Indians of some consequence
to the continent, and that I would have gone myself, and
so would the Sheriff, down to Park's with them, were we
not engaged to send off at six o'clock, A. M. on Tuesday
morning, sixty wagons to Colonel Bouquet, at Carlisle, which
we shall be a little puzzled to do, as drivers are very scarce
and saucy, since the late enlistment.
MAJOR SHIPPEN TO COLONEL BURD, 4T FORT AUGUSTA.
Philadelphia, May 31st, 1758.
DEAR BROTHER: —I have been to Doctor Gream's place
at Horsham, where Mrs. Young show'd me a letter of thanks
from the Proprietary, Mr. T. Penn, to Captain Young, for
his care and diligence, &c., in executing the duties of his
station as Commissary of Musters and Pay Master, desiring
him also, when he should see you, to pay his (the Proprietary's) compliments to you, and his hearty thanks for your
care and good conduct in the government of the forces under
your command at Fort Augusta, &c. This is only the purport of the Proprietary's letter; I cannot remember his




124
words, nor the genteel manner of his expressions; he says
he shall have occasion to write to you and Colonel Armstrong.
Yesterday, arrived here two ships from New York, with
ammunition and military stores for our expedition, which
we were fearful would be taken in coming round, as they
sailed without a convoy, and we had heard that several
French privateers were on our coast. A parcel of blankets,
arms, cartridge boxes, &c., are to be sent up by the commissioners to day for the 1st and 2d battalions, Pennsylvania Regiment, at Carlisle. Captain Armstrong sets off, too,
with the horses for the two troops of Light Horse.
The General told me two days ago to get myself in readiness to go out of town, for that he must hurry me off very
soon. I know not when I shall leave town, as he has not
said anything to me about it since. The Governor intends
to go up himself as soon as it is possible.
It was first determined to divide the Pennsylvania Troops
into four battalions, but it seems probable now they will
consist only of three.; this matter nor the number of field
officers is not yet settled.
CAPT. PETER BARD TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES BURD,
AT RAYSTOWN.
Fort Augusta, July 20th, 1758.
DEAR SIR: —I could not omit this opportunity of letting
you hear from me. I arrived hear the 20th past, in company
with Captains Eastburn and Jackson, and sixty-five men,




125
being a detachment from each of their companies and four
officers, and found one hundred and twenty-one men in
garrison, the leavings of the battalion; some dragging their
legs after them, others with their arms in slings, several
sick. The garrison cuts a droll figure to what it formerly
did. The 17th instant came here one Captain Montgomery
with sixty-two men to relieve Eastburn and Jackson's
companies. I think they exceed anything of men-kind I
ever saw. They look more like a detachment from the dead
than the living. I would have given five pounds to have had
Hogarth here when they were drawn up upon the parade, to
have taken them off that I might have had the pleasure of
giving you a view of them. Major Shippen wrote to the
Captain,* upon some complaint of the inhabitants, for his not
going in quest of some Indians of whom they had discovered
the tracks. It's my opinion that six Indian warriors would
have scalped them all. They had six bullocks in charge for
this garrison, and a mile from Hunter's they lost them all,
they did not bring one to the fort. This day, march the
Captains Eastburn and Jackson with their companies, to
join you and forty picked men of your battalion, so I leave
you to judge what a blessed corps we have got left. Captain
Trump and Ensign Henry are all of the old officers here.
The garden is the only thing that looks like itself, and that
in a great measure has lost its relish with me for want of
your good company. I saunter in it now and then like a
lost sheep. We have great quantities of almost everything
that is good in it, and I often wish you and the gentlemen
at Raystown could partake of them. Our soldiers, who
have their share, find great comfort from it. I believe we
# Montgomery.




126
shall have no occasion to trouble our friends next year for
seeds, I shall take care to save a sufficient quantity.
Our young nursery grows charmingly. I can't forbear
smiling as I am walking in the garden, to observe the great
quantities of marigolds you have planted, there is enough to
make soup for your whole army.
Jem Cottes and his brother, two Indians, went from here
some time since hunting, and opposite Captain McKee's,
they being on an island, discovered about thirty Indian
warriors going down towards the inhabitants; upon which
they made the best of their way to the fort, and informed
Captain Trump that evening, he sent them and one of our
men down in a canoe to acquaint Lieutenant Brodhead,
whom we expect up with the party, and to alarm the inhabitants; and at Hunter's, Hambus and Jem Cottes quarrelled, and the former killed the latter. My compliments
to the gentlemen in general, and I do most sincerely wish
you all the success your heart can wish, and a safe return to
your family and friends. I hope I shall have the pleasure
of hearing from you.
CHI. J. SIIIPPEN TO IHIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, July 20th, 1758.
HONORED Sin: —The account I wrote you of the taking
of Ticonderoga, proved a false one. It proceeded from a
letter received by Townsend White, said to come from New
York, but we have great reason to believe it was forged in




127
this town. We have since heard the melancholy news of
the defeat of our army, owing, as it is generally thought,
to the rashness of our troops, animated with the success
they had on landing. They expected to force the French
entrenchments sword in hand, without the help of a single
cannon, and so were cut to pieces. Three times over, the
brave Highlanders mounted the ramparts, and were as often
repelled. Our whole loss amounts to about 1500 regulars
and 500 provincials; the newspapers make the number
smaller, I suppose, with design. The army is returned to
Fort William Henry, but, it is said,-preparing to go back
and renew  the attack.  God send them  success. Lord
Howe is certainly killed, and his body brought to Fort
Edward. Major Rutherford is also killed; Major Fulliken
is said, in some letters, to be killed; Cochran and Mather
wounded. Complete lists of killed and wounded are not
yet come to hand.
Our affairs at Louisbourg are in a very prosperous way,
and we are in daily expectation of hearing of the reduction
of that valuable fortress.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN TO MAJOR SHIPPEN; RAYSTOWN.
Lancaster, Saturday, Aug. 5th, 1758.
DEAR SON: -- Having just run over the enclosed papers,
I thought I could not begin the evening more agreeably,
than by writing you a line or two on the present situation
of affairs. I hope, by this time, Louisbourg is adorned with




128
English colors, and, if so, will Mr. Pitt listen to the
solicitations of the English merchants, who, for want of
knowledge, will naturally be pressing him to give it up, in
exchange for Port Mahon? The loss of Port Mahon, I
own, is great; but, if our sea-officers will but do their duty
in the Mediterranean, our trade will not be much affected
by its remaining in the hands of the French. But, while
the island of Cape Breton remains in the hands of the
English, the French not only lose a million sterling per
annum in the fish trade, but must be forced to buy it of us
at a dear price. And this is a trifling argument to what follows, for if the French can get the island into their hands
again, and are suffered to keep it, they will, one day or
other, be able to drive us off the continent, (which, otherwise, they can never do,) and this will give them a power
over our West India islands. Pray let me then ask the
English merchants what they will do with their manufactures, if they can't find markets for them abroad?
The answer is, that no more will be made; and then we
may say, 0 poor England, thou must soon become a province of France! to say no worse about the matter. It is
now England's business, it is her only resort to fight; and,
if she cannot conquer, it will not be her fault-for Cape
Breton must never be ceded again to France, nor must we
ever make a peace with the Grand Monarque, but upon our
own terms.  If we do it on any other conditions, it must
be on his terms, which has been the case too often
already, but I hope will never be the case again. Did not
the mighty Marlborough open a door alnost into Paris, by
his grand conquests; and did not a devilish ministry give
up everything he had taken, for nothing, at the treaty of




129
Utrecht in 1713?  After that, the French king was in a
better situation, than he was before that war.
As to our late slaughter at Ticonderoga, I could think of
it but with the deepest concern. The papers say, that our
General intercepted a letter from the Marquis de Montcalm,
calling back 3,000 men, whom he had sent towards the German flats. I believe there was such a letter, and that the
express was ordered to fall in our way, in order to deceive
us, and so we shall find it will turn out,-for that general
knew some weeks beforehand, of our design against Ticonderoga, and therefore it ought not be once imagined that he
would weaken his garrison at such a time, upon any consideration in the world. Besides, if the story could be supposed to be true, that they had that number of men to
spare, for the purpose mentioned, we should have brought
our cannon against the place, as we had an army of
15,000-a certain number of men who were obliged to
invest that fortress, containing an uncertain number. But it
is easy talking about matters we don't understand; however, if anything I here say, in relation to the affair, should
appear to you ever so just, yet, ne dites rien, because it
might give offence to some gentleman of your army, for as
Cato says —Nulli tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.  We
have heard nothing of General Abercombie this week, but
it is thought he is reinforced by this time with three or four
thousand New England men. As soon as I have any intelligence from that quarter, or Cape Breton, I shall write
you again.
Your brother, who left us yesterday morning, desired me,
when I wrote again, to give his kind love to you and Mr.
Burd. I long to know whether Col. Bouquet has resolved
F*




130
to try for a road towards Loyal HIannon: in short, I shall
remain impatient, till I hear from you how the army is to
march. If, therefore, you can get a leisure hour, I would
desire you to gratify me in this. I hope your wine is got up
safe to Raystown. It is accounted not only by physicians,
but by other experienced persons, the most wholesome liquor
(diluted sometimes with water), in the world.  Mr. Allen
has put Andrew out to Mr. Chew, and he has a great mind
to make Jemmy a lawyer, too. He has spoke to your brother
about it, and it is to be determined when he and his wife
return from Shrewsbury, where, I am sorry to tell you, she
has found no alteration for the better. I am really afraid
it is almost over with that most valuable lady. Doctor
Shippen has made application for Jack, (I said, as to this,
we all know the turn of the family, and especially Jack's,)
and he has been spoke to by some others, -but I advised
him, that, as much as he stood in need of an apprentice, by
all means to wait for Col. Allen's determination. Take care
of your health. Be not poisoning your stomach with meatsuppers, and pray press my doctrine on Mr. Burd. Your
mammy is come to call me to my crust of bread, and gill
of wine and water for my supper. iMy kind love to you
and MIr. Burd.  God bless you both.




131
A  Copy of the Rates and Prices for Sutiers' Liquors and
Goods; settled at Raystown, August 10th, 1758, by order
of C(ol. Bouquet, Commandilg Officer.
C41)          Q-.
PRICES AND RATES. 
~.  s.  d. ~. s. d.
Madeira Wine, per gallon,     -    -   010    0 17 0  ] 2 0
Vidonia,*        do           -    -    111 0  011  0  012 0
West India Rum, do            -    -               011  6 0  13 0
Spirits,         do           -    -   012 0  013  6  0 15 0
Shrubb,          do           -    - 1             10 0  113 0
Shrubb Punch, per 3 pints,    -                1   0 2   1112    3 0 3 0
Fruit    do        do         -    -   0 2 3 0  2 3  0 30
Sangaree,          do               -   0-  2 3  0 2 3  0 3 0
Wine,              do         -    -   01 3 0  1 6 0   110
Single Fine Sugar, per lb,    -    -   0 2 01     2 3  0 2 6
Brown Sugar,         do       -    -   0 1 3  01 1 6  0 1 9
Hard Soap,           do       -    -     1 4  0, 1 7 0  1 10
Tamarinds,          do        -    -   0 2 0  0 2 3  0 2 6
Candles,            do        -    -   0 1 6  01 1 9 0  2 0
Shoes, per pair,    -    -    -    -   0 8 0  0 9 0  010 0
English Cheese, per lb.,  -    -    -   0 1 6  0 1 9  0 2 O
Chocolate,        do    -    -    -   0 2 6  0 2 10  0 3 2
Coffee,'do    -    -    -   0 1 0  0 111  0 2 2
Bohea Tea,        do    -    -    -   012 0  0 13 0  0 14 0
Writing Paper, per quire,     -            2 0  0 2 3  0 2 6
Mustard, per bottle,     -    -    -   0 1 9  0 2 0  0 2 3
Pepper, per lb.,    -    -    -    -   0 5 0  00 5 6  0 6 0
Wine Vinegar, per gallon,     -    -   0 0,  0  12 0  0 15 0
Cider Vinegar,  do                 - -      03 0 o0 4 0  0 5 0
Salad Oil,      do            -            5 0 -   6 0  0 7 0
Indian Blankets, each,   -    -    -   1 0 0  1 2 6  1 5 0
Pigtail Tobacco, per lb., -        - -   0 1 6  0 1 9  0 2 0
Leaf Tobacco,     do    -    -    - 0 0 9  0 1 0  0 1 3
Pricked Tobacco, do                - -    -   0 9  0 1 0  0 1 3
Butter,           do    -    -    -   0 1 3 0       1 6  0 2 0
Gammons,          do    -0 1 1  0 1 3  0 1 6
Smoked Beef,      do    -    -    -   0 1 0  01 1 0  0 1 2
Dried Meat and Tongues, per lb.,   -   0 1 0  0 1 3  0 1 6
American Cheese,            do     -   0 0!10  0 1 0  0 1 3
Whiskey, per gallon,               - -    -     51 0  0 6 6  0 8 0
American Rum, per gallon,          -   0-  51 0  0; 6 6  0 8 O
* Vidonia was a Spanish wine, something like Malaga.




132
A   Dacil  Return  of the Second Battalion of the Penna.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
COMMISSIONED. i  STAFF. 
z~
I      -
I_.  __;              
oCt.4
Colonel James Burd, - -                    1       0 0 11     0 0 0 (I 2 1 0
Lieut. Col. Lloyd, - - - - - - - - -         1 00  0 0  0 0 O  O1 2 1 
Lieut. Col. Work, - - - - - - - - -          1    o          0 0 0    0  1 0 
Major Shippen,-                      0- 01 o 0 1 1j 0 0 0.0 0 1 1 0
Major Jameson, -   - - - - - - - -            0 o    0    11 1 o O 0     2 1 0
Major Orndt, -  - - - - - - - -                      1 0  00  0         1 
Capt. Bussee, -   - - - - -                       0 0 00 0 1  0 1 0  0   2 1 1
Capt. Hambright, -                       0 0-   0  0 1-      0  0 0 1   1 1 
Capt. Morgan, - - -                                 1     0 0 0  010 0 0  1 0 0
Capt. Weiser, -   - - - - - - - - -              00 1  0           0  0 O' 2 1 1
Capt. Clayton, -  - - - - -1                              0 011 O     2 1 0
Capt. Haselet, - - - -00 1 1 0  0 0 11 20                                   O
Capt. Singleton,       -     -  -  -  -  -   0 0 01 1 1  00 0    0  21  0
Capt. Hassler,  - - - - - - - - - -                  0    1    0   0   0   2 0 0
Capt. Eastburn, -   - -    - - - - -    0 0 00 1             0 0010 01 2     0
_   1i 2 1  3 7 l0  2 1 1 1  2 125 11 2
Orderly Officer, Ensign Haller.
OFFICERS ABSENT,                  OFFICERS ABSENT,
DRAWING PROVISIONS.             NOT DRAWING PROVISIONS.
Pt           g                            eIL'  O i  w -a P
Total.                            Total.
12...4                                6      1




133
Regiment, Camp at Rays  bown, August 19th, 1758.
EFFECTIVE RANK AND FILE.    1           5 
10  ON 0 I  3                           RETURN. I   JOINED.
COMMAND.                       B 
8 5) ~  1 31 4I o o 1 1 o  147 0       I              I 12
0   101    3                          011  
13                  -    -    - - -       -    -   -              1-  -    -     - 28a9 0   18   3140 0 1 1 0         45.     5                   1 17
12 1 1   1312310111                45    0 5                    0  36
10    0    9  10  10 0 111         345   016                    1 26
9 4 2   20   2  32 0 1 1 1    451   06                         1 46
6 2 0    614 41  4   0 1 11    35    0 15                      0 26
11 410   101 21  20 1 11 1    51    0 0                         1 33
130 10   41  7 83 1  11 1    44'   0                            1  42
12 10   10   1 66 0 1 11           39    0 11                   1 43
460   12   7 3     1        0 0         01       17   -             1
6 3 0   15   8 21 0 1O2e1  39    0 11                          137
JACOB KERN,
13 2 0   15 5  003 1 1                     A1 48    12  1au.5
1220    422  C00 1 11    49'   0 1                              134
SSergeants absent, drawing Provisions,. 




134
CHIEF JUSTICE SHIPPEN TO HIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Ph7iladelphia Augiust 24th, 1758.
IHON. SIR:-We have at last received the joyful news of
the surrender of Louisbourg, which, with the account of the
Duke of Marlborough's destroying such a number of French
ships in the harbor of St. Maloes, has given this town great
spirits. An application to the Assembly for barracks would
be a vain thing. In the first place, they have no money to
dispose of, and in the next, they would tell you Lancaster is
no more burthened than the other towns in the province, in
proportion to its size. And if you should have barracks it is
a question whether you would be relieved, for a commanding
officer might think Lancaster the most proper place to
quarter a number of men, and after filling the barracks,
might put as many men on the tavern keepers as they could
conveniently take; so that in fact, barracks in Lancaster,
might turn out only a relief to some other smaller towns,
not so conveniently situated for quartering soldiers.
If, notwithstanding, the people will petition the Assembly,
they had better get Johnny Mather or George Ross to draw
their petition, than I, who am not sufficiently acquainted with
the -nature of the distress they would complain of. The
numerous petitions against William Moore for mal-administration as a justice of peace, are now under examination
before the Governor and Council at the state house. I
understand they have gone through five already, all which
turn out most villainously vicious.




135
RICHARD PETERS, (SECRETARY,) TO EDWARD SHIPPEN) AT
LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, August 24th, 1758.
SIR:-The Governor, on examining his cash, received
with his list of tavern licenses, finds that he has only received
for sixty, whereas by the list there are eighty-four; therefore desires you will send him the names of the delinquents,
that they may be prosecuted, and in the mean time, that
you would not give out licenses, till they have paid their
arrears.  Mr. Morse gave me a list of delinquents, but it is
some how mislaid, so please to order him to make out a
new one. But the Governor, who is responsible for each,
every year finds great fault that the townships, where people
live, are not mentioned in the list. Pray send me by the
next post a complete list, with townships, and keep the
people up to their pay within the first quarters. If two or
three examples were made, it would be better for you and
the Governor. He is really angry, and I give you this
information without his knowing it, that you may write to
him on the subject.




136
Field Return of the Second Division, First Battalion, of
the Royal American Regiment; in Camp, on the March,
August 24th, 1758.
Ci
3q    X    RANK AND FILE.
XH1~~~~~~=sTotals,...... -- 1 2           -6   - 8  3   8  
RUDOLPH BENTINCK,
Adjutant.
Adjutant.




137
A Field Return of the Maryland lForces encamped near Reas Town,
August the 26th, 1758.
O F F I C E R S f EFFECTIVE RNCK AND _
PRE1SENT.            F ILE.  AQN 
"!     ~ i
COMPIS-                Om 
CaptainDagworthy's,- SIOD..                                    0
Do   Wae',*   ---                03      6    01 MIS-  0o C       0.13180
Tal, *- -.          0 -:   1 9 16 9 o  ol  o o o   I E       0 80
JNO. AGORTHY.
~~' NON    l          |   N<N 
Cs                                 i S
S1ION D. _| SIO)NED. | _  | S        | SN                E _
C;c 00ll (q    a;  g 6'   t                      E
* These Captains Beall were the  rands ons.     I believe, of Col. Ninian   eall. for
whose services a gptainst Dagworthy' ndians,  An  1 t of   1 4 atitude" was passed by the 0  a-2 0 019 3 84
ry land Asemb ly. ('s  Laws of    aryad.  The "gratitude" was not con- 0 0 0  2  1 0 020 2 7
ined to                m re words, but'material' proofs of the esteem of the   egislature were
given, in addition to othfficers previously bestowed. lis services ertainly deerved
hih c onsideration.  The defeat of' the    squ ehannocks" by him, drawing   he  blow
which bDoke their power. (Lewis 9Evans' M6ddle Britih Colonie0. 600hi0a. 1705.
Do Ware',pprummers. 12-14,                       - - 2d l d.)
319
JNO. DAGWORTIIY.
OFFICERS ON COMMAND.
DRAWING PROVISIONS HER.E.      NOT DRAWING H0RE
NO N         I                 _  _ _  _
2    4           2   13    0    0    1    0:1
* These Captains Beall were the grandsons. I believe, of Col. Ninian Beall. for
whose services against the indians,  An 4ct of Gratitude" was passed by the S-laryland Assembly. (Bacom's Laws of -Maryland.)  The "gratitude' was not confined to mere words, but'material' proofe of the esteem of the Legislature were
given, in addition to others previously bestowed. His services certainly deserved
high consideration. The defeat of1' the Susquehannocks" by him, was the blow
which broke their power. (Lewis Evans' Middle British Colonies.  Phil'a. 1735.
pp. 12-14, 2d Ld.)




138
A Field Return of the Maryland Forces, Encamped near Reas Town,
Sept. 11th, 1758.
O F F I C   R S    EFFECTIVE  RANK AND FILE.
PRESENT.
C. M _ -- _    O__-_N _            WANTING TCOMMIS-..2..co. -
SIONED. A x ane                           THE ESTAB7.    _AN _ __ __D. ____ _        LISHM NT.
S n SICK.,  _
Lieut. CoI. DgwOrthy's, -       1      2     2   2 1  63          68          23   2 72
Captain Alexander Beal's,                    2          69        71          20   2 73
Captain Joshua Beall's,                      2   3      57   1  63            28  2 62
Captlain Ware's,      -               1      1 1 4    62          68  1       23   4 67
1         11 Total,      11    3       7 19 1   251   11 270  1        94  l274
N. B.-The three Sergeants sick.
Officers on command and drawing Rations here,   15
Sergeants,.                     12
Drummers,                                 -       4
Total Rations,.. 305
WM. LINN.
OFFICERS ON COMMAND.
RANK AND
DRAWING PROVISIONS HERR.       NOT DRAWING HERE.        FILE ON,SIONED.   CIOMMN'ND.         SIONED.    COMMISSH'D.,
t2- 74     3 211                           210 41   251




139
List of Officers and Soldiers Killed, nMissing, and Returned from the
action near Fort Duquesne, September 14th, 1758.
KILLLED  OR MISSING.          RE TURNED.  ~
DIFFERENT                                                              e
TROOPS.             OFFICERS.                    OFFICERS.             &
Lieut. Billings,         35  Captain Lander,  -    70: 3
Royal Americans?,  L,ieut. Ryders,               Lieut. Bentinck.
Ensign Jenkins,
Major Grant,            131  Lt. Arch'd Robinson,  162 24
Captain Munro,                Lieut. Hen. Mann.
Captain A. McKenzie,          Ensign Alex. Grant.
Captain McDonald,             Lieut. McDonald.
Highlanders,       Lt. Alex. McKenzie,           Surgeon McDunit, *             Wounded:
Lieut. Colin Campbell,        Surgeon Harriss, -            Wounded.
Lieut. Wm. McKenzie.
Lieut. Rod'k McKenzie,
Lie ut. Alex. McDonald,
Ensign John McDonald,
U Major Lewis,             61  Capt. Walter Stuart,  103  2 Wounded.
I Lieut. Baker,                 Captain Bullitt.
1st Virginia Reg't,  Lieut. Campbell
Eknsign Allen,
I Ensign Chew,
Ensiga Guest,
Carolinians,  - -                             4                           7  2
Captain Ware,    -    46  4
Marylanders, - *  Lieut. McCrea, *   -    27  Lieut. Ripley.
Ensign Harrison, -            Wounded.
Lower Counties of  2                                                     12
Pennsylvania, o
2d Battalion of   Ensign Haller, 
Pennsylvanians,   Ensign  aller,        18  Lieut. Hayton, es.          85  5
Lieut. Renolds.
278                        483 40




A  Field Return of the Division of the Sixty-second Regiment, or.First Highland Battalion, commanded by the  Hon. Col.
Archibald Montgomery, Camp at Raystown, September 15th, 1758.
OFFICERS PRESENT.                                                          WANTING TO
NON...EFFECTIVE RANK AND FILE.
COMMIISSIONS. COMMIS                                                        COMPLETE.
C O M P A N I E S.0 C                                                  I C K.    COMMAND.        0O
II  5.. 0g 1  EM1...
-. ~~ ~~~_~_ _._________  Q ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4   N   02 ~~~~~~~~~ ~ I  M _          C _    
Captain Sir Allan MacLean's,   -                       1   1   1   4   2       71   3   6   2   10            1   1   1   95               9    3      89
Captain Robertson's,                                   1   2   1   3   1       58   2   5   6   16            1   1   1   90           1  14    3      74
Captaiu Canmeron's                                     1   2   1   3   2       42   6  13   1   19            1   1   1   84              20    3     63
Detachm.ents,                                              1   2 -5   4    134   9   8 1           4                      185                   5    160 
Total,                                     3   6   5  15 9    305  20132119   79                   3   3   3  454   1  43 1  14    386
N. B.-One Servant with Col. Montgomery, no rations drawn for.                                                                                    500
JOHN M'LACHLAN,
As Adjutant.
ON COMMAND, AND WHERE.
AT THE ALLEGHENIES.
C O M P A N I E S.              Subal-.   Ser-  Rak  TOTAL.
terns. geants.  File.
Captain Sir Allan MacLean's,         -                         10       10
Do   Robertson's,.1                                       16       16
Do   Cameron's,                                      1       19       19
DetaChments,                                   1              34       34
Total,                              1       2      19       79
N. B.-All on command, 1 Lieut.; 2 Serg'ts; 79 Rank and File.




141
A Daily Return of the Lower County Comnpanies, Commanded by Major Wells, encamped near Reas Town,
Sept. 17th, 1758.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK
COMMIS-          o        AND FILE.
SIONED.    STAFF.  X
COMPANIES.  - i 
de 1OO il O
Major Wells', - - - 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 8 917 34
Capt. M'Clughan's, - 0    0 00  000 00 0    ~     4 3 7
Capt. Gooding's, - -0 0 0 1  0 0 00 0 0 0 3 5 13 21
Total  - - - - 1 OO 20 0 01 1 01 2 1 11 18;33 62
RICH'D WELLS,
iMajor.




Return of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, in the Action at Loyal Hannon,
October 12th, 1758.
OFFICERS.
NON    RANK
COM1ISCOMMIS-     AND 
SIONED.
ONE I. SONED. FILE.  >
(I,      "b  bJ
REGIMENT.                      a     )
Highland,                   0 0 0 0 0 0  1 1 0
1st Virginia, - - - - -   O 1 0  O 1 O 4 4 0 Lt. James Duncanson, wounded.
North Carolina, - - - -        0 0 O    O O O 0 3
Maryland,   - - - - -             1 11     0 1 0 0 10 Lt. Thos. Prater, killed; Ens. Bell, wounded;
1st Pennsylvania Battalion,  0 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 11                         [Lt. Matthews, missing.
Lower Counties, -   - -   0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4
2d Pennsylvania Battalion,   0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 1
Total,- - - -         - -    1 2 1 0 1 1101529
Lieut. Wright, of the Royal Train of Artillery, wounded slightly in the head.




1 4
COL. BOUQUET TO COL. JAMES BURD.
Stony Creek, October 12th, 1758.
DEAR SIR:-I deferred answering your several letters,
in expectation of joining you, every day. The rains, broken
roads, and several other contingent causes, have kept me
back. To-morrow I hope to dine with you; but don't retard your dinner for me. The Laurel being impassable, I
sent Captains Callender and Shelby to look for another
ascent, and they have had the good luck to find one greatly
preferable. We cut quite a new road from this post to the
top of Laurel Hill, which will be four miles shorter, and
eight miles better.  I set out this moment to reconnoitre,
and shall encamp at the foot of the hill, to have sufficient
time to view it to-morrow morning (nothing out even in the
night) upon pack-horses, with two-inch augers, one-inch
chisel, and another two inches, and one handsaw, to build a
bridge over Queenatong Creek. Your horse-driver will find
at the top of the hill a branch cut across the road, and the
blazes at his right hand, which blazes he is to follow to the
foot of the mountain, where he will see an encampment and
deliver his tools. The second division of the artillery will
stay here until the new road is cut, and the last division set
out from Reastown, to say which fifty wagons. I beg you
will get an exact return ready of all the troops on the west
of the Laurel Hill, that we may make the necessary dispositions to move immediately forward. I am impatient to
see you. My compliments to Capt. Gordon and friends. I
hope the General's hut is ready, as he will soon be with us.
lie mends apace.
Dear Sir,
Your humble servant,
HENRY BOUQUET.




144
Room must be made and ground cleared for the fifty
wagons of the artillery.
If you have no falling axes well ground, or no time to
grind them, pray let it be done to-morrow morning. As
we have no grindstone, the work would not go on.
H. B.
HARRY GORDON TO LIEUT. COL. JAMES BURD.
Loyal Hannon, October 14th, 1758.
SIR:-The following is what happened between the
French prisoner, who was brought in wounded, and who
made the answers to the following questions, put down in
the same words:
Q. Quelle force aviez vous aujourdhui, que nous attaquoit.
R. Nous etions mille Hommes.
Q. Outre Les Sauvages.
R. Non: entre huit et neuf cens Francois et le reste des
Sauvages.
Q. Et quelle etoit votre dessein et comment et ce que
vous avez osez nous attaquer dans les Retrenchmens?
Le prisonier me disoit que au commencement je lui avois
promis de ne lui pas demander beaucoup des questions et que
ii lui falloit du temps pour me repondre. Te l'assurois que
ce n'etoit que un seul question de plus, et seulement pour
voir si ce qu'il diroit, s'accordoit avec les reponses des autres
prisoniers que nous avions fait, que j'avois dit au commencement aussi.
The answer was to the last question in these words, as follows:
Que leur dessunetoit d'attaquer toutes nos gardes avances
et de les survive s'ils pourroient dans les retrenchmens.




145
The above are the words that happened between the said
prisoner and myself, which upon account of the ingenuity,
I have put in the same words as they were pronounced.
HARRY GORDON.
To COLONEL BURD,
Commanding at Loyal Iannon.
COL. HENRY BOUQUET TO LIEUT. COL. JAMES BURD, AT
LOYAL HANNON.
Stoney Creek, October 16th, 1758.
DEAR SIR: —I received yesterday morning your last of
the 14th, and transmitted to the General all the intelligence
you sent me. I am very sorry you could not make a prisoner. I suppose you have ordered some parties out to
endeavor to get some straggler. I don't believe a word of
their pretended reinforcement in provisions and men, but to
know the truth, be pleased to send two small parties to spy
on the opposite sides of Monongahela and Ohio, if there are
more batteaux than before.
The General desires that all the parties sent out do reconnoitre the country betwixt the old path and Braddock's
road, to know where we could fall in said road. The path
discovered by Captain Funk. seems to be the best, but as he
could not go to the end of it, there is little depending
upon it.
Col. Washington will be here this day with the rest of
his regiment. The new road will be cut in three days (if
good weather) to the top of the Laurel. All our wagons,
provisions, &c., are coming up, and nothing I hope will prevent our marching forward immediately.  The General
grows better and better; he has fired afeu de joie for your
G




146
affair. The Little Carpenter is there, with thirty Cherokees and thirty Catawbas. King iHegler is expected every
day, and the General hopes to engage them to come up with
us.  The news of the King of Prussia beating Marshal
Davon, is confirmed by all the vessels. I have forwarded
all your letters. As soon as I can, I shall be with you.
I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient, humble serv't,
HENRY BOUQUET.
A  Daily Return of the Virginia Regiment Encamped at
Loyal Hannon, under the Command of Col. Washington,
October 21st, 1758.
OFFICERS PRESENT.                    SINCE
EFFECTIVE RANK   LAST
NON
COMMISSIONED. E  COMMIs-   AND FILE.    RETURN.
SIONED.
COMPANIES.. 
Col. Washington's, 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1  2411 71216 6 78
_ _1                          _  72 
Maj. Lewis's, - -  0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 0  29 14 8 16 7 6 80
Capt. Bullitt's, - 0 0 0 1 1   o0 0 0 31 02  30  11 1 8 6 81.o -   1 _ 1 00 01O 0 -2  33 9 2 188 6  7
Total-     1 1| 0 2 9 2.1 1 16i  4 8 185 54 40 9254 36 461  -
G~. WASHINGTON,
Colonel.




147
tVanting Necessaries to Equip each JMan for the iMarch, in
the 2d Division, 1st Battalion, of the Royal American
Regiment, Loyal Hannon, October 25th, 1758.
COMPANIES..: 
12
Colonel Henry Bouquet,  - 20  24 6  54 20 12 3
Ralph Harding,        - 19  35 5  1816 7 2.  Francis Lander,    -    6  40 19  48 17 4 2
v  Thos. Jocelyn,       -  3  2112  24 14 14 0
Total,  -           48 120 42 144 67.371 7
R. HARDING.
A Return of the Maryland Troops under the Command of
Lt. Col. Dagworthy, Wanting Necessaries, at Loyal
Hannon, Oct. 25th, 1758.
The Whole wants Blankets, but they are sent for.
The Whole wants Clothes, but they are making.
JNO. DAGWORTHY,
iL. Col. JMr?/7accn( Fo)rce,.




148
GENERAL FORBES TO COLONEL BURD.
NTew Canmp, 20 miles west of Loyal ilannon,
November 19th, 1758.
SIR:-                    astonished and amazed upon
and villainous desertion of
of the methods he had used
from our assistance at so very
He has often told us in public
that his nation were going to make war against the Virginians and His Majesty's subjects. I therefore thought him
a good pledge in our hands to prevent that, and consequently
the whole of them  were indulged in every extravagant,
avaricious demand they made; but seeing that those who
have thus deserted and abandoned us, with all the aggravating circumstances attending their desertion, now preludes
to what we may expect from them.  I therefore desire,
that upon receipt of this, you will instantly dispatch an
express to the commanding officer at Raystown, who is to
send one to Winchester and Fort Cumberland, in case that
he, the Carpenter* and his followers, should have already past
Raystown, and notice ought to be sent to Fort Loudon
likewise with my orders, which are that having under the
cloak of friendship robbed us these several months, but
now having discovered themselves our private enemies, and
having turned the arms, put in their hands by us, against
his Majesty's subjects, which the former parties have
already done, that, therefore prudence and self preservation
obliged us, to require of them the returning of their arms
and ammunition directly, as likewise the horses that were
furnished them to accompany us to war; that as their
*The Cherokee Chief.




149
blankets, shirts, silver truck, &c., are not of that consequence, therefore the peremptory stripping of them need not
I insist upon the inhabitants
Chester making them
and horses, which is but
fellow subjects of the parts of Virginia
borough, where no doubt they would commit all sorts of
outrage, so that it will be necessary to send a sufficient
escort along with them, allowing of them a sufficiency of
provisions and no more, so that the Cherokee nation may
see plainly they will have nothing to complain of but the
baseness and perfidy of those, whom they have sent amongst
us as friends for these seven months past. The garrison of
Fort Cumberland is strong enough to compel them to deliver
up their arms, so let a copy of this my letter be sent to the
commanding officer, who is to make use of all the fair means
in his power before he takes their arms from them. At
Raystown they are to do the same.
But as the garrison of Fort Loudon is perhaps too weak
either to refuse them their presents, or make them deliver
up their arms, I desire, therefore, that in case they take
that way, that Major Wells marches directly himself with a
sufficient force from Raystown to Fort Loudon to execute
this, which you and all concerned, are always first to try by
gentle methods, before that rougher ones be made use of;
as it is impossible any of your garrison can overtake them
before they reach Raystown, I therefore desire no time
may be lost in sending copies of my letter and directions to
Raystown, to be forthwith transmitted by expresses to Fort
Loudon, Cumberland and Winchester.    * * 
Mr. Smith the interpreter ought to be sent after them to
serve to explain matters, and to prevent as far as can be, the




150
bad consequences of their going home through Virginia and
North Carolina, armed, for which purpose this letter is wrote,
as Virginia has always suffered.
I am, sir,
Your obedient, humble servant,
JNO. FORBES.
CIIIEF JUSTICE SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, December 14th, 1758.
HONORED SIR:-Your account of our army getting
possession of Fort Duquesne, you may be sure gave us a
great deal of pleasure. The reduction of the fort by driving the French away, though it will not make such an eclat
in the world as obtaining it by a regular siege or a pitched
battle would have done, is nevertheless equally beneficial in
its consequences, and General Forbes' prudence and good
conduct will establish his character with thinking people, as
effectually as if he had obtained his conquest through blood
and slaughter.  I had the pleasure, on Monday last, of
rejoicing on a double occasion, for amidst the ringing of
bells and firing off guns for the above mentioned glorious
event, my Peggy was safely delivered of a fine, lusty boy;
so that you may be sure I was very sincere in illuminating
my house for joy. The Governor tells me General Forbes
expects to have quarters provided for 1800 men, and he
(the Governor) thinks Lancaster can take 500, as formerly;
Reading 300, and York 200. The remainder will be fixed
at Germantown and other places near Philadelphia; the
Governor desired me to mention this to you. I shall take
a proper opportunity of mentioning Mr. Burd for the office
in Cumberland, though I cannot help thinking with you, he




151
acts more in character as a soldier, and perhaps his present
office is the most profitable, and will be not less durable,
for though a peace should come on, we shall always keep up
one or two troops for the protection of our Indian trade, and
the commander of a fort in time of peace, earns his money
very easily, for as no danger is apprehended, the absence of
an officer from his post would be in a great measure winked
at. This, however; I only mean as a hint to you, for I would
not have Mr. Burd think me slow in doing him a kindness.
I will look out for a good quarter cask of wine for you;
my kind love to mammy, &c.
SIR JOHN ST. CLAIR TO COL. BURD.
Four miles west of Kilkoney Parolings, l
Tuesday morning. 
SIR: —The fifty men of your battalion which began to
work on the road yesterday at 12 o'clock, cut one mile of it,
so that there remains three quarters of a mile to finish of
what I expected, which I shall immediately set about, with
the two companies of carpenters; it may take them two or
three hours. I dare not camp at the foot of the ridge, as I
could wish, for it is full of laurels, but shall encamp a little
on this side of the clear fields. The food for horses all
along, from this to the clear fields, is very good. From the
clear fields to the foot of the hill is cut, but several stones
are to be broken or removed. I shall keep working on the
hill all this day, and if after you come up, you choose to
see the descent of the hill, I shall accompany you. I
enclose you the return of the men that I have here, that
you may make your disposition accordingly.  In case I
should be obliged to blow rocks, pray send me a piece of




152
brimstone; the artillery have some; you'll not forget the
wagon cloths which are in the redout.
I am, sir, your most humble serv't,
JNO. ST. CLAIR.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 3d, 1759.
HONORED SIR:-I give you joy of the taking of the
Island of Guadaloupe. The enclosed was the first account,
which is since confirmed. The engagement mentioned by
Gaine was on the Island of Martinique, between 7000 English and 5000 French. The latter were soon put into confusion, which the Highlanders did not fail to improve by
rushing in, sword in band. But the cause is not yet known,
why our troops should hasten to reimbark without attempting anything further. Some accounts intimate, that the
landing on Martinique was only a feint to cover the real
design, which was the reducing Guadaloupe. The account
of the action in the Bay of Biscay is corroborated by an
account from Barbadoes, that says, a master of a vessel has
taken his oath that he actually saw the French and British
fleets engaged, the former consisting of fourteen sail of the
line, and the latter of twenty-one sail.
CII. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 14th, 1759.
HONORED SIR: —General Forbes is to be interred this
afternoon, with great pomp. Mr. Burd got safe down, and
sends his love. We are in some apprehension that the ycllow fever will be imported this summer from Guadaloupe.




153
COL. JAMES  URDI) TO HIS WIFE, AT HER FATHER'S,
LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 24th, 1759.
AMY DEAREST:-I am sorry to hear of the distresses of
your family; the more so, as I cannot at present come up
to see you all. I hope, however, the children are all doing
well.
There is great disturbance here, occasioned by General
Amherst's giving the command to the westward to my namesake, Colonel Burd,* of Virginia. The Assembly are determined that they will grant neither men nor money, unless
the commander is changed; and I believe a deputation from
the Council and Assembly of this Province is to be sent on
to New York to General Amherst.
These disturbances prevent my receiving my money, for
which I am sorry. If you want any, I shall be obliged to
your father for lending you some, until I can receive my
own.
Since writing the above, I hear General Stanwix commands. He arrived last night. This will remove all objections.     I am, my dearest,
With the greatest regard,
Your most affectionate husband,
JAMES BURD.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. JAS. BURD) AT PHILADELPHIA..Lancaster, March 27th, 1759.
DEAR MR. BURD:-I am very sorry that General Amherst ever thought of commissioning Col. William Byrd,
* Colonel Byrd, of Westover.
G*




154
as fine a gentleman and soldier as he is, since it proves so
very disagreeable to our wisdoms. Sally received yours of
the 24th, wherein you mention General Stanwix as your
commander to the westward, but I think your information
as to him will prove wrong.
Point d'argent, Point de suisse, so that I say nothing
more to you of your buying Mr. Ross' negro girl, who is a
very fine one by all accounts, and I wish with all my heart
Sally had her. The price will be fifty or sixty pounds at
most, and I hope, as the girl is not yet sold, that in a week
or two you will be able to pay for her; and if otherwise,
we must be contented.
THOMAS LLOYD (MAJOR) TO COL. JAMES BURD.
Ligonier, April 14th, 1759.
DEAR COLONEL: — Yours of- the 9th of March I had the
pleasure to receive by Ensign Biddle, and was extremely
glad to have that satisfaction. I have wrote you frequently
relative to the battalion, but conclude that my letters have
been intercepted and you have not received any. I am extremely sorry to tell you, what now remains of your unfortunate battalion is hardly worth writing about. The graveyard has most of them. Exhausted as they were, with the
fatigues of a most unmerciful campaign,'twas impossible
they should stand the united effects of sickness and hard
duty. I have, agreeably to the dictates of humanity and
duty, afforded them all the relief in my power, and contracted great debts in doing it; how I shall be paid, is a
matter of some doubt. At any rate, the satisfaction that
accompanied it will in some measure repay me. I have




155
urged their distressed situation with all the eloquence I was
master of, to the commanding officer; I am  sorry with so
little success.
The hurry has been fatal to them, and that I think might
have been in some measure prevented. There are none of
the second battalion at this post. Captain, one; Lieutenants, two; Ensigns, two; rank and file fit for duty,
thirty-two.
Intelligence says that there are at Venango forty French
and subalterns; at Le Boeuf a hundred; at Presque Isle a
hundred; at Niagara a thousand.  As to Indian affairs,
they don't seem to be at present on the best footing-many
treaties but little sincerity. I believe their friendship is like
that of the rest of the world, and will attend those who
stand the least in need of it; and, in order to gain it, we
must first convince them that it can be of no use to us;
after which, perhaps we may obtain it. I am extremely
tired of this place, and should be extremely obliged to you
if you can by any means procure me relief. For further
particulars I refer you to Mr. Atlee. Being, sir, &c.
HUGH MERCERI (LIEUT. COL.,) TO COL. JAMES BURD.
Pittsburg, April 23d, 1759.
DEAR SIR: —Your favor of the 10th, I had the pleasure
to receive yesterday, and should undoubtedly have had
great satisfaction of hearing of your and Mrs. Burd's welfare long ago. It is very different with one who lives in
exile, and has little entertainment, besides calling to mind
past scenes of happiness in the society of his friends, from
what it is with you who have fresh objects of delight hourly




156
crowding in.  We have endeavored to pass through the
gloom of this winter as easily as possible; and, what with
public work, and frequent perusal of the history of the four
kings, are at length happily arrived among shady groves,
blushing blossoms, and verdant fields.
This place becomes now very agreeable to most of us,
and, excepting the sick and the lazy,'tis my opinion that
few of the soldiers, and not one of the officers, of a grain
of sense or spirit, would take it of choice to go down the
country.  For what purpose are we to be ordered down,
to have the additional fatigue of making some hundred
miles, starving all the way, and, during the campaign,
become the rear of the army, to be tormented with escorts?
I propose writing on this subject to Colonel Armstrong,
and hope you will agree not to harrass your people, after
what they have already suffered. The subject might become
too tedious, was I to describe to you the miseries of the
Pennsylvania troops here, and much more so at Ligonier,
for want of surgeons; your battalions have lost immensely
this way. I have,'tis true, been     in Dr. Johnston,
who, purely to oblige me, has attended our people at this
post; but, to take proper care of such numbers, is beyond
the power even of his industry. Will our surgeons agree
to indemnify me and Dr. Johnston, or will they acknowledge that their pay is granted by the government to be
frolicked away in quarters, when the lives entrusted to
their care, demand their attendance upon the frontiers. In
the event of an attack on this post, a scene of tumult must
have ensued, too shocking for imagination.
The enemy keeps peppering away up in the communication-the particulars of which, I take for granted you have,
before this reaches you. Hitherto we have escaped their
parties, excepting the batteau-men. It is with no small




157
pleasure I find that Col. Bouquet is to command here, who
will be a proper balance between the provincial troops, besides many other advantages arising from a gentleman
whom every man must esteem. Your namesake on, sent his orders to Col. Lloyd, to remit to him the
roll of his garrison, and that of Pellsby, without writing
me a single line. How far this fire missed in the military
way, you may judge. We are extremely obliged to your
endeavors and Colonel Armstrong's, before the Assembly;
for my part, I have no expectations, and therefore can suffer no disappointment. I wish the insisting on augmentation of pay may not disconcert the other view as to betmoney, &c., for you know our people have weak constitutions, and won't bear a great deal at once. I tell you a
word in your ear, "your battalion and Colonel Armstrong's
will never be in character, till half a-dozen officers are broke
from the service with disgrace. Another nuisance, almost
equal to the scoundrel behavior of too maty of the officers, is
such as quit the service, following the army as pedlars, &c.
To-day I made an excursion to Charles old town, one of the
finest places for a strong post to be found perhaps in America, besides a view infinitely superior to any about Pittsburg, and the river equally commanded. I begin to think
your patience has suffered sufficiently, and therefore shall
beg leave to present my kind regards to Mrs. Burd and your
young family.
JOSEPH SHIPPEN, (COL.,) TO COL. JAMES BURD, AT
LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, May 23d, 1759.
DEAR BROTHER: —Captain Jones' Company marched on
Monday for Carlisle, where he is to encamp,.having an order




158
on the keeper of the king's store, from Capt. Hay, to receive nine tents, and fifty-three stands of arms.
Since you left town, the Governor has peremptorily told
Mr. Peters, Young, and myself, that he will have a third
battalion, and that he had settled it with the General the
day before, telling us that otherwise the two battalions would
be too large.
I have enclosed you a copy of the new exercise, which
the Royal Americans performed very well when received
last Monday. I hear they are to leave this town next week
with the artillery, etc.
Yesterday the General gave a public breakfast at the
Assembly Room; there were forty-two ladies there, and
many more gentlemen; all danced after breakfast till near
2 o'clock, and then formed parties with the ladies to Schuylkill and Springettsberry.  The man whom you enlisted
before you left town, for three years, is extremely troubled
with fits; I am of opinion he will be of very little service;
I saw him the other day, and he appeared very sickly and
weak. What shall be done with him?  I give you joy of
the surrender of Guadaloupe.
P. S.-The Governor says he will be paid for the commissions he has already signed since he has been in the
Government and those he is yet to give out, exclusive of the
secretary's fees; he has settled his own thus:
~  s.
5    from a Colonel.
4     do a Lieutenant.
3     do a Major.
2     do a Captain.
1 10 do a Lieutenant.
I     do an Ensign.
And he has ordered Mr. Young to collect them.




159
HUGH MERCER, (LT. COL.,) TO COL. JAMES BURD, AT
LANCASTER.
Pittsburgh, May 23d, 1759.
DEAR SIR: —Yours of the 30th April and 3d inst., I had
the pleasure to receive yesterday, and am extremely pleased
to find that your young family have happily got over the
distemper which has raged even here, and among our neighbors at. Since my last, having occasion to
write to Col. Armstrong, I enclosed him lists of the dead of
your battalion, to the 1st instant, desiring he should send
you that of the Second Battalion. But few have dropped
off since, and I flatter myself that your people will not
appear despicable on your arrival here. They mend every
day, and will be fit for any service required of them, before
the army arrives, if that should even happen some time
before next fall.
My opinion as to their going to the settlement, you shall
have with all the freedom in life. I never knew any other
advantage accruing to soldiers (I mean ours) from being in
town on the frontier than blacked eyes and eternal floggings,
and unless Carlisle and Shippensburgh are of late more
closely altered in point of morals, the old game at either of
these seats of virtue and good manners would undoubtedly
be played over; especially if N. has intended the men should
receive their pay there, to enable them to indulge more and
more, besides having their pockets picked by tavernkeepers.
Then this garrison is to march (on the intended scheme)
four hundred miles; but for what? Why to give the finishing
stroke to their health and spirits, too much exhausted by
severe duty and hard labor, experienced here through the
winter. The battalions will be assembled complete on the




160
Ohio, and I am convinced even the common men will choose
rather to pay the expense of transporting the articles intended
them, to this place, than carry them some hundred miles
themselves. But I hope better things from the Government,
than that such a tax will be laid on us. On Monday last, a
skirmish happened between a party of a Corporal and ten
Provincials, and about twenty Indians. Poor Swails, to the
great comfort of Molly and Tommy, was killed, off a hunting
from the party. Our men behaved well, killed one and
wounded another of the enemy; but were obliged to return,
on an attempt to surround them. We endeavored to come
up with them afterwards, but in vain; they had made off in
great haste with two Vermont soldiers, prisoners.  Two
officers and some Indians from Venango have hovered about
us some days, but carefully avoid all the traps we can lay
for them. There is no coming up with them, but by a fox
hunt to Venango, where we may possibly catch old Le Narie
in his hole, unless he has timely notice of our desire. The
only news is, that we are all well, and have no reason to
dread a sudden reverse of fortune.
COL. BURD TO COL. BOUQUET.
Cam p at the Little Meadows, Sept. 7th, 1759.
DEAR SIR:-I came to this ground last night, where late
in the evening I had the pleasure to receive your favors of
the 4th instant. It is very lucky you did not attempt to
send your wagons to Fort Cumberland, as they certainly
could not get along that road; after so much rain it must
be a perfect swamp.  I last night received a horseload of the oats you were so good to send to Cumberland.




161
The road from my last encampment to this is really excessively bad; the Alleghany Hill is by no means the worst of
it; there are two hills extremely bad and long. From
Martin's place to this they esteem it eleven miles, and I
think it very bad for wagons. There has been nothing done
upon it by Finney. If the road is all along as I have found it
hither, I think wagons can carry one-third more on the
other roads than this, and with more ease to the horses;
and I would strongly advise that a party from Fort Cumberland may be ordered upon this road from thence to
Guest's; I'll answer from thence to the mouth of Redstone
Creek, The commanding officer of the party should not
hurry, but make the road good, and take time. It seems to
me that Mr. Braddock was in a hurry to get along, and so
did not allow time to make the road as it ought or easily
could be made. It is not more than ten feet wide, and carried right up every hill almost without a turn, and the hills
almost perpendicular; however, if the officer who is sent on
it from Cumberland has any understanding and regard for
the service, he may make it a goqd communication, as it is
very capable of improvement; and I know I could make it
a good road for the part of the country, but as it now stands
it is too bad. You know Mr. Avery weighed the loads of
my wagons, and they were 12 cwt. [ each.] I found they could
not get along even with this moderate load; and I took out
about 14 cwt. and loaded upon the officers' horses, and at
the hill I put six soldiers to each wagon to hoist them up.
I hope to march from hence twelve miles to-day; if I make
out this march I will be very happy at night.
I observe you have some thought of sending the three
wagons this way. I hope they will do very well after the
road is mended; as the hills must be turned up by wind



162
ing, and not left as they are now, straight up. The stones
must be thrown out of the road, all new bridges, and old
ones tossed on one side, and I think the road should be
widened; but this might be dispensed with. I am very
glad the General will find a conveyance to meet me at the Monongahela. I will immediately upon my arrival ascertain
the situation of the water, and then we can proceed accordingly with the transportation from Cumberland. The weather has been very severe upon my people, and not a little
so upon myself, as I have had a fever; but now we are all
in good spirits and no complaints.
t conclude, my dear Colonel,
Your sincere friend and humble servant,
JAIMES BURD.
Col. Shippen's compliments to you.
CoL. BOUQUET TO COL. BURD.
Fort Duefoir, Sept. 13th, 1759.
DEAR SIR: —We have had an account from  St. Lawrence, that General Wolf attacked the lines the 31st July,
with all the grenadiers and two hufidred R. A., but was repelled with loss of four hundred men, partly wounded.
People begin to think that he will not succeed, but will ruin
the country in his retreat. I hope better; he has beaten
the Canadians and Indians everywhere, killed great numbers, and got five hundred prisoners. No news from Europe. Callender has arrived with his men's horses, but
Hatmbright is yet at Larrcaster.




163
COL. BURD TO GENERAL STANWIX.
Camp at the mouth of Nemoraling's Creek, on the Monongahela, about one mile above the mouth of Redstone Creek,
Sept. 30th, 1759.
SIR:-I have cut the road from Guest's, and came to this
ground the twenty-third inst. I would have wrote your
excellency ere now, but have been hourly expecting the
arrival of a batteau at Pittsburgh. I think this will be a
very fine post, it is situated upon a hill in the fork of the
river and creek, commands both, and is not commanded by
anything; the hill is almost fifty yards from the river, and
joins the creek. I have kept the people constantly employed
on the works since my arrival, although we have been for
eight days past upon the small allowance of one pound of
beef and half a pound of flour per man a day, and this day
we begin upon one pound of beef, not having one ounce of
flour left, and only three bullocks, I am therefore obliged to
give over working till I receive some supplies. I have
expected Captain Poaris with a quantity of provisions for
some time, and know nothing of the reason of the delay. I
wrote five days ago on this subject, and shall find an express
to Cumberland this day. I shall measure the road from
Guest's thither, and make a return of it; I compute the
distance seven miles. Enclosed is a return of the troops
under my command.
I am with esteem, your excellency's
most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES BURD.
His Excellency, General Stanwix.




164
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. JAMES BURD, AT PITTSBURGIH.
New York, October 11th, 1759.
This evening the Brig Seahorse, Capt. Williams, arrived
here in nine days from Louisbourg, by whom we have the
following extract of a letter containing the particulars undermentioned:
Louisbourg, Oct. 2d, 1759.
*  *  *  Yesterday a vessel arrived at this place from
Quebec, which brings us the agreeable news of the fall of
that place the 17th of last month; the only letter is from
Captain Brea, of the Princess Amelia, who says that on the
13th, as General Wolfe landed on the north side above the
town, that Montcalm opposed him, when a most bloody
engagement commenced, in which poor General Wolfe was
killed, much lamented; but he died gloriously, and I think
rather to be envied than pitied.  General Monckton is
wounded through the lungs; Captain Millbanks, of Bragg's,
killed; Lord Seymore, Lt. Col. Fletcher, Col. Barney, Col.
Carlton, Major Spittle, Captain Cazneau, his officers and
many more wounded, in all on our side, above 500. On
that of the French, Montcalm and Levy both killed; the
third in command both taken prisoners, and the fourth
killed, in all, about 1600. We pursued them to their sally
ports; Brigadier Townsend, the then corlaander, made a
battery within 300 yards of the citadel, and by the 16th it
was finished. The 17th he summoned the town to surrender, and in case of refusal, they should have no quarters,
when they immediately sent him a carte blanche.
This is all I know.
DAVID HALL.




165
Lancaster, 3 o'clock P. M., Oct. 14th, 1759.
DEAR SON,-Mr. BURD:-Just as we were setting out
for Church, Byerly, the General's express, brought in a paper
of which the above is a copy, I hope the news is true, and
so I heartily congratulate you on the occasion. Your wife
and children are all well. Your mammy joins with me in
our kind love to yourself and your Lieut. Colonel. I
should not be so brief, but for two reasons, that the bell is
ringing for prayers, and Byerly can't stay.
I am your affectionate and loving father,
EDWD. SHIPPEN.
COL. SHIPPEN, JR., TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Oct. 11th, 1759.
HONORED SIR:-It is the most difficult thing imaginable,
to get pieces of eight changed for paper, so that I can send
you up no money by Ennis.* There are generally some
shopkeepers from Lancaster, coming to this town, can't you
get their money and draw orders on me? Doctor Smith
has brought with him the resolution of the King and
Council in his favor, in which our Governor is required to
signify his Majesty's high displeasure to the Assembly of
Pennsylvania for their unjust, illegal and arbitrary proceedings in the affair of Mr. Smith, for their bold invasion
of the prerogative of the Crown and unwarrantable attack
upon the liberties of the subject.t  He is also required to
take especial care that no such measure be suffered for the
* Things have changed now-a-days. The difficulty is now to get
money for paper.
t Ante page 108, 11.




166
future, and that the King's writs do issue freely, and that
all officers of justice be protected in the execution of them.
This will be laid before the Assembly on their next meeting,
and will no doubt create a great ferment in the house; some
hot heads still talk of imprisoning Smith.
You ought to be well paid for all the trouble you take in
the King's affairs. Col. Bouquet told Mr. Allen, you should
either have 2~ per cent. commission, or a guinea per day,
which you pleased, I suppose the commission would mount
highest.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, November 26th, 1759.
HONORED SIR: —Governor Hamilton is very hearty, and
will not run the risk of becoming otherwise by living at
Bush Hill. He is to have Denny's house —Swaine is to be
turned out, and Lewis Gordon to succeed him. Things in
the government begin to wear a pleasant aspect, and the
late administration is looked upon with a proper contempt.
Denny, it is said, carries pocket pistols for fear of insults.
I don't wonder at his apprehensions, since if his conscience
be awake, he must tremble at the sight of every honest
man.




167
Disposition of the Pennsylvania Troops stationed at the Posts on the
communication from   Pittsburgh  to  Carlisle, and  at Fort Augusta
and  Fort Allen, on the frontiers  of the Province of Pennsylvania,
Nov. 13th, 1759.
WHERE STATIONED             FIELD OFFICERS.  CAPTAINS.       SUBALTERNS.  5        A
TALION. I FL O      E                                           P
F. B.,  Maj. Armstrong, Clapham,      Hutchings,         3 2  92
S. B.,                   Broadhead,i Price,.    2 1  58
Wackerberg, ~
5 3 150
Bush Run,      -  F. B.,                                                     12
nr,  F. B., Maj. Jameson,   Hyndshaw,   Craighead,          2 2  61.   S. B.,                              Humphries,       2 1  39
Bond,        }
4 3 100
Stony Creek,  -  S. B.,                                    Curched,        1      20
Bedford,.  J  F. B.,  Lt. Col. Shippen, Potter,         Stelle,         2 2  61
5. B.,  Maj. Orndt,                     Miles,           2 1  39
4 3 100
Juniatta, - -      F. B.,                                  Wilkes,         1      20
Fort Lyttleton, -  S. B.,                                  McKee,          1      20
Loudon, - - -  F. B.,                                      Blyth,          1      20
Shippensburg,     F B,.            Stt,             1     1
S. B.,                               Scott,           1     12
1     20
Carlisle, -    -  F. B.,               _Lyttle,                            1     20
Fort Augusta, -S. B.,                          Trump                       4 3 100
Atlee..
Fort Allen, -      S. B.,                                       1           1     20
TOTAL,            F. B.,                 1              3               9.    6 294
S. B.,                 1             3              1414 6 308
l  _   4      6              23 12512 602
N..B.-Lieut. McKee, by the General's orders, remains here for a particular department;
therefore, Lieut. Anderson, who, in the former disposition, was appointed to Bush Run, or some
other officer of the First Battalion, ought to be at Shippensburg.




168
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Dec. 4th, 1759.
HONORED SIR:-We are very much surprised to hear that
three of the Lancaster Judges are qualified; especially as
it must have been so long ago as in Mr. Denny's time,
and we never heard of it before. No new dedimus has been
issued since Mr. Hamilton's time, and I hope they have not
been qualified under Mr. Denny's dedimus after he was out
of the government, because it must be clear that his power
died with his administration; and if, after the supersedeas
to his commission, he could not have qualified the judges
himself, it is very evident no person under a delegated
power from him could do it. A dedimus potestatem is of
the same nature with a power of attorney, it dies with
the party giving it. However, if the case had been so, it is
all a mistake, and they can have no power till they are
properly qualified by the present Governor, or by some person to whom he shall give a power for that purpose. Upon
a supposition that the Judges are or soon will be properly
qualified, then in answer to the queries in the little paper
enclosed to me, I am of opinion that all the writs to be
issued before next Court must be tested, and may be signed
by you in the same manner as heretofore, because they bear
test on the last day of the last term, when no new judges
were in being, and the writs are supposed in law to have
issued on the day they bear test. Whether, after next Court,
the writs may be signed by you as prothonotary, or must
be signed by a judge, I shall have sufficient time between
this and then to consider of. As to the entering judgments,
they must certainly be done before a judge of the court;
and where judgments confessed are sent up from Phila



169
delphia, the usual entry must be made in the docket, and
signed by a judge upon his seeing the confession of the
judgment under the attorney's hand. My fingers are
numbed with cold.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Dec. 13th, 1759.
HONORED SIR: —I returned last night from Bucks, when
I received Josey's letter; but as the news he mentions
has not yet been confirmed, I conclude there is nothing
in it. We shall probably have frequent alarms this winter, and perhaps more people will be cut off on the frontiers, but I have no notion that any body of Indians will
venture into the thick settled part of the country. Their
cowardly disposition, and the difficulty they would have in
returning, will be our security. The treaty with the Indians
is to be held at Harris' Ferry, the Ist of January. I enclose you a party paper for your amusement; the authors
are said to be Wm. Franklin, Jos. Galloway, and George
Bryan, but I know not with what justice. The introduction, and the letter from Montreal, are said to be wrote
by an older hand. The difference between them and the
other parts of the paper is very apparent. If a superlative degree of scurrility is wit, I think the piece has merit.
Read and judge.
COLONEL SIIIPPEN TO GENERAL STANWIX.
Fort Bedford, January 4th, 1760.
SIR: -I had the honor to receive your Excellency's
letter of the 24th ultimo, directing me, as soon as I am
H




170
relieved by a party of the Royal Americans, to march all
the Pennsylvanians under my command to Lancaster, leaving garrisons of twenty-five men at Loudon and Lyttleton.
Colonel Burd now informs me, it is the Governor's intention to dispose of the one hundred and fifty Pennsylvanians remaining in pay, thus: a hundred at Augusta,
twenty at Fort Allen, and thirty at Lyttleton; nevertheless,
I shall execute the orders I have received from your
Excellency.
Major Jameson, with his detachment from Ligonier, left
this yesterday morning, and Captain Brodhead's division
marched to-day.
I enclose a return of the Pennsylvania troops remaining
here, by which your Excellency will observe, there are
twenty-four men more than was destined for this post: but
this was occasioned:by a number of sick and lame, left
here by the different parties, marching downwards; and I
was under a necessity of detaining a few artificers, in order
to finish a large bridge across the Juniata, two miles up
the road.
Your Excellency may depend upon my using my best
endeavors to promote the recruiting service for the Royal
Americans; as I shall be proud, at all times, to execute
any of your commands,-and beg you will believe me to be,
with the greatest esteem,
Your Excellency's, &c.
COL. SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT CARLISLE.
Fort Bedlford, January 21st, 1760.
DEAR BROTHER: — Your favor of the 17th instant, I
received last night, by which I unexpectedly find that




171
Mr. Young is come to Carlisle for the two old battalions,
though it was the General's peremptory orders to Major
Jameson, Captain Broadhead and myself, to march them to
Lancaster for that purpose. But, while I continue in the
army under his command, I think myself obliged to obey
his instructions. You ask me, if I can send down your
company immediately. I am sorry it is not in my power to
oblige you, as I cannot dispense with any part of this garrison, till the Royals arrive, without the General's permission, which, if I had, I could not possibly spare an officer
to march with it at present, having sent down Lieut. Graydon last week, agreeable to your former desire, and only
Lieut. Miles and Mr. Curched left to do the duty here;
Ensign Price acting as Adjutant and Quartermaster.
And I am sorry to tell you of another material reason,
that would prevent me from sending away any part of the
garrison-which is, a violent general mutiny that broke out
this morning among the men, in consequence of their having heard that they were to receive no pay after the 15th
instant. They almost, to a man, refused to do their duty,
and I having confined a sergeant to begin with, all the men
run out of their barracks and rescued him, and took him
under their protection. I was obliged to march at the head
of the guard, with my sword drawn among them, and swear
that I was determined to run the first man through, that
attempted to detain the prisoner, or do any kind of violence.
With difficulty, I took the prisoner. The whole of them
swore they would follow him-the consequences of which I
dreaded-and therefore prevented it, by standing with my
sword at the door of the barrack, and assuring them I was
resolved to put to death the first man that moved a step. I
cannot now mention any more particulars, as the express




172
waits. But, with storming and threatening death, and forfeiture of pay, and by setting their disgraceful, infamous
behavior and rebellion, in their proper light, I have, in a
great measure, appeased the violent spirit of most of them,
and I hope that the orders that I have this moment given
out, (it is now about twelve o'clock,) with what I shall say
to them on the parade, will be the means of putting an end
to all disturbances.
Copy of the Orders given at Fort Bedford.
Fort Bedford, January 21st, 1760.
12 o'clock, (M.)
The whole detachment to parade with their arms at one
o'clock, when every man that does not attend, as well as
those that refuse to do their duty, shall be looked upon as
ringleaders of mutiny and rebellion against his Majesty,
and will be punished as such by the sentence of a general
court-martial, and forfeit all his pay; and the commanding
officer takes this opportunity to inform them, that he has
received certain intelligence by letters to Capt. Oury and
himself, that the Royal Americans arrived at Carlisle the
17th instant, and are marching up with all expedition to
relieve this garrison, and will undoubtedly be here this
week; and Colonel Shippen hereby acquaints those that
will cheerfully do their duty as good soldiers till that relief
arrives, that he will do everything in his power to have
justice done to them in every respect..Monday, 11 o'clock, P. 21.
I have just returned from the parade, and have the satisfaction to tell you that the men have all agreed to do their
duty, and I beg you will use your interest to get an order




173
from the commissioners, that all the men be paid to the
day of their discharge, if Mr. Young is not already empowered to do this. I shall march down with all the expedition I can. My compliments to Colonels Armstrong and
Mercer, and Messrs. Young and Bard, and the gentlemen
with you.
I am, dear colonel,
Your very affectionate brother,
JOSEPH SHIPPEN, JR.
CHI. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, January 28th, 1760.
HONORED SIR:-I received your favor by Col. Bouquet's
express. As to your question, whether you ought to refuse
granting writs for masters against servants enlisted, I have
considered it, and think you have no power to refuse the
writs.
The contract between master and servant is for servitude,
which the master can get enforced by the Court of Quarter
Sessions.  You know there is an Act of Parliament to
oblige officers enlisting servants to pay for them, and it is
my opinion, that the master ought to pursue the steps
directed by that Act, and that no other remedy is in his
power. Mr. John Ross declares he never advised such a
step.
CIH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 28th, 1760.
HONORED SIR: —There is a petition going to the Assembly to erect the land southward of the south bounds of this




174
city into a borough, which, it is said, will be the means of
drawing a great number of people there, and of course will
improve the value of the lands. I have been looking over
a rough sketch of the plan of division between you and
Uncle Joe of the square where Logan's house now stands,
and observe that your lots on Second street are all bounded
on the east by lots belonging to him, and those of his in
the same manner by yours, -which I cannot help thinking a
great detriment to both of you. The houses building on
MIrs. Jekyl's ground, and other ground thereabout, are in
a very good fashion, and will be inhabited by people of circumstances.  Many others will be daily looking out for
good lots to build on. The improvement of the water lots
will draw many of the merchants there, and it will in a
little time be a very reputable part of the town; in which
case, there will be many customers for lots of a good front,
130 feet deep, who would never think of a lot only sixty feet
deep. I should think, if your brother and yourself were to
release to each other the several lots on Vernon street that
tail upon the lots on Second street, it would unquestionably
raise the value of both your estates. At the time the division was made, there was no reason to expect any but the
lower sort of people would build on lots so remote from the
centre of business, and such shallow lots might suit them
well enough. But the case is now altered, and we see good
houses daily building where formerly nobody would have
thought of such a thing. Lots are grown very scarce. There
are few vacant ones, and people of business will not retire
to the upper end of Market street while they can get lots
near the water. You'll excuse my hinting this matter to
you; I really think it of consequence.




175
CII. J. SIlIPPEN; TO HIS FATHER; AT LANCASTER.
March, 1760.
HON. SIa:-General Amherst favored  us with  his
company but two days.  He would not interfere between
the Governor and Assembly about passing the money bill.
But they all seem determined not to give it up, so that it is
yet doubtful whether any money will be granted. I have
heard that General Amherst left orders with General Stanwix, that if the bill should pass, to give him immediate
notice of it, that he might order the battalion destined to
the westward, to some other quarter. If so, we shall be left in
as bad a plight on our frontiers as ever. However, I am
not without hopes that some means may still be found out
to reconcile, at least for the present, the contending parties.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, April 11th, 1760.
HON. SIR:-I accompanied poor Joe last Sunday as far
as Gloucester, when he embarked for Leghorn, but from the
winds I imagined he could not get out of the cape till to-day;
he is in a good vessel and has a cheerful and obliging captain. I give my prayers with yours for his safe and prosperous voyage. Mr. Burd has had some kind offers of being
employed in the room of Adam Hoopes this campaign. He
seems very fond of the thing and asked my advice. I have
great doubts and therefore consulted Mr. Allen, who is
clearly of opinion he had better continue Colonel. He
thinks the gentlemen who at present are agents for the
contractors, viz: Moss, Plumsted and Franks, are greatly




176
unequal to the task, and will tnot be able to raise money
enough to supply the under agents as they call for it, in
which case Mr. Burd would lose his credit, and perhaps
have a number of writs clapped on. his back.
Joshua Howell, who had as much management and
address as any man among us, was frequently under the
greatest difficulties, and could never have carried on the
business, but for the assistance the whole body of Quakers
from time to time afforded him. The present people have
neither address, industry, friends, nor money. Mr. Burd
listens to this advice, and I believe will not be obstinate,
though the prospect is tempting.
CII. J. SHIPPEN TO COL. SHIPPEN, AT LEGHORN.
Philade7phia, May 12th, 1760.
DEAR BROTHER:-Though I date my letter from Philadelphia, I am in fact at Reading, on my Western Circuit, and
write at this time lest Captain Ritchie should sail before I
got to town. Nothing very material has happened since
you left us. We are still in a state of uncertainty as to the
continuance of the war; however, we think at all events you
must have come to a tolerable market.  If you should
not return in the vessel, you will write me very particularly your sentiments concerning the trade in the Mediteranean, and what commodities would answer from hence in
time of peace, and also what houses you think best of in
the several ports. This knowledge will be very useful, as
few people here are in the least acquainted with it. Cousin
Johnny Allen will have heard of the death of his good old




177
grandmarnma-: if the most remarkable virtue and piety is
proportionably rewarded in the other world, this good aunt
of ours must now possess an excellent place in heaven.
The last article that was inserted in your list of goods
was 500 dozen of Leghorn hats.  I hope you will not mistake our meaning as to the quality of this article; it must
be a very cheap kind-not higher than two, three or four
shillings per dozen.
In my private list of things I mentioned a marble slab;
if you have not already purchased it, let it be a few inches
longer and an inch or two wider than I directed. If you
can conveniently get a small Italian greyhound, I would
be glad you would send me one; and Col. Burd desires, if
pointers are plenty where you are, that you would send him
one.
The expedition to the westward is going on under General Monckton. It is thought the army will proceed to Fort
Detroit. Our two Provincial regiments, under Col. Burd
and Col. Mercer, are in a fair way of being completed.
All our families are well. My father is now in Philadelphia, and will no doubt write to you by this opportunity.
I mentioned two Turkey carpets, one about 16 or 17 feet
by 12 or 13, the other 14 or 15 by 11. I am afraid they
will be too narrow; so that, if not already shipped, let the
first be about 14 and the other 12.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Juune 9th, 1760.
HON'D SIR: —I give you joy of our having raised the
siege of Quebec, after the enemy had actually made a breach.H*




178
in the walls and were preparing to enter, sword in hand. It
does not yet, I think, clearly appear from the accounts,
whether the flight of the enemy proceeded from the appearance of Lord Colville's fleet, or from an actual drubbing they
got from our people in a sally from the town. After the
account which we had ten days ago, most people here and
at New York gave up the place; so that this account affords
double joy.
A List of Officers in First Battalion of the Pennsfylvania
Regiment, June, 1760.
OFFICERS.          RANK.       DATES OF COMMISSION.
The Governor,       Colonel.
John Armstrong,    Colonel Command't, Dec. 2, 1757
Hugh Mercer,       Lieut. Colonel,    Dec. 4, 1757
Patrick Work,      Major,             Mch 23, 1759-60
George Armstrong,  Captain,           Dec. 12, 1757
Edward Ward,           do             Dec. 13, 1757
Robert Callender,   Captain,          Dec. 15, 1757
James Patterson,      do              Dec. 16, 1757
John N. Weatherholt,  do              Dec. 19, 1757
Patrick Davis,        do              Dec. 22, 1757
William Armstrong,    do              Dec. 24, 1757
James Potter,         do              Feb. 17,1759
John Prentice,        do              May 12, 1759-60
James Hynd Shaw, Captain Lieutenant, May 15, 1759-60
Thomas Hutchins,   L't. and Q'rmaster, Dec. 18, 1757
Henry Griger,      Lieutenant,        Dec. 21, 1757
Nicholas Conrad,      do              Dec. 22, 1757
William Blyth,        do              Dec. 24, 1757
James Hughes,         do              Mch 17, 1759-60




179
OFFICERS.          RANK.       DATES OF COMMISSION.
Robert Anderson,   Lieutenant,       MIch 18, 1759-60
Joseph Halkner,       do             May 14, 1759-60
George Craighead,     do             May 15, 1759-60
Joseph Quicksale,     do             May 16, 1759-60
John Lytle,           do. May 27, 1759-60
John Philip DeHaas,   do             May 1.9, 1759-60
Edmond Matthews,      do            5May 20, 1759-60
Thomas Haip,       Ensign,           Dec. 2,1757
John Kennedy,        do              Dec. 13, 1757
Hugh Crawford,       do              Mch 11, 1758-9
Fred'k Von IIomback, do              Ap'l 2,1758-9
Conrad Butcher,      do              Ap'l 11, 1758-9
Samuel Montgomery,  do               Jan'y 1, 1759
James Pyper,         do             inch 18, 1759-60
Caspar Stadler,      do              Mch 20, 1759-60
Orndt,        do              May 10, 1759-60
Andrew Wilker,       do              May 11, 1759-60
A List of the Officers of the Second Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment, June, 1 760.
OFFICERS' NAMES.     RANK.       DATES OF COMMISSION.
James Burd,       Col. Command't,  Jan'y 2, 1758
Thomas Lloyd,     Lieut. Colonel,   Feb'y 22, 1758
Joseph Shippen,    Major,           May 28, 1758
Jacob Orndt,       Captain,         Dec'r 10, 1757
David Jameson,       do             Dec'r 11, 1757
John Hambright,      do             Dec'r 14, 1757
Levi Trump,          do             Dec'r 17, 1757
Jacob Morgan,        do             Dec'r 18, 1757
Asher Clayton,       do             Jan'y 9, 1758




180
OFFICERS' NAMES.     RANK.       DATES OF COMMISSION.
Thomas Smallman, Captain,           M'ch 23, 1759-60
Samuel Atlce,        do             May 13, 1759-60
Charles Broadhead,    do            May 14, 1759-60
Jacob Thearn,     Lieutenant,       Dec'r 11, 1757
Samuel Humphreys,   do              Dec'r 11, 1757
William Patterson,    do            Dec'r 12, 1757
Samuel Miles,        do             Dec'r 14, 1757
Joseph Scott,        do             Dec'r 15, 1757
Patrick Allison,     do             Dec'r 16, 1757
Alexander McKee,    do              Dec'r 17, 1757
William Clapham,     do             Jan'y 9, 1758
John Morgan,         do             April 1, 1758
Caleb Graydon,       do             Nov'r 23, 1758
Edward Biddle,       do             Feb'y 1, 1758-60
Henry Haller,        do             May 18, 1759-60
Adam Henry,       Ensign,           Dec'r 6, 1757
Francis Johnson,     do             M'ch 10, 1758
Jacob Morgan,        do             M'ch 12, 1758
John Baird,          do            MI'ch 13, 1758
1Martin Heister,    do              M'ch 16, 1758
George Price,       do              Nov'r 23, 1758
David Clayton,       do             Feb'y 1, 1758
Andrew Wackerberg, do               Mi'ch 19, 1759-60
Courshod,      do              May 12, 1759-60
CH. J. SH1PPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, July 10th, 1760.
HON'D SIn:-I now send you by Hinzelman the 12 lbs.
chocolate, and the silk gown for my sister. The doctor says




181
he has sent the court-plaster. I shall look out for a quarter cask of good Madeira wine, and another of Lisbon, and
send them up to you by the first good opportunity.
As to carpets, I would have you stay till the fall, when
there will be plenty of them imported, either in Snead or
Charles Coxe's vessels, from  Italy, and they will be much
better and cheaper than any other sort.
As to the emphasis. I find fault with the question that
is made for an example. " May a man walk in at the door
now," because it is nonsense unless the emphasis is laid on
the word "now," at least that word is useless, and vain,
unless the emphasis was meant to be laid on it.
EDWARD SHIPPEN, OF LANCASTER, TO COLONEL BURD, AT
FORT PITT.
Lancaster, Jul&y 25th, 1760.
DEAR MR. BURD:-Last night I had the pleasure to
receive your very agreeable favor of the 15th instant, which
is the only one that is come to my hands since you left
Carlisle, but Sally received a letter last week, and you may
be sure it gives us joy to hear of the regards paid you by
the General in appointing you an Assistant Deputy Quarter
Master General, &c. I hope you will be allowed something
for the years 1758 and 1759. Good Colonel Bouquet, I
make no doubt of it, has been a good spoke in your wheel.
I am glad to hear that he is gone to Presque Isle, but why
such an amount for that small place, which was deserted
last winter? but may-be it is for a general rendezvous, and
that Fort                             I suppose of the
Royal Americans. I have wrote you three or four letters




182
since you sat off from Carlisle for Fort Pitt, and always
enclosed the newspapers, and shall continue to send them
according to my wonted custom ever since you have been in
the army. Neddy is just gone over to York Court, he
thinks there will be no Spanish war: our connoisseurs have
concluded that our noble sovereign, King George, will not
take part with the King of Sardinia.
Neddy,* has taken my great house at Thomas Lane's,
price sixty pounds per annum, because he cannot put up
with Billy Bingham'st house, and under the sound of Bow
Bell; though as to the latter he is not like to be much
better off, for our parson Jemmy and the vestry turning out
McClanahan for saying that Jemmy preached nonsense and
false doctrine.   The Quakers have sold McClanahan's
friends a lot opposite to Thomas Willing's for a church,
and they must have bells too, or things won't chime well.
T. Willing was so disturbed at this that he talks of moving
away.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER) AT LANCASTER.
Ph'iladelphia, Sept. 15th, 1760.
HONORED SIR:-There is an Act of Parliament passed
in England, to authorize the sale of the London Company's
land in this and the neighboring provinces, the money is to
be lodged in the Bank of England, and three years time
given for those that claim shares to make their claim.
Then they will receive their shares, and the unclaimed
* His son Edward.
t Father of Mr. Wm. Bingham, who was afterwards United States
Senator.




183
shares are to remain in the Bank until the year 1770, and
then if no persons can make out a title to them, they are
directly to be paid for the benefit of the Pennsylvania Hospital. There is a list annexed to the Act of Parliament,
(which now lies before me,) of the names of the persons
who appear to have shares in the Company books, and I
observe, Thomas Story is set down as the owner of 102
shares. The whole number of shares are 5119, so that
computing the estate to be worth ~200,000, (a moderate
calculation,) the residuary legatees of Thomas Story will get
about ~1,000 each, and our hospital, by the computation of
unclaimed shares, will get about ~16,000.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Sept. 17th, 1760.
HONORED SIR: —I think damning the re-emitting Act
was quite right, notwithstanding the wincing of our people,
who would rather that bill should have been saved, than all
the rest put together. The reason is plain: it gives them
the sole disposition of so much public money, without being
accountable to the Governor or anybody else. The reason
assigned by the Board of Trade for advising his Majesty
against passing that Act, is principally this: that at this
time there appeared no necessity for such a re-issue, as there
was rather too large a quantity of paper currency emitted
by the supply bills, which would be current for some years
to come, and this additional quantity, instead of being of
any use as a medium in commerce, would only tend to de



184
preciate that already current. Beside, it is insinuated that
they have not made the most honest use of the sole power
of disposing of public money, and corrupting the Governor
is mentioned as one instance.
For my part, I think a medium ought to be observed
in these cases, the Assembly should not have the disposal of
all the public money, and yet they should not be without a
proper sum to enable them to repel any attacks that may be
made against their just rights. I don't wish to see the day
that we shall be at the mercy of the proprietor. This puts
me in mind of a rap over the knuckles that this great man
has got in the report above mentioned, in which, after
reproving our Assembly for their daring attempts to wrest
the prerogatives of the crown, out of the hand of the
the government; it is charged upon the proprietor that he
has shamefully suffered their people from time to time, to
succeed in these attempts, and notwithstanding he was
trusted by the crown with the powers of government in the
country, and was accountable to the crown for the infringement of any of its rights, yet he has acted so narrow and
contracted a part, as never once to complain of these people
to his Majesty, till his own private property and interest
was struck at.
I shall send the tea by the stage.
I hope you received my letter, containing a copy of Joe's
letter from Leghorn.
Mr. Allen has just received a letter from Messrs. Jackson
& Rutherford, merchants, in Leghorn, to whom Joe and
Johnny Allen were recommended. They let him know our
cargo of sugars is come to a good market, that the ship is
obliged to perform quarantine for a fortnight on account of
her having called at Gibraltar, but that on another account




185
the calling there has been of great use, as it gave her the
benefit of a convoy, without which, in all likelihood, she
would have been taken, the French privateers at that time
swarming in the Mediterranean. This last circumstance,
however, we kept a secret, because the underwriters would
exact an unreasonable premium on the voyage back if they
knew it. I have wrote to New York to know their premium;
when I get an answer, I shall either insure there or here
immediately. The gentlemen further write, that as soon as
the confinement of the young gentlemen is over, they shall
take them to their own house, and take a pleasure in entertaining them to the best of their power; they will likewise
introduce or recommend them to the English Ambassador,
and other persons of distinction in the several places they
are to visit in Italy.
About forty recruits at Germantown, having broke open
a house to recover some of their brethren, and done some
other mischief, the militia got together and siezed and
brought them all together, with their Captain, Kennedy
Farrell, to our prison.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia December 3d, 1760.
HON. SIR: —I shall forward to you, by the first careful
wagoner, the things sent by my brother Joe, for Mrs. Burd
and Mammy, viz; one box of Vermicelli, one box of flowers
(at the bottom of which I have put the garden seeds for
yourself) and two Bologna saussages. I have got a Turkey
carpet, which comes very high, but there is no more for sale,




186
so that if you have a mind for a handsome Scotch carpet,
please to send me an account of the size you would have it,
and I will buy one and send it up. Those are the sorts most
used here.
CII. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadephiia, January 1st, 1761.
HON. SI: —I received your favor of the 29th ult. I was
at a loss about sending your letter to Mr. Logan, as it was
accompanied with newspapers, for which he would be obliged
to pay a most heavy postage from the Downs to London, as
all letters are put into the Post-office, in whatever part of
England the vessel first stops at, and I did not care to send
the letter without the papers, as I did not know the purpose
of sending them; so I detained both till another opportunity
offered, that I might in the mean time know your mind.
The wine we sell for ~6 1Os. is a generous Malaga, some
sweet, some dry. Mr. Allen and Mr. Turner are both so
fond of this kind of wine that they have each taken several
casks for their own use, and say they shall use no other sort
(in common) in their families. If you choose to have a
cask, I will send you one by the first wagon; but at the
same time, not to raise your expectations too high, I must
inform you I do not think so highly of it as these gentlemen,
but it will mend by age. As we have a good deal of this
wine on hand, I would be glad of your opinion, whether, if
we should send forty or fifty quarter casks to Lancaster, we
should be able to get them off at the above price with
charges of carriage.




187
You desire to know whether this sort of wine is commonly
to be had so cheap as I mentioned. I suppose you mean at
the place we bought them from. I believe the price we
gave is as high as ever they are, either in war or peace: but
the difficulty of the trade lies in this, that we have no
commodity of this country's growth that will answer to send
to that part of the world, except once in five or six years,
there should be a scarcity of grain in Europe.
We have an account by a vessel from Bristol into New
York, that our good old King died of an apoplexy, on the
25th October, and that King George the Third was proclaimed at Bristol, the 27th. Though this account does not
come authoritatively, and so is not mentioned in the newspapers, yet there is no doubt of the truth of it. The roads
have been so bad that no wagons have offered, by which I
could send the things I mentioned to you in a former letter,
among which is some citron from Miss Betsy Anderson.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO EDWARD SHIPPEN, ESQ.,
AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 19th, 1761.
DEAR SIR: —You will see a proclamation in the paper
for raising three hundred men, of which Colonel Burd is to
have the command.  Yesterday arrived dispatches from
Secretary Pitt, with orders to raise more men, for a certain
expedition which does not transpire.  The Assembly is
called on in these despatches to meet the 2d of April.
Send this letter and the one enclosed to Colonel Burd,
wherever he is, that he may come here and receive his com



188
mission. In the meantime, he will beat up for volunteers,
and get all he can. The Governor, Mr. Allen, Mr. Chew
and myself are going, on Saturday, to Newtown, in Maryland. We shall return the 31st inst., or as soon as the
weather will permit after that day. On the 2d of April, I
would have Col. Burd in town. One packet is taken, another missing, above three hundred privateers of the enemy
on our English coast. This accounts for your not hearing
from your son, nor I from MIr. Allen.
All is war, and the most violent war, in Europe.
RICHARD PETERS (SECRETARY) TO COL. BURD, OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA FORCES.
Philadedphia, June 5th, 1761.
DEAR SIR: —The Governor strictly charges and commands you, to give it in order, that every officer do duty
according to the seniority of his rank last year. He desires you will settle the dates of the commissions, and with
the strictest regard to each officer's rank. If this be not
agreed to, he will issue new commissions, according to the
dates you shall send.
Enclosed are four commissions; two to you, a colonel's
and a captain's commission, and two blank ones for your
lieutenant and ensign; for the fees whereof you will be
accountable. I heartily wish you health and happiness.




189
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. JAS. BURD, AT FORT PITT.
Lancaster, Saturday, October 3d, 1761.
DEAR MR. BURD: —This acknowledges the receipt of
your kind letter, per n6tre bon ami, Capt. Young, both
which inform us of your good health and of Col. Bouquet's, and the rest of our good friends at Fort Pitt, to
whom I beg my respectful compliments.
No other news stirring, than that everybody thinks we
are at the eve of peace. All Canada, and the country down
as far as Louisiana, but not Louisiana itself, to be ceded
to the English, as also Minorca; and we are to release
Guadaloupe, and all other conquests, to'the French.
Mr. Peters (who is now at York, settling accounts with
Mr. Galloway, who kindly inquired for you,) says he thinks
Capt. Friend, in whose ship Col. Shippen is expected, waits
for a convoy.
Mr. Peters says we are to have twelve battalions kept up,
to garrison the Forts at Halifax, Quebec, Oswego, Niagara,
Presqu' Isle, Venango, Detroit, and Fort Pitt, &c., &c.
The Governor and the Assembly broke up in a very friendly
manner; and of the ~50,000 or ~60,000 sterling in Mr.
Franklin's hands, given us by the Government, ~3,000 currency is given to the Hospital; ~1,300 currency to be paid
to Mr. John Hughes for copying the proprietor's papers,
which that scribe says is too little, by a great deal; and the
remainder is to be drawn for in bills of exchange, and the
paper money received for them to be immediately burnt;
which will not only keep up the credit of our paper money,
but ease the people much in their taxes. I desire, God
willing, to set out next Monday for the Jerseys, which will
cost me a week, if not ten days.




190
I hear nothing as yet of the Governor and Assembly's
determination as to Fort Augusta, but imagine they will not
let it drop.
I am sorry to hear the French privateers have been so
thick on our coast, and also on the banks of Newfoundland. Col. Byrd* is in Philadelphia. Enclosed are both
the newspapers.
COL. SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Feb. 17th, 1762.
DEAR BROTHER  -I received your kind congratulatory
letter, upon my arrival among my friends, with pleasure,
and return you my sincere thanks. Permit me, in my
turn, to give you joy on your safe return from the wilderness to your family, after so long an absence.  I have no
reason to doubt that you found both our good families in
the midst of health and plenty; it would give me great satisfaction, if I was able to participate with you in the happiness you enjoy in their good company.
I am too much engaged with the Governor and Assembly
now,t to write you at length; I have only time to tell you
that the Governor has just received letters from the Earl
of Egremont, (the principal Secretary,) from Mr. Pitt, and
Sir Jeffrey Amherst, making a requisition of 1800 troops
to be raised by the Province, for the ensuing year; and his
Honor has in consequence made that demand of the Assembly; but as several of the country members have leave of
* Of Westover.
t'January 2, 1762, Col. Shippen was appointed Secretary to the
Province. Gordon, 394.




191
absence, and are gone home, the House has proposed to
make a short adjournment before they proceed upon that
business; though this is not agreeable to the Governor's
mind.
We have a very straight account from Antigua, told us
by Capt. Phoenix, who is an honest, intelligent man, that
the King of Prussia and Prince Henry had gained a complete victory over Marshal Daun's army, in which the latter
lost about 20,000 men, killed and taken, 180 pieces of cannon, and 300 wagons, &c. &c. This he assures us he read
in the Gazette, brought in a packet to Antigua, and that
Governor Thomas had ordered rejoicings to be made on that
account, which he was present at.
Cousin Nancy was married to Mr. Francis on Monday,
the 8th instant.
P. S. The Assembly have adjourned till the 8th of
March.
WM. ALLEN, ESQ., TO COL. BURD, IN LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, July 10th, 1762.
DEAR SIR:-Your letter, with the piece of ore, together
with that of the 5th instant, I have had the pleasure to receive. The ore is not copper, but iron, consequently of little value. I had a good deal of conversation with Job
Chelloway, the Indian, at Easton. He seems confident that
there is a good lead mine between Tulpehockon and Augusta, and that he can procure the Indians to discover it. I
wish you would speak to him on that subject, in order to
have the discovery made, and should be glad, if you think




192
there is any truth in the Dutch woman's account of the lead
mine near Augusta, that you would, at your leisure, take
some steps to find it out. If you will send me down some
pieces of the crystal, I shall inquire about the value; except
it is clear of flaws, it is of little worth.
I presume you will be desired by the merchants of this
place, to examine the west branch of the Susquehanna,
having heard that they have applied to the Governor to
procure it to be done.
COL. SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 24th, 1762.
DEAR BROTHER: —I am now to inform you, by the Governor's desire, (who is himself sick and keeps his bed,)
that you are appointed (with Mr. Davenport, at Fort Pitt)
by the Governor and Commissioners, to go up to Pittsburg
to receive the prisoners, &c. I give you this information
now by the post, that you may begin immediately to prepare for your journey. Mr. Peters, by the Governor's desire, is to draw up this day such instructions as will be necessary for you in the management of the business upon
which you go, and he will forward them to you without delay. In the meantime, he desires that you will write to
some person near Fort Loudon, or about Shippensburg, to
provide a good wagon and team to transport all goods, &c.,
which lie at Fort Loudon, to Pittsburg. This wagon should
be ready by the time you arrive there, that you may see the
goods carefully put in it.
Mr. Peters desires me to tell you that he is ashamed he
has neglected to send you the ~50 he borrowed of you; he
thought Mr. Hockley would have sent it to you while he
was at New Castle last week; however, he says he will send




193
it to you with your instructions. The Governor and Commissioners will put ~500 into your hands at first, to defray
the expenses, &c. attending the department you are appointed to.
COL. SIhIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, September 9th, 1762.
DEAR BROTHER:-I have now the pleasure to congratulate you on the most agreeable news of a victory gained by
Prince Ferdinand over the French army, commanded by the
Marshals D'Estrees and Soubize, the particulars of which
you will see in this day's paper. May God grant a continuance of such glorious successes, with which the British
nation has been so remarkably blessed, till France and
Spain shall be convinced that it is their interest to give us
an honorable and good peace.
The Governor had a meeting to-day with the commissioners, to agree upon the persons to go to Pittsburgh to receive
the prisoners, and they all unanimously chose yourself as
one, but have not been able to fix yet upon the other to
accompany you, as TIr. Logan finds that his business and
family will not permit him to go. I suppose they will conclude upon some gentleman, to-morrow or next day, that will
be agreeable and proper for the purpose. I mention this
because I understood from you, that you intended to set out
for Augusta next Monday.
But if you are to go to Pittsburgh and are to be there by
the second day of October next, which was the day fixed
upon by the Governor at the treaty, I think your journey
to Augusta must be deferred, as you cannot be back from
thence in time for the other purpose.




194
I am pleased you have so good an opportunity of sending
Neddy down.  I shall be very glad to see him, and to
receive him into my house.  I shall take particular care of
him in every respect, and it will be a pleasure to me if I
can be of use to him in forwarding his education.
JOHN SWIFT TO LYNFORD LARDNER,* ESQ., LONDON.
Philadelphia, December 6th, 1762.
DEAR SIR: —3r. Duche,t who arrived  here about a
week ago, brought us the news of your safe arrival in
London, upon which I heartily congratulate you. Mr.
* As Mr. Lardner's name occurs several times in these pages, it
may not be amiss to insert the following letter:
JOIIN PENN TO LYNFORD LARDNER, ESQ.
DEAR SIR: I have yours of the 6th November before me, and am
glad you approve of my brother's agreement with you.  I heartily
wish the country may agree with your health, and everything answer your expectation. I assure you, all that you can reasonably
desire in my power, shall be done to accomplish it; both for the
great regard I have for you, and the expectation I have of your discharging whatever post you may be put in, with honor and justice.
I am sorry to find the great differences that have been stirred up
in the Province, and hope they may soon be determined.
The Assembly have acted a part that every body here, of common sense, is ashamed of.
Your natural temper is very happy; but if you'll let me advise
you, it is to meddle or make with either party as little as you can;
for nothing can make a man more uneasy than party.  It robs him
of all his quiet, and makes him go all lengths without reflection or
judgment. He hardly ever thinks for himself, but forms his opinions on the sentiments of others, who have ends to serve he knows
not of. So that in all his actions, he is like a puppet, that's play'd
with wires we do not see.
I shall be always glad to hear from you, and am, with best wishes,
Your sincere friend and kinsman,
JOHN PENN.
London, 18th 5larch, 1740-41.
My brother, sister, Miss Fanny, and all the family at Stanwell,
are very well; he, I suppose, will write you by this ship, unless
you had letters by Capt. Wright.
t The Rev. Jacob DuchE, author of the well known, perhaps I
ought to say, notorious letter to General WTashington.




195
Bedford* informed me by the same opportunity, that he saw
you the night of your arrival, and that you went into the
country the next day, not very well. I hope you did not
continue long so. I trust that your native air will be a
means of restoring you to a better state of health than that
which you enjoyed on this side the water.  I assure you
I sincerely wish for your happiness and welfare in every
respect, and you may depend, if occasion offers, I shall not
be unmindful of the trust you have reposed in me here.
iMr. Edwards has not yet had occasion to consult much with
nme in regard to any of your affairs, but should lie do it, lie
will at all times find me very ready to give my best assistance.  I doubt not you will hear from other hands that
your friend Mr. Peters- was unanimously chosen rector of
Christ Church a few days ago. I don't recollect anything
very remarkable that has happened to any of our friends
since you left us.  We are waiting just now with great
impatience for the post coming in from New York, as we
have heard another packet is arrived there fronm Falmouth,
by whom we expect great news, and I flatter myself I shall
be favored with a line from you which will be very agreeable.
Mr. Bedford informs me he has had great offers made him
for the office, but has so good an opinion of me as to believe
I shall do him as much justice as any other person, in
which I shall not deceive him. If he should say anything
to you on the subject, I doubt not but you will be kind
enough to say what you think you justly can, to confirm
him in the good opinion he has of
Your affectionate, &c.
Maggy desires her compliments to you.
This is the second epistle I have troubled you with.' Grosvenor Bedford of London.
j The Secretary to the I'rovince.




196
JOIIN SWIFT TO LYNFORD LARDNER, ESQ., LONDON.
Philadelphia, Feb. 26th, 1763.
DEAR SIR:-I am now to acknowledge and thank you
for your kind favor of 12th October, per Burden, (which I
received about a fortnight ago,) though the vessel has not
yet got up to town, being prevented by the ice. Our winter
was very moderate till the last of December, since which
time the river navigation has been stopped. In January
there fell the largest quantity of hail I ever knew, after
which there was a little rain, and then a hard frost, which
made a solid body of ice, with which the country has been
and is covered to this day.
How can you talk of being under obligations to me?  I
shall think myself very happy if it would be in my power
to render you any service during your absence; but the
most I can do will, in my estimation, be but a drop in the
sea, compared to what I owe you for so cheerfully and kindly
taking upon you to answer for my good conduct in the office
I now enjoy.
I received a letter from Mr. Bedford, dated 9th of October
last, which lays me under the necessity of asking a further
favor of you, which I flatter myself you will comply with.
The bonds you were so kind as to join with me in, were
made out from those given by Mr. Alexander when he had
the deputation, in one of which I made the penalty double
what it was in his time, and it seems the other should have
been so too. What Mr. Bedford says relating to it is as
follows:-' When I wrote to you the 12th ultimo, by the'packet, I had not received your bonds to the office and to' myself, but having now got them, I find that the bond to me'is only for ~500, which should have been double, in con-'sidceration of the increased engagement and the possible




197'chance of a seizure to thbe value. I do not mention this'from the least imagination that you are only to be bound'by the penalties, but because both you and I are to have'executors.' This I think seems very reasonable, and therefore have sent him by this opportunity another bond, which,
if you will be kind enough to put your name to, and see
the first cancelled, I shall esteem it as a great addition to
the favors you have already done me. I have told Mr.
Bedford that I thought you would be kind enough to call on
him for this purpose. I must likewise inform you, that in
this bond, I have made an addition to the sum I was to allow
Mr. Bedford, and have now made it three hundred pounds
per annum, which I think will not be too much, as I find it
turns out better than I expected. I hope the freedom I
take with you on this occasion, will induce you to believe
that you cannot give me a greater pleasure than by laying
your commands on me, if you should ever have occasion for
any services that I can do you. Your family are all well;
I often call in to inquire after them.  I think you were
very lucky in meeting with two persons, so suitable for
taking care of your affairs in your absence, as Mr. Edwards
and Mr. Hall.
My wife desires her compliments to you. I hope you
will keep your resolution of returning hither this spring,
because I shall be extremely glad to see you, and am
Your affectionate, &c.
JOHN SWIFT TO LYNFORD LARDNER, LONDON.
Philadelphia, April 29th, 1763.
DEAR SIR:-I did myself the pleasure of writing you a
long letter the 26th February, per the Ann, Capt. McClure,




198
via Liverpool, since which I have been favored with yours
of 7th January, from the " land of pleasure," as you call it,
for which I am much obliged to you, and cannot omit this
opportunity of letting you know it; because, notwithstalding you say you intend embarking in March or April, I am
persuaded this will find you there in June or July. The
appearance of a new spring will have such ravishing charms,
that I prophecy you will not have power to stir one step till
you have had a full enjoyment of them; and for twenty
reasons that I could give, I think it will be impossible for
you to leave England till the fall. And why would you hurry
yourself? Your children are all in good health and well
taken care of. Indeed, if your presence here be necessary
on any account, it is that as to which a few months can
mlake no great difference.
So much for business. Now let me surprise you with a
little piece of news. Our friend, John Bell, was married
last Wednesday night to a sister of Mrs. Geo. Smith, who
lately became a widow. What else shall I say? I can
think of nothing strange that would give you pleasure, and
therefore will conclude with telling you that all your old
friends and acquaintances are well, and will be very glad to
see you here again. My good wishes you may be assured
will ever attend you, because I am
Your affectionate, &c.
GOVERNOR JAMES IIAMILTON TO COLONEL BURD, AT
LANCASTER.
Philadeg1phia, June 2d, 1763.
SIR:-I was favored with your letter of the 19th of
May, enclosing your returns, and the state of the garrison




199
at Augusta, and also informing me of the arrival and settlement of ten or twelve families of New England people
at Wyoming, and that a great number of others are shortly
expected to come thither on the same design.
As it is of great consequence to the Proprietary, as well
as to the peace of the Province, to prevent, as much as
possible, all jealousies and suspicions taking root in the
minds of the Indians, that the English intend to take possession of their lands against their consent, and without
having first purchased and paid them  for the same, of
which they have, from time to time, expressed their apprehensions to us, I am very desirous to do everything in my
power to quiet their minds in that regard, at least so far as
regards these provinces, and consequently find myself under
a necessity of endeavoring to remove these intruders, before
they are too firmly established.
And as I have a very good opinion of your prudence and
discretion, in the conduct of anything committed to your
care, I earnestly desire that you will, with Mr. Thomas
McKee, (who, from his knowledge of the Indians, may be
useful to you,) repair forthwith to Wyoming, and pursue
the instructions herein enclosed, with regard to the conduct
you are to use to any persons you shall find settled there;
and that you may be fully armed with all the civil power
necessary for that purpose, I herewith send you a comission, appointing you and Mr. McKee justices of the peace,
for the counties of Northampton, Berks, and Lancaster,
with a blank dedimus for qualifying you, to be filled up
with the names of MIr. Shippen, and of any other person
you please; and as perhaps this may not find you at Lancaster, Itr. MIcKee is directed to call on fMr. Shippen, to




200
furnish him with a copy of the oaths which you both will
take care to subscribe, and transmit the same to me,
attested by the person who shall qualify you. I have had
much discourse upon this affair with Mr. Croghan, who,
being deputy agent for Indian affairs, gives his directions
to Thos. McKee, and also writes to Sir William Johnson
these opinions; and as very probably you will see Mr.
Croghan, you may, in conference with him, obtain much
useful knowledge with regard to the transaction of this
affair.
I should observe to you, that, Sir William  Johnson
having represented to his Majesty the dangerous tendency
of this Connecticut intrusion, his Majesty has been pleased
to signify to Sir Jeffrey Amherst and the Governor of Connecticut his high displeasure at the intended proceedings of
these intruders, and to order them to forbear, till a statement
of the case can be laid before him, -and the government of
Connecticut, on receiving these orders here, publicly [proclaimed the same,] as appears in an article in the New York
papers enclosed to you, which you will show to those
people, and make the best use of, to convince them that
their own government disallows their proceedings. Be
pleased to advance or take up, on my credit, as much money
as you shall judge necessary for the hire and subsistence of
such persons as you shall employ on this occasion, which I
shall cheerfully pay, upon its being made known to me. I
have only further to recommend to you prudence and
dispatch, in the execution of my written instructions, and
to assure you that, in so doing, you will very sensibly oblige
one who is, sir, &c.




201
COL. SI1IPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Lancaster, June 14th, 1763.
IDEAR BROTIIEl 1:-I am this moment arrived here from.
Philadelphia, with instructions from  the Governor to raise
a number of volunteers, to reinforce Fort Augusta without
delay, in consequence of the intelligence you sent to his
Honor by the express.  I am  furnished for that purpose
with blank commissions and beating orders, which I anm to
fill up with the names of such persons as I shall judge best
capable of raising the recruits in the most expeditious manner.  Your company is to be completed to sixty men, including officers; and another company of the same number
of men and officers is to be raised immediately, so as to
mlake the garrison at Augusta one hundred and twenty men
strong.  Arms, ammunition, and three months provisions,
will be sent off from  Philadelphia this day for Iarris's,
where I expect to be to-morrow night, after I have called
upon Colonel Work, to propose to him  to undertake this
recruiting service, and to commence the second company. I
cannot think of any person so proper for this purpose. IIe
is a good officer, and well-known and esteemed, and I
believe his influence will be of good use in raising recruits
expeditiously. I am provided with money and authority to
raise a number of the frontier inhabitants, to send to the
relief of Augusta, if I find that, by the intelligence I
receive, to be absolutely necessary till the recruits can
be raised. I shall send you the express this evening, or
early in the morning, with a letter and belt from  the
Governor.
I*




202
TIIOMAS PENN TO COL. SIIPPEN, AT PImILADELr)nIA.
MR. SHIPPEN:-As Mr. Richard Peters has resigned the
offices he held under us in order to apply his time principally
to the duties of his function as a minister, we cannot any
longer desire him to receive and disburse the money necessary for the service of the commissioners and surveyors,
appointed for running the lines between Maryland and
Pennsylvania, and we desire, in his stead, that you will
undertake this service.
We have written to IMr. Hockley to supply you with
what money you shall want for that purpose, and desire you
will apply it in such manner as shall be most for our
service, and send us the accounts of your disbursements
whenever we shall order them.
You will observe any orders you shall receive from the
commissioners, and confer with Mr. John Penn on all occasions relating to this business.
I am,
Your affectionate friend.
THOS. PENN.
Lonedon, August 10th, 1763.
TO THE HONORABLE JOHN PENN, ESQ., LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR, &C.
The humble address of the missionaries of the Church of
England in the province of Pennsylvania.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOR:-Animated with sentiments of duty and respect, we, the missionaries of the
Church of England, in the province of Pennsylvania, beg




203
leave to embrace this first opportunity our dispersed situation would allow of, to be admitted with our cornplinlents
of congratulation upon your appointment to the adclministration of this government, and your safe arrival among us.
Submission to civil authority being essentially necessary for
the support of good government, the Church of England
hath always manifested her loyalty to the king, and all
those in authority under him.  Upon these principles it is
our duty as well as inclination to form our conduct; and
we assure your honor, that we will as far as our influence
extends, contribute with cheerfulness and zeal to impress
them upon the minds of the people committed to our care,
and to make them sensible of the many invaluable blessings
they enjoy in the free exercise of their religion, and the
advantage of civil government under the benign and auspicious religion of a protestant and patriot king. By these
means we hope to render ourselves acceptable to your honor,
and to enjoy the continuance of that favor, which we
happily experienced under your worthy and benevolent predecessor.
Permit us, sir, to recommend the mission in this Province
to your honor's protection and countenance, and we pray
that the Supreme Governor of the universe may support and
direct you through all the weighty duties of your high
station, and render your administration an honor to yourself, and a permanent felicity to the people of Pennsylvania.
Signed by order and on behalf of the said missionaries.
HUGH  NEILE, 1Jissionarg,
O.efo7rd.
Decenzber 1Gth, 1763.




201
COL. SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT FORT AUGUSTA.
Philcd(le7phia, February 9th, 1764.
PDEAR BROTIrER:-In the beginning of last March, I
received your favor of the 19th ultimo, enclosing the receipts of the bullock-drivers and batteau-men. I should have
returned an answer before now, but was prevented by the
great disturbances made here by the approach of seven hundren armed men, near to this city, with a design to destroy'
the Indians in the barracks. The whole city was under
arms three days, with a determination to support Governmcnt, and defend their liberties and laws.  The rioters
rendezvoused at Germantown, where MIr. Chew, Mr. Franklin, IMr. Galloway and Mr. Willing went to confer with
them, and demand their reasons for assembling in arms and
approaching.  They continued with them several hours, and
happily settled the affair, so that they agreed to return
peaceably to their homes, leaving three of their principals
behind, to lay an humble petition of their grievances before
the Governor and Assembly. I intended to give you all
the particulars of these affairs, but have not time, and refer
you to my letter to my father, when you see him. I mentioned the substance of your letter to the Governor, and he
readily granted you liberty to come down to settle your private affairs as soon as you please, and desired me to write
you this, but says Capt. Graydon must command at Augusta
in your absence.
SAMUEL PURVIANCE, JR., TO COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philade7ph2ia, September 10th, 1764.
DEAR Sn:-The news, which I brought from Lancaster,
of the Qualkers and Mennonists having made a powerful party




205
to thwart the steps your friends have so vigorously pursued of late for thrusting out of the Assembly those members, who have lately endangered our happy constitution by
their precipitate measures, has given great concern to all
your friends here, and very much damped our hopes, which
were very sanguine, that there could be no danger of carrying the election in the county to our wishes. This unfavorable prospect has induced several gentlemen here to think
that, in order to prevent our being defeated at so critical a
time, when measures are taken to bring about a general
change through the whole Province, it will be expedient
to fall on some alteration of the ticket lately proposed by a
few leading friends, and submitted to consideration, for
alteration or amendment, against the borough election, viz.,
to put in Ernani Carpenter, Dr. Adam Kuhn, or Jacob
Carpenter and Isaac Saunders, and John Hays, or Andrew Work.  The design is, by putting in two Germans,
to draw such a party of them as will turn the scale in our
favor; and though by such a measure we must reject Mir.
Ross, yet I'm persuaded he has too much regard for the
public good to be offended at such a measure, when taken
purely to defeat the views of our antagonists, and not
through any disrepect to him. It would be equally agreeable, if Mr. Ross came in place of any of the Irish, but as
their interest must be much stronger than his, it would be
imprudent to offend them by rejecting one of their proposing. I wish the unhappy contests about Sheriff could
be reduced to two competitors, on our side (suppose Colonel
Work and Samuel Anderson); it would unite our friends
to act with more spirit, and prevent their hurting the public cause. Our friends in Chester county are very sanguine
in hopes of carrying the election, and we scarce admit a




206
doubt of it here. We are this day taking measures for Bucks
county, and hope to make a strong interest.  Franklin and
Galloway, or at least one of them, will be run in Bucks, it
is said.
Last night, Jno. Hunt, a famous Quaker preacher, arrived
from London, in order, it is believed, to give Friends a rap
on the knuckles for their late proceedings; and, it is said, a
brother of the famous Fothergill will immediately follow on
the same errand, though their great sticklers have, by numberless falsehoods, propagated a belief that their friends at
home highly approve their measures.  You may communicate this to any of your friends.
I am, &c.
COL. S1IIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, October 6th, 1764.
DEAR BROTHER:-I received your favor by Mr. Hay,
and am extremely pleased to find that you have succeeded
so far with your election as to keep in Mr. Saunders, having
heard there was a great probability of his being left out.
I am in great hopes Wright and Carpenter will acquiesce
in the measures of our new assembly, since we have had the
good fortune to exclude Franklin, Galloway, Rhodes, and
Evans; and in their room  have put in Messrs. Willing,
Bryan, Stretle, and Keppele.
This change, in our representatives here, has caused the
greatest dejection of spirits in those of the Quaker party and
their friends.
Thos. Barr and Slough may have acted a political part
in the election, that they might succeed themselves, yet the




207
Governor has been well assured by several gentlemen, that
they privately pushed Saunders in the tickets of many of
their friends, by which means alone he was kept in, IHowever this may be, the Governor could not possibly think of
appointing the son of a Quaker to be Sheriff, who had
taken infinite pains in riding about the country to secure the
interest of the Germans, in favor of the violent measures of
the late assembly against his own family and government.
Barr indeed has a better pretence to the Sheriff's office,
from his having been on the return twice before, and now
highest in votes, and if any objections are made against
him, on account of his favoring the old ticket, the same are
to be made against the other in a greater degree, so that the
appointment of Barr is approved of by all.the Governor's
friends here without exception.
EDWARD BURD TO HIS FATHER, COL. BURD, AT LANCASTER.
Philadclyhia, September 18th, 1765.
DEAR AND HON'D SIR: —We have had advice lately of
a joyful change in the ministry, for which last night the
mob made a bon-fire and burnt an effigy for our stamper,*
and surrounded his house, whooping and hallooing, which
caused him to load his arms. I heartily wish that you may
be successful in the ensuing election.  I believe the Quakers
will leave out Hughes and Galloway this time. Some think
that Bucks will do something, but that is uncertain. The
Dutch express a great detestation to Hughes' party.
John Hughes, the stamp-tax collector.




208:SA;IUEL PURVIANCE, JR., OF PIIILADELP'IIA TO COL. BURD,
AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, Sept. 20th, 1765.
DEAR SI:-You may possibly imagine, from the general silence with which our political affairs have been conducted this year, that perhaps we are relapsed again into
the old passive humor of submitting the conduct of public
affairs to our former State Pilots; and that, if we at the
fountain-head observe such a conduct, you at a distance
should follow the same non-resisting plan of your friends in
town.  Be assured, that nothing is less thought of by us
than such a scheme; though matters go on very quietly, yet
everything is preparing for making a vigorous stand at the
ensuing election, and every possible pains have been taken
to strengthen and cement our interest in such a manner as
to afford us good hopes of carrying every man for both city
and county.  Our interest is greatly increased amongst several societies who last year were divided in their views,
and particularly strengthened by the opposition lately made
by John Hughes and his friends, against sending commissioners to attend the Congress at New York, in order to remonstrate home against the Stamp Act. This unpopular
action has greatly damped the Faction, turned many of their
warm friends out of doors against them, and even brought
over some of their members in the House to our party, by
which means they carried the vote. There's great reason to
hope this affair will produce the same effects through the
country, and open the eyes of many, who, blindly attached
to them through party, must now see what destructive measures these pretended defenders of liberty and privilege are
capable of pursuing. I met some of our friends at Chester




209
Court, and there concerted some measures for dividing the
Quaker interest in that county, that our friends may join
one party of them. This scheme promises good success,
and will, I hope, be warmly pushed by our friends there.
I went lately up to Bucks Court, in order to concert measures for their election, in pursuance of which we have appointed a considerable meeting of the Germans, Baptists
and Presbyterians, to be held next Monday at Neshaminy,
where some of us, some Germans and Baptists of this place,
have appointed to attend, in order to attempt a general confederacy of the three societies in opposition to the ruling
party. We have sent up emissaries among the Germans,
which I hope will bring them into this measure, and if it
can be effected, will give us a great chance for carrying matters in that county. Could that be carried, it would infallibly secure our friends a majority in the House, and consequently enable them to recal our dangerous enemy, Franklin,
with his petitions, which is the great object we have now in
view, and which should engage the endeavors of all our
friends at the approaching election to make a spirited push for
a majority in the Assembly, without which all our struggles
here will prove of little service to the public interest. The
general committee of our society meet this day, and on Tuesday next shall finally settle our ticket, which is now all fixed
but one man. Few of your friends here entertain any hopes
of being able to change any of your members this year,
after failing last year in your spirited attempt; however, I
think it mean to submit tamely, or without bearing the testimony against bad men and bad measures, and was I to stand
alone, I would vote against the enemies of my country. If
you knew thoroughly the methods Mr. Franklin is taking
at home to blacken and stigmatise our society, you would




210
perhaps judge with me that you never had more reason to
exert yourselves in order to overset him, which we can only
do by commanding a majority in the Assembly. I have
seen a letter lately from a person of character, that advises
his wielded designs against us. The little hopes of success,
as well as the difficulty of engaging proper persons for the
purpose, has discouraged me from attempting a project recommended by some friends, of sending up some Germans to
work upon their countrymen.  But that no probable means
may fail, have sent up some copies of a piece lately printed
by Sowers, of Germantown, to be dispersed, and which may
possibly have some effect.
I have just received certain advice of a project laid by the
Mennonists to turn Mr. Saunders out of your ticket-the only
good member you have.  I hope it will inspire our people
with more industry to keep him in. The only plan I would
recommend to you, to run Dr. Kuhn, or some other popular Lutheran or Calvinist, in Webb's place. You'll please
to make a discreet use of this to any of our friends. I am,
-with best wishes for a successful election,
Dear sir, your and the public's sincere well wisher,
SAM'L PURVIANCE, Jr.
Shall be glad to know what measures you resolve on as
soon as possible.
I beg no mention may be made of the author of the enclosed.
Paper enclosed in the foregoing Letter.
As I understand the Mennonists have certainly resolved to
turn out Isaac Saunders this year, though the only good
member your county has, I would beg leave to offer to you




211
and other friends the following scheme, as the only probable
chance, I think, you have to carry the election and keep Mr.
Saunders. If the scheme is properly executed, and can be
conducted without danger of a riot, I think you could infallibly carry your ticket by it.
Don't attempt to change any of your members save Webb.
If you can run Dr. Kuhn, or any other popular German,
and can keep Mr. Saunders, you will do great things. As
soon as your ticket is agreed on, let it be spread through the
country, that your party intend to come well armed to the
election, and that you intend, if there's the least partiality
in either sheriff, inspectors, or managers of the election, that
you will thrash the sheriff, every inspector, Quaker and
MIennonist to a jelly; and further, I would report it, that not
a Mennonist nor German should be admitted to give in a
ticket without being sworn that he is naturalized and worth
~50, and that he has not voted already; and further, that if
you discovered any person attempting to give in a vote without being naturalized, or voting twice, you would that moment deliver him up to the mob to chastise him. Let this
report be industriously spread before the election, which will
certainly keep great numbers of the Mennonists at home. I
would at the same time have all our friends warned to put
on a bold face, to be every man provided with a good
shillelah, as if determined to put their threats in execution,
though at the same time let them be solemnly charged to
keep the greatest order and peace. Let our friends choose
about two dozen of the most reputable men, magistrates,
&c., who shall attend the inspectors, sheriff and clerks during the whole election, to mount guard half at a time, and
relieve one another in spells, to prevent all cheating and administer the oath to every suspicious person, and to commit




212
to immediate punishment every one who offers to vote twice.
I'll engage, if you conduct the election in that manner, and
our people turn out with spirit, you can't fail of carrying
every man on your ticket, as I am well assured not a third
of the Mennonists are naturalized.  I would submit this to
your consideration. If it's well thought of, take your measures immediately. I beg no mention may be made of the
author of this. I see no danger in the scheme but that of
a riot, which would require great prudence to avoid.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN TO COL. StIIPPEN, AT PIIILADELPIIIA.
Lancaster, Christmas, 1765.
DEAR SON: —  our favor of the 10th instant I received
last Thursday morning, enclosing the pamphlets, which
were very acceptable. I had only seen a little of that published by Mr. Dulaney, which I have gone over once, but
shall give it another reading or two, it appearing to me a
masterly performance. I am also pleased with the other,
of which Mr, Dickinson is the reputed author. Our Americans certainly are extremely obliged to them and the others,
who have endeavored to serve their country in those respects. Colonel Burd received your letter on the subject of
rum, and I think all you said about it very right. I am
glad to understand that our custom-house offices are open;
but, what will become of our vessels and their cargoes, if
they should any of them be forced by any stress of bad
weather to run to Barbadoes? —for as to the port of London,
as madly as matters are managed there, they will not be
suffered by the manufacturers to clap the broad arrow* on
* The Custom House mark.




213
their masts, because such a step would stagnate all their
business at once, and at the same time ruin themselves and
our factories. The people in England, no doubt, pay large
taxes; and the only reason they don't take our part is,
because they have been made to believe that we are not only
able, but the Stamp Act is so wisely framed, that will force
us to bear at least one-half of their burthen. But when
those people come to be very sensible that the act is defective,
and that if we are to be forced, it must be done by a mighty
army raised from among themselves, for the levying of
which they must beforced to open their own purse-strings,
and this, too, before they have recovered themselves from
the difficulty from which they had to struggle with, in the
last expensive wars with France and Spain; I say, if they
should find this to be their forlorn hope, they will (one
would think), turn their backs upon the ministry, and cry
aloud for the stamping of the Stamp Act to death. Our
mother country should consider us at least as their hunters
and slaves, as we in fact are.  They ought to suffer us to
dig and delve in the ground, and not only encourage us in
raising wheat and other grain, and making iron, &c., but
give us leave to send it to any people in the world who will
give us gold and silver for it, because they know, by long
experience, it will finally centre in the city of London.
Mr. Dulaney remarks, and very justly, too, that the
British manufactures come dearer, and not so good in quality
to America, as formerly. He might, with equal justice, have
gone further and said, (and to Great Britain's everlasting
shame and reproach,) that, for these twenty or thirty years
past, they neither held out their just measures in width or
length -according to justice. Duroys, for instance, are usually sold in England by the piece-which used to contain
twenty-one yards in length, and of a certain breadth; but,




214
every year since, they have been pinched gradatim, so that
they have been reduced at least to sixteen or seventeen yards
in length, and at least three or four inches narrower. The
linens, too, whether made in England, or imported thither
from Ireland this year, hold out generally in length, yet are
very deficient in breadth. These deceitful methods are
very prejudicial to our shopkeepers, who sell them out, the
Duroys and the like, by the yard-a piece falling short sometimes a yard or half a yard of the quantity mentioned by
the merchants; and as to the linens, when they are asked
for a yard wide, if the customer, on measuring it, finds it a
nail or two short, and takes notice of it, then the poor shopkeepers answer that it comes for yard wide; and pieces
marked seven-eighths or three-quarters of a yard wide, are
commonly wanting in proportion. The merchants at home
are blamed for this-some of them wanting to send Duroys
and other stuffs at a lower rate by the piece than their
neighbors. Honesty is certainly the best policy. The
French, our great rival in trade and everything else, are so
very exact in their weights and measures, that they have
made very severe laws against frauds of that kind.  Our
Indian traders have often assured me that they could never
sell their half-thicks, &c., in any Indian town where Jean
Coeur, a great trader from Canada, was, because his halfthicks were always kept up to their original width and goodness, whereas ours were deficient in both.
Agreeable to his Honor, the Governor's, instructions to
the magistrates, suitable provision for the troops from the
westward was made, of which it certainly was my duty
and my design to write him; but his letter was delivered
to Mr. Webb, the barrack-master, and I could not get it
back in time, and so I beg you will tell his Honor the reason, if he should wondzer at my silence. As to the tavern




215
licences, you see by the money and accounts sent you down
by the post, that I managed that business tolerably well:
but, as to the marriage licences, I find the people had taken
up a mistaken notion about them, believing they would cost
them four or five pounds sterling a piece, till last Sunday, when
Mr. Gates inquiring of me concerning the affair, I set the
matter right, and he has undertaken to undeceive his own
congregation, and I am writing to the same purpose to the
rest of the ministers in this county.  I am pleased with
your instruction of Neddy Burd; I sent him my old navigation book, (which I am choice of, as it is mere gold
almost,) for him to copy at his leisure, a little at a time,
every morning  or every other morning, as you shall
judge best. I want a small octave, intituled "Instructions
for the education of daughters," (as proper, I think, for
sons,) by Monsieur Fenelon, Archbishop of Cainbray, (he
was the author of Telemaque,) translated from the French,
and revised by George IHick, D. D., Glasgow, printed and
sold by R. & A. Foulis, 1750. 3Mr. Yeates is to inquire
among the gentlemen of St. Andrew's Club for it, either in
French or English. If he fails in all these searches, I
must beg the favor of Mr. Luman, or MIr. Bell, to send to
Scotland for it in each language, but let MIr. Hall send for
them both to London, —for I should not dislike it, if they
should succeed at London and Glasgow too.
GROSVENOR BEDFORD, ESQ., TO JOIIN SWIFT,
PHILADELPHIA.
London, February 16th, 1767.
DEAR SWIFT:-I am now possessed of all your favors by
Davidson. The rum is so smooth that it will swiftly slide




216
away. Mark that! The ginger is the best I ever tasted.
You have my best thanks for them.
Captain Beers has delivered your "make-shift" box,
which, besides the Michaelmas accounts, contains newspapers
which I am at a loss what to do with.
By your bill of mortality for the year'65, which I presunie slipt into your package, I find that you are subject to
surprising casualities.  Two people choked with one bean;
and that not in the parish of St. Patrick! One died by a
dead palsy! Pray, how long had he been dead before he
died? Twenty-two of decay! This surely is poverty, for
there is besides the deaths from consumption.  What new
buildings are those of which so many people die? Your
papers appear to me very comical upon so melancholy a
subject.
Heaven preserve you from  all casualities, new or old.
iMr. Francis' bill on IIagen to me is accepted.
I am your affectionate,
humble servant,
GROSV'R BEDFORD.
Love to yours.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster September 8th, 1768.
HON'D SIR: —Mr. Shippen informing us of a conveyance to you, I sit down to let you know the politics of the
town. Strange events have happened amongst us, which I
dare pronounce, ere now have caused no small speculation
in Paxton. Brother Porter, it seems, is in the vocative.
A few weeks ago, he headed a party of yellow wigs, between




217
twenty and thirty in number, and notoriously attacked the
house of one William Reynolds, a broad brim, in West
Nottinghaml township, Chester county.  This large corps
he summoned together, on being repulsed with a smaller
party, the same day that he was trying to take away by force
some negroes claimed by his brother, Robert Porter, in
Reynolds' possession.  After committing some outrages,
(among which Friends say may be reckoned a burglary,)
they went off in triumph, being disguised with handkerchiefs about their heads, having no hats on. Mr. Saunders
issued a warrant against Mr. Porter, on a complaint made to
him of the Taits, which the latter satisfied by giving bail for
his appearance at the next court.  A few days afterwards
Reynolds took an affirmation before him, that his wife's life
was despaired of in consequence of the hurt received from
Porter. On this, a writ was issued to put poor Porter in
limbo, until the matter of Reynolds' wife's life or death could
be ascertained.  The sheriff, at Mr. Ross' importunity,
did not carry his prisoner, after he was arrested, to jail, but
detained him until Dr. Boyd could view the dying woman
and make report of her condition. Boyd went immediately
off, and on his return gave his opinion, that he thought Porter's wife, so far from being dangerously ill had every appearance of health. Porter was then bailed by the justices, greatly
against the judgment of Friends, who still insist there was an
actual burglary, though none could be proved. The same
evening Robert Porter attacked, overcame and beat Reynolds,
the prosecutor, on his return home, for his unjust charge
against his brother, who then took out a warrant for him
also.
After he had eluded the sheriff's search, by a stratagem,
the sheriff took him about eight miles off, where he was
K




218
rescued by Stephen Porter and some others, as Webb says.
If such be the case Porter has forfeited his recognizance for
good behavior, which he entered into; on being discharged
from the sheriff's custody himself in ~500, and two sureties in ~250 each; and now the parties are both gone to
the Chief Justice to seek redress for their mutual complaints.
When Robert Porter was rescued, the sheriff brought off
his own and two other horses, though I don't know he had
any writ against the latter.
A replevin has been sued out by the owner of one of the
beasts, which the sheriff refuses to serve, alleging what he
did was clearly his duty.
I brought the action at the party's entreaty, which the
sheriff takes in high [dudgeon,] and he [says,] God knows
what, against my practice.
Of this, however, I am perfectly innocent, as I used him
with more kindness and delicacy than he deserved, by
repeated notices, peaceably to give up the creature. On the
whole, Mr. Porter, I think, has acted a most weak and imprudent part, Mr. Webb as warm and foolish a one, and
both Presbyterians and Quakers are as hot as party feuds
and disappointed rage can make them. Mr. Wright has just
told us he will serve no longer in the Assembly, and will
put his intentions in print.  Mr. Saunders and Ross will
then become candidates, and try their strength at the next
election. I make no doubt but your department will
unanimously declare in favor of the former, as having by
far the most right to represent the country. I barely give
you this hint that you may solicit his interest, if you
judge proper, though Saunders never mentioned the matter
plainly to me.




219
COL. SHIJPPEN TO COL. BIURD  AT TINIALT.
P/a'ltJp77liua, FcL'y 02317, 1769.
DI)AR BROTIHER t: —I am now to acknowledge the receipt
of your favor of the Gth instant, enclosing a list of officers
who paid you lOs. each, (they have all signed the articles,)
and Captain Patterson's and Killbuck's lctters, both which
I herewith return you.
With respect to the subject of our application for lands,*
I refer you to the joint letter of Dr. Mlorgan and myself to
you of this day.
I have shown Killbuck's complaint to the Governor and
MIr. Allen, as well as the paragraph of your letter relative
to it, and they look upon John 3Mitcheltree to have acted in
a very villainous manner; and this his attenmpt on the Indian Killbuck, and his threats expressed to you of putting
him to death whenever it shall be in his power, have so
dangerous a tendency to involve the whole country in an
Indian war, that they think it absolutely incumbent on the
civil authority to take strict notice of such alarming villainy.
They therefore desire you will bind John MIitcheltree over
to the next Court of Quarter Sessions, for his good behavior,
in ~400, and oblige him to give two sufficient sureties in
~200 each; and they are of opinion that this should be
continued fromZ Court to Court.
COL. TURBIUTT FRANCIS TO COL. JAS. 11URiD..z'lty lOth, 1769.
DEAI SnR:-I would not have passed your house witihout
calling on you, but had very particular business which
-'- Bounty lands for their services.




220
pressed me. There are now here five or six New Englanders from Wyoming, who are come down to purchase
provisions for their friends, and perhaps have some other
plan in view. If you could lay hold of them with propriety
I fancy it might be of service, as they are in want of provisions at Wyoming.  It would prevent these provisions
from going up to them, and would deter others from coming
down on the same errand. They talk of going from hence
on Monday next. All our friends at Philadelphia are well.
Pray, present my best respects, if you please, to Mrs. and
Miss Burd.
I shall start for Augusta this afternoon, to spend my
summer. If you come within reach of me, I hope you will
give me an opportunity to show you how much
I am, sir,
Your most humble servant,
TURBUTT FRANCIS.
CII. J. SHIPPEN TO COLONEL BURD, AT TINIAN.
Philadelphia, June 25th, 1769.
DEAR SIR: —I received your letters of the 23d of May
and 11th inst., and have communicated to the Governor
what you say concerning the New England people, who will,
I believe, now give us no more trouble, 120 of them having
been last week, at Easton Court, indicted for riots and
forcible entries, which proceeding has so intimidated them,
that Major Dyer and their other principal abettors have
agreed to remove immediately from the Susquehanna lands,
and give the Government no more trouble about their claims,
unless they shall be able to obtain a determination in their




221
favor in England.  On this consideration the Government
will forbear any rigor in the prosecutions on these indictments; which, however, are to hang over their heads till
they have given up the possession of the lands. Wherefore,
unless you hear something more of this affair hereafter, you
need not give yourself any further trouble concerning the
apprehending any of these people.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 17th, 1769.
HONORED SIR: —The deputies from the upper part of the
country, attended here on Friday last, to give their assistance in forming a ticket for the ensuing election.  In what
manner that assistance was given I know not, nor whether
their [presence] was required by Myer and Bachman at the
settlement of measures [or not].  Wallace informs me they
were not consulted, and seemed delighted, [but was unable]
to determine whether this might not proceed from other
[motives].
In the evening of the Congress, Dr. Boyd and myself
called at Little's to see how matters went on, and after I had
spoke with Wallace, I mentioned to Martin Myer that I
feared the proper steps had not been taken to secure unanimity. Mr. Atlee tartly replied, that a ticket had been
framed, and if Paxton, Hannover, &c., did not agree to it,
they might e'en stay at home. After some little altercation,
we parted, not very well satisfied, I believe, with each other.
The current objections to the ticket, (herewith sent,) are
that no leading men among the politicians are introduced
therein, which might be a lure to others of the same persua



sion to join the party, and that the intended alteration
stands not sufficiently on the broad-bottom, but regards
those chiefly to the northward of Lancaster.  I am told by
the knowing ones, that the last omission will knock lip the
ticket, as the other parts of the county will look on themselves as slighted, and consequently, if they do turn out,
will do it in favor of the other side, unless there is a speedy
change.  In fact, the same thing may be now urged to the
present measure, as was formerly made a capital [objection].
* *                     * * *   *                 I fancy
no attempt will be made to displace James Webb, as the
struggle seems to be chiefly about the board, and they will
not weaken their interests on either side to remove a mall,
merely to please the favorite schemes of an ambitious, restless,
and fighting brother.  So much for electioneering.
I had forgot to tell you, that the Board have thought
proper to return yesterday unto the office, an abstract of
their accounts for the last year; so far that point is carried.
ITWM. ATLEE TO COL.  BIJRD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 19th, 1769.
SIR:- I wrote you the other day by Christian Bachman and enclosed you a ticket. Since that there has been
another meeting, some objections having been made by
persons in town, with respect to some of the assessors, and
upon a fresh consultation between Bachman, 3Myer, Early,
and a great many of the reputable people in town, the
enclosed ticket is now fixed on, and determined to be carried,
if possible.  B]3auchman and Myer requested rue to give you
thle earliest advice of this alteration, &e.  I hope you will




223
encourage the upper people to turn out.  There will be
warm work I assure you, the lower side still keep their
ticket private.'Tis thought they only waited for this to be
finished, that they might include some other persons of the
town in theirs, and so divide us. So you see the town, since
the late regulations, has become of some consequence, and
stands a chance of being courted by both sides.
I am sir, &c.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 19th, 1769.
HON'D SIR:-Once more I address you on the affairs of
the nation. Since my last, a new set of assessors has been
fixed on by Messrs. Myers and Bachman, to obviate one of
the objections mentioned in my last, which they hope will
prove satisfactory. A number of persons of weight assisted
in the framing this new ticket, who, I think, will try their
utmost efforts, that it shall not miscarry. Wallace, I believe,
represented the former mutiny in the worst point of light
to me, so that I am tempted to forget brother Atlee's stroke
at Paxtang, &c, and sincerely wish the people round you
may show activity and alertness at the ensuing push. Bachman told me last night he places great dependence on you,
in which I assured him he will not be disappointed.
After all, if the point aimed at by the minority should
not be carried, the township round you will at least show
themselves to be of some consequence, and not to be
on.'Tis thought by some that an attempt will be made to




224
the eastward of Connistoga to displace Webb, and that Moses
Brinton or James Old will be opposed by him.  I conceive
this will be one great means of running their ticket, which
we hear is not to be settled till Friday next.  An impertinent scrawl was delivered to  Martin Myers from  Dav.
Wister, of Philadelphia, informing him, that as the sheriff's
father had behaved very unworthily, it would be most
eligible to desert him. The letter was treated with the contempt it deserved.
The Assessors in the new ticket stand thus:
Asher Shaffner, Jr.,      Samuel Barr,
Alexander Martin,         Thomas Clarke, (Dromore,)
Frederick IIummell,       Thomas Clarke, (1Hannover.)
COL. JOSEPH SIIIPPEN TO IION. JOIIN PENNY AT NEW YORK.
Pliltadelphlia Novenmber 13th, 1769.
SIn:-I herewith send you a bond of security for your
observance of the acts of trade as Governor of this Province,
which was executed this morning by Mr. Allen and Mir.
Chew. And as they both thought it most regular for you
to join in the bond also, I have inserted your name, and a
blank is left above their names that you may sign, seal, and
deliver it before two witnesses at New York, when you
receive your commission.  I also enclose you a copy of
Governor Sharpe's certificate, to serve as a precedent to
draw one by, for the Governor of New York to execute.  I
showed Col. Francis your letter from Sir Willi~am Johnson,
and he says he has relinquished his design of takilng up the




225
two salt springs, as he found. on examination, that they were
not within the Proprietary purchase.  IIe intends to write
to Sir William on the subject, to satisfy him that there are
no grounds for any complaint from the Indians respecting
that matter.
I hope you and the ladies had an agreeable journey.
Jenny joins with lme in compliments to them.
I am, with sincere esteem, sir, &c.
EDWARD BURD* TO COL. BURD.
Philadelphia, October 4th, 1770.
DEAR AND IION'D SIR: —On the arrival of a Dutch ship,
I informed uncle Edward Shippen of it, who ordered me to
purchase for you a servant, which I have done accordingly,
and send to grandpapa's care.  He cost ~19 17s. or 18s.,
I am not certain which, and staid two or three days in
town. His indenture cost 4s. 6d., and I gave him 7s. 6d.
earnest money, according to custom. I would not get an
assignment of his indenture, which is enclosed, as it would
only be an additional expense without necessity. The young
man has been used to farming, so that he will be of immediate service to you.  He is to wear his own clothes so long
as they will last, and then have provision from you. This
was by particular agreement.
Mr. Galloway is turned out of the Assemby, (if not
elected at Bucks,) and Mr. Taylor put in his room. This
was principally owing to a pamphlet written by Goddard,
which I have sent to grandpapa for his perusal, and desired
him afterwards to forward it to you.
* Afterwards Major Burd.
K*




226
GROSVENOR1 BEDFORD, ESQ. TO JOIIN SWIFT, PHII1LADELPIiIA1
Lon(7on, Jlie  st, 1 771.
DEAR SWIFT: —I hope that, before now, you lhave been
made easy as to the whisper about my death.  I lihave frequently desired you not to regard such reports.  Don't you
think that, whenever it happens, my sons will give you an
account of it?
I have often informed you of proposals being made to nme
for your deputation.*  I can now tell you of offers to me
for the resignation of my patent, which, I do assure you,
nothing but my regard for you has made me decline: for I
would very gladly be quit of such a set of arbitrary and
unreasonable commissioners. Suppose you were to die, how
am I to settle my accounts, when there will always be a
year's rent in arrear? Is it that their sense and judgment
are only annual, that they cannot tell, when an account
is laid before them quarterly, what incidents they ought to
allow; or do they only study to embarrass and distress their
officers, to show their newly-acquired power?  I am sure
they have no reason to complain of the arbitrary proceedings of the people against them, when they must feel the
same principles at work in themselves.  But, to return to
my accounts. If your death should happen, they will be
transmitted to the custom-house here, without the year's
incidents due upon them appearing, but with a large sum of
money apparently in your hands-money which they have
not suffered you to remit to them-and so my account will
be made up, and I called upon immediately for the balance.
Their superseding Mr. Lardner was extremely ungenteel;
and, I think, their appointment of a controller very
* The collectorship, or " deputy-surveyorship," as it was officially
called.




227
absurd.  He ought to be a check upon the collector, and is
not supposed to proceed fiom the same creation.
As they treat you, a man may be ruined by his industry
in collecting. They will neither indemnify you against the
money which they oblige you to keep in your own hands,
nor suffer you to remit it, but in such a manner as shall subject you to their objection and cavil, if an accident happen.
Every ship is declared to be "a good ship" by the bills of
lading; and how are you to know otherwise? Can they
suppose that a ship, in which people venture their lives, is
not "good" enough to convey their money?  They must
have other reasons for keeping a bank in an officer's hands,
giving no indemnity, and holding themselves not accountable, till they have received the money. You should be
allowed to remit here, and not be compelled to keep it there.
I hope Mr. Barkly has left his widow in easy circumstances.  Captain Stainforth's bill is accepted.
I have desired you not to expect me to be constant in
writing.  Many ships depart without my knowledge.  Captain Osborne was going weekly, for six weeks, and he slipped
me at last. I write to you by the packets.
You made me happy, by agreeing with me about Madeira.
I dared not, for fear of offence, declare my opinion before;
but now, I fear not to say that it has not, for some years,
been like that of former years.* The sweetness is artificial:
and, when it goes off, there is no flavor left of old wine.
Therefore, no more of that,'an you love me.
* It is perhaps needless to say, that Mr. Bedford was advanced
in years when he penned this letter. The handwriting is tremulous,
and proves the truth of his assurance, that its composition tired
him. But, though the days had come, when'the keepers of the
house' had begun'to tremble,' yet his heart was still warm with
the feelings of generous, early friendship. The last sentence of
this letter, the last received (so far as is now known) from him,
glows with the most unselfish affection.




I believe you will tllink  iave given you enOU C gh.  I do
assurel you I aml tired(, and so rest.
Your truly aflietionate, hulllLle servant,
GIIOSYV'IR  1EDFORD.
Love to yours and Joe.
Commissioner IRobinson and mly son Dicik are become
very well acquainted   The'ly are both very gay men, and
imeet in all polite assemblijes.  I have seen libn but once.
I have been offered security to pay me my present
income during life, andl a lhandsoine preimium besides. 1But,
then, what 1must have becolme of you?
CII. T..  IIPI'PEN TO ItIS FATIIERI AT LANCASTER.
Pi;itt;('c7 7ittla,~ Auglst 24th,  1771.
l o0ouED Sit: — I shall take the proper steps to obtain
your share of the Perquiomen lands. I find an act of Assembly is to be first passed, which I shall of course have
the inspecting of, before passing.
Relfe and Shriver must have their accounts presented to
the Assembly, at their next sitting, at which time the
accounts of the whole year will be settled.  We shall,
however, canvass the matter in Council first.
As to Neddy Burd, I aim  glad you approve of my proposal of settling him at Northampton, as I am certain there
is the best opening for a young fellow at this time.  He
wiil be free* some time about Christmas, and may then take
a ride up to see the place, and make known his intentions
of settling there; but it will not be amiss that he should
return, and stay in my office till the Spring. As to survey4 From his " apprenticeship" to the law.




229
ing, it is very well he should understand it, but I wouid by
no means have him undertake practical surveying  he has a
better profession, and, by applying himself to that, may
soon get into a good way of business; but, if he should get
at all into the surveying business, it will take him off his
studies, and give him a habit of riding through the country
upon every trifling occasion, niuch to the injury of his proper business.  Peggy Allen has had a sly private wedding
at lBlack Point.  The family are all pleased.
JASPER YEATES TO COL. BURT), AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Mlairch 28tl, 1772.
IION'D SIR:-        *    *        As to the laws passed
this session, the newspapers will inform you of their titles.
Brother George* blanies himself exceedingly about the
Excise Acts approved of by the Governor. It seems his
Honor at first rejected the bill, but finding it had reference
to another bill, which granted supplies for his majesty's
troops, his Honor was under the necessity of SWALLOWING
it.  We are told the introduction of MIr. Hickes into the
party gives great uneasiness.  I-e is distinguished as the
favorite, and his advice is generally received in preference
to those of another standing, who are better acquainted with
the constitution. Many anecdotes are current of Mr. Chew,
showing his sense of matters and his opinion of that citizen's
abilities. iMr. Penn will involve himself in innumerable
difficulties; should he persist in the strong attachment to
Ilieks, and in his resolution of acting the part of an independent man.
- George Yeates.




230
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, July 25th, 1772.
DEAR MR. BURD: —I have your agreeable favor of
yesterday before me, and we are glad to hear you are all
well. I was well pleased with Junius' letter to Lord North.
As to Goddard's letter directed to the public, I can only say
he is a severe fellow. But for all the stripes he lays upon
Galloway's back, let that gentleman blame himself. A man
ought to consider, that although a speech in the House of
Commons may oftentimes carry all before him, by a majority
of voices, which answer perhaps the present purposes, as if
the votes were nem. con., yet a Junius or a Goddard may
pay them off through the press, and if some of our statesmen and clergymen are callous, as some speakers and
preachers, both abroad and at home undoubtedly are, (as old
Sir Robert in England, and a nameless gentleman in the
province were, one Doctor Smith,) yet, when the stamp act
was damned and Junius' letters came out respecting it, a
Grenville broke his heart, and is now gone off the stage
of action; and now Goddard's letters penetrate so deeply into
the heart of our Galloway, that it is thought that he will
soon give up the ghost, too.* How do you like the spirited
paper of my countrymen, the Bostonians, respecting the
independency of their Governor?
* For a full account of Mr. Galloway and Mr. Goddard, and also
for the dispute, to which reference is here had, see Sabine's Loyalists, s. v. Galloway and Goddard.




231
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BUIRD, AT TINIAN.
Lanca(ster, Sj)tenmle1r 20th, 17 73.
HON. STI:-I have just received your favor of the 18th
instant.  The fiiends of Mir. Atlee were not a little alarmed
during the election for Burgesses, to find him  so warmly
pressed by the late Justice HIamilton, insomuch that it was
generally thought the latter would be the highest on the
poll. The event, however, was contrary, as MIr. Atlee
exceeded him  by nineteen votes, and the other remains
under-Burgess.
This being finished, the Board of Commissioners and
Assessors, with Mlyers and Bachman, and several leading
men from different townships, proceeded to Stophel Reigart's, where a ticket was to be formed.
The result of their deliberations was, that Mr. Curtis
Grubb should run in the place of Isaac Whitelock as a
representative, and that John Ferru, and Andrew Graeff,
should be inserted in their ticket as Sheriffs. The removal
of friend Whitelock gives no small uneasiness to the
brethren, and is indeed censured by very many of the
county. I-Ie came in without any kind of solicitation on
his part, and has attended the house constantly; behaving
with credit during his year of probation. The impetuosity
also of Curtis fortifies their argument, and it is commonly
thought the proposal of his remaining in is to prove the
Lebanon interest in the new county scheme. Thus matters
rest at present.  What other turn they may take it is impossible to say. Mr. Ross went down yesterday to the house
to attend the debate, with respect to the petition of the city
about their taxes, and the questioning of the several back
counties, but I don't apprehend there is any kind of danger
of this measure taking place.




232
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, October 6th, 1773.
HON'D SIR: —Our election being over, the borough is
restored to its former quiet, and the inhabitants have again
resumed their senses.  Many people are much pleased at the
defeat of Bachman and Myers, who have taken the lead for
this three years past, as they consider it an indignity to the
county.  The displacing of friend Whitelock has given
umbrage to some, who think him very undeserving of the
treatment shown him.
By this conveyance I send you a parcel of peach-stones,
chiefly of the best kind, for your nursery, and a few flower
roots procured of Mr. Adam Reigart; they should be planted
this fall, or as soon as possible. The accounts from Philadelphia tell us, there is no connection between the present
and late Governors, though they have dined together twice
in public. Mr. Richard Penn takes no notice whatever of
his brother, nor even speaks to him. The consequence of
such conduct need not be animadverted on.*
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, December 13th, 1773.
DEAR  MR. BURD: —Mr. Whitfield,t Annno Domini
1770, gave us the sacrament in Mr. Barton's church, and,
* The quarrel between the two Penns is also mentioned in a letter
from Edward Shippen to Col. Burd: "Lancaster, October 7th, 1773,'Mr. Bob. Morris, the head man at the Merchants' feast, placed'Governor Penn on his right hand, and his brother, the late Gover-'nor, on his left hand; but not a word passed between the two broth-'ers.'
t The celebrated Preacher.




2233
observing that he broke the bread into pieces as small as
a hazlenut, it brought into my mind soine passages which
I had formerly taken notice of in his journal, wherein he
mentions his giving bread and wine to a thousand at a time,
in commemoration of the dying love of our Crucified Lord.
I suppose, poor gentleman, he thought he was at Lady
Huntingdon's tabernacle.
Mr. Yeates writes me to-night from Philadelphia, that
the English Company's tea ship arrived at Boston, and
that notwithstanding all that Gov. Hutchinson, and the
consignees could do to land that exotic plant, the Captain
was obliged immediately to return to England with it; and
printed accounts of all their proceedings herein, are sent
by express to Rhode Island, New York and Philadelphia,
and they have unanimously agreed, that, if any of their
own merchants shall presume again to send for any tea,
they will oblige them to return it to England again; and
this cause in which they are (I may say) universally agreed,
they will endeavor to support at the risk of their lives and
fortunes. MIr. Yeates says, that they heard the Philadelphia
tea ship was seen off Cape MIay last week.  I suppose an
express will be sent to meet her at Red Bank, commanding
(I dont say advising,) the Captain of her to tack about and
make the best of his way home again, for that this Continent is as much surfeited with the smell of her old, rotten
tea, as ever a Spanish cook was with dressing Porco dle
Coo10, at his Catholic MaLjesty's kitchen.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lanccaster, Fctirw,(aray 28th, 1774.
HONORED SIR: —I waited upon iMr. Barton agrecable to
your desire, respecting the point of conscience. Ilc informs




234
me that a deputation lately came down from Middletown to
Mr. Hilmuth, for his sentiments on the subject, and that
Mr. Hilmuth called upon him on the occasion, so that he
was fully acquainted with the matter, which is like to occasion a schism in the church.
In consequence of the request of the people who were
just here, Mr. Barton and Mr. Hilmuth both wrote to lMr.
Illing their opinions: that as he ministered among persons
who were not strictly in communion with the church of
England, it would be highly proper to admit of some relaxation of the mere forms of the Liturgy, in cases of
necessity, and that too, more particularly, when the persons
made it a matter of conscience to refuse those forms; that
a contrary conduct would, in pursuit of things unessential,
miss the substance and thereby introduce a total dislike of
the discipline of the church; that such relaxations had been
heretofore allowed by missionaries of the first character,
such as suffering communicants to receive the sacraments
standing, administering baptism where only one sponsor could
be conveniently procured &c., &c. Mr. Barton is now quite
sick, but promises to write to you with Mr. Hilmuth, when
his health and leisure will permit, fully on this subject. For
my own part, I look on the dispute as the most trifling one
imaginable.  It seems to me equally absurd, with the
ridiculous deliberations of the Doctors of the Sorbonne, on
a question proposed to them, whether an unborn child might
not be baptized?
Doctor Sterne, in his 1st Vol. of Tristram Shandy, treats
their determinations of this knotty point with great humor
and just ridicule. If your parson had used me as he has
poor Wofley, I would convince him, by every means offered
me, of my resentment; though perhaps, contempt would be
proper to a person of his narrow and illiberal sentiments.




23 
COL. SIIPPEN TO COL. BURID, AT TINIAN.
Phila(delpchia, _March 21st, 1774.
DEAR BRxoTERI: —On Monday last, I wrote you a few
lines enclosing you a copy of a letter from Dr. MIorgan, at
Fredericksburg, since which I have been favored with your
letter of the 5th inst.; in answer to which, I am sorry to
inform you, that the hopes we had entertained of obtaining
a grant of lands from the Government of Virginia, are now
entirely vanished. This appears by a letter I this moment
received from Doctor Morgan, dated at Williamsburg, 3March
lth, 1774. An extract thereof is as follows:
"The resolutions of the Governor and Council of Virginia have lately taken an unfavorable turn in respect to the
Pennsylvania officers who might think of applying for land
in this colony. About a fortnight ago, a Council was called,
when the affair of granting lands to Pennsylvania officers
was debated; and it was resolved upon, that no such officer
should obtain any warrant for land in Virginia in virtue of
the King's proclamation of 1763, without personal application at Williamsburg, and without being furnished (each
officer) with a certificate from  Gen. Haldemand, of his service during the war.
" The Governor declares this to be agreeable to his instructions, from which he cannot deviate, alleging that the
former minutes of Council only respected Virginia officers
and soldiers."
"On acquainting Lord Dunmore that it was in vain to
expect Gen. IHaldemand to give the officers certificates, and
asking him whether we could not obtain wav'anlts without,
he answered, the only means the Pennsylvania officers had
left was to apply at home,* and promised, that if they would
England.




236
set forth their grievances and claims, &c., in a memorial or
petition to him, he would transmit the same to England,
and write himself for further instructions. I write this in
haste, that you may, by a line to Cols. Armstrong and Burd,
and Capt. Thompson, acquaint them with this resolution, as
well as other officers, who might otherwise be preparing to
come to Virginia."
As to an application at home, after the disappointment
we have already met with, I am of opinion it can have no
other effect than to involve us in further trouble and expense; and as I am unwilling to risk anything more on
such an uncertainty, I am determined to remain as contented as I can, under the trouble, loss of money and time,
I have hitherto experienced in this Ohio bubble. As I know
not who will be the bearer of this letter, I propose to return
your commission by some future opportunity; one I can
depend on as safe.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Monday evening, April 11th, 1774.
DEAR MR. BURD:-Presbyterians love Churchmen as
well as they love Presbyterians.* For my own part, I hope
I hate nobody. We have a gentleman in town who condemns the Bostonians for destroying the tea, though at the
same time the Governor, Collector and Consignees, were
solicited to send it to the place from whence it came. The
same gentleman finds great fault, too, with the Assembly
there for impeaching their Chief Justice.  When the Act of
This refers to'the point of conscience' spoken of in Judge
Yeates' letter to Col. Burd, ante, p. 233.




237
Parliament for laying a duty upon cider in England was
published, the farmers rose in a large body and declared
publicly, that although this Act was passed by their own
representatives, yet if they did not immediately get it repealed, they would vote for other men as soon as they had
it in their power; and this menacing had so good an effect,
that the wicked Act was soon repealed. Lord North says
that the English Parliament virtually represents us, but he
can prove it no other way than by swords and guns and implements of war. Three men of war may be sent to Boston
to enforce the payment for the tea, but I don't believe that
any Admiral of England, who really deserves such a title,
will ever draw sword or trigger against the defenders of
Great Britain.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. JAMES BURD, AT TINIAN.
-Lancaster, June 21st, 1774.
DEAR MR. BURD: —I am just going to wait upon the
judges-so must say the less at this time. We were written
to by Dr. Smith, recommending an address to the king,
showing our grievances. But our answer was a disapprobation. We recommended a non-importation and non-exportation agreement. There are seventy-two Creoles who are
members of Parliament — gentlemen of monstrous estates
in the West Indies. They are dead votes against the
colonies. What can the West Indies do without flour,
starch, and hoop-poles?




238
EDWARD SHIIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, June 28th, 1774.
DEAR MIR. BURD:-I am just now favored with your letter
of the 25th instant.  I desire you will return the enclosed
newspapers.  The author of the political resolutions makes
some grand observations, but, for want of perfection, makes
some contrary ones. The merchants in England look upon
us in this part of the world as their slaves, having no more
regard for us than the SEVENTY WEALTHY CREOLES (who
have bought themselves seats in the Parliament-house),
have for their negroes on their plantations in the Western
Islands. It is our duty to work for them-the merchantsand while we, the white and black servants, send them gold
and silver, and the Creoles send spirits, sugar, and molasses,
&e.; I say, while we supply these people with these
douceurs, so that they may take their pleasure, and roll
about in their coaches, they are well enough satisfied. But
they must not expect to have their eggs, and eat them, too.
Be it known to these Solomons and merchants, that, unless
they are constantly upon their guard to serve us, we cannot
enrich them, if we would. It was observed by a gentleman
in town, that it would be a very imprudent step for the
colonists to enter into a non-exportation agreement, however well it might be to agree to send for no goods to
Great Britain; because, says he, we should then be in the
same distressed condition as the people in Boston, for
whose support we are making collections; and, if we should
shut up our ports, the question is, who can support us?
Sure the savages have it not within their power to do it, if
they were so inclined; nay, as we have picked a quarrel
with them, they might soon put us out of our pain with




239
their tomahawks.  But, whoever will scrutinize narrowly
the late act of Parliament, may plainly discern that we are
all included.  The words, "Rhode Island, Connecticut,
New York, East and West Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North and South Carolina" are included; only they are written in lime juice, and want the
heat of the fire to make them legible. Well, then, seeing
this is the case with us all, let us take physic when it best
suits our convenience, and when it is likely to have the
most salutary effect, and not wait the wicked ministerial
physician's time, when it will be our death. The cursed
scheme is, to let us alone until we have sent the West
Indies a supply for about two or three or four months, and
then to let our fate be known. But, why do we flatter ourselves?  Have we not acted as rebelliously —nay, worse
than the Bostonians? If we should send no provisions, nor
staves and hoops to the West Indies now, the people there
would not only be half-starved, (I am not for starving them
entirely,) but could not be making casks for the produce of
their plantations; and as soon as these resolutions should
reach the ears of the Parliament, these Solomons abovementioned must call aloud upon the Premier to open our
ports, and repeal the Tea Law.
At a meeting of a very respectable body of the freeholders
and other inhabitants of the county of Berks, at Reading,
July 2, 1774. Edward Biddle, Esq., in the chair.
This assembly taking into their very serious consideration
the present critical situation of American affairs, do unanimously resolve as follows:




240
1. That the inhabitants of this county do owe and will
pay due allegiance to our rightful sovereign, King George
the Tlhird.
2. That the powers claimed, and now attempted to be put
into execution by the British Parliament are fundamentally
wrong, and cannot be admitted without the utter destruction
of the liberties of America.
3. That the Boston Port-bill is unjust and tyrannical in
the extreme, and that the measures pursued against Boston
are intended to operate equally against the rights and liberties of the other colonies.
4. That this assembly doth concur in opinion with their
respectable brethren of Philadelphia, that there is an absolute necessity for an immediate congress of deputies from
the several colonies, in order to deliberate upon and pursue
such measures as may radically heal our present unhappy
disturbances, and settle with precision the rights and liberties of America.
5. That the inhabitants of this county, confiding in the
abilities and prudence of the deputies intended to be chosen
for the General Congress, will cheerfully submit to any
measures which may be found by the said congress best
adapted for the restoration of harmony between the mother
country and the colonies, and for the security and firm
establishment of the rights of America.
6. That as the people of Boston are now suffering in the
grand and common cause of American liberty, Resolved,
That it is the duty of all the inhabitants to contribute to
the support of the sufferers; and that the committee hereafter named do open subscriptions for their relief; and
further, that the said committee do lay out the amount of
such subscriptions in the purchase of flour and other provisions, to be sent by them to our said suffering brethren.




241
7. That Edward Biddle, James Read, Daniel Brodhead,
Henry Christ, Esqrs., and Christopher Schultz, Thomas
Dundas, and Jonathan Potts, gentlemen, be and they are
hereby appointed a committee to meet and correspond with
the committees from the other counties in this Province.
REV. THOMAS BARTON TO COL. BURD.
Lancaster, December 2cl, 1774.
DEAR SIR: —I enclose you proposals for a Pennsylvania
Magazine.  The publisher, IMr. Aitken, from Aberdeen, is
an honest, worthy man, well esteemed, and well qualified
for such an undertaking, so there is no doubt of his executing
the plan he offers to the public in a manner that will give
general satisfaction. I know you are a friend to merit, and
as there are several persons in your neighborhood who may
be inclined to encourage this work, I beg leave, in Mr.
Aitken's name, to request the favor of you to assist in receiving subscriptions for it, which you will be pleased to
forward before the end of the month.  Mr. Illing, I hope,
will lend a helping hand in getting some names. You will
pardon this freedom, and believe me to be, with best compli.
ments to Mrs. Burd, dear sir, yours affectionately,
TIHOS. BARTON.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, July lth 1775.
HON. SIR:-Yesterday Captain Smith came to town with
near eighty riflemen. They chose him as Captain, ArchiL




242
bald Street, 1st Lieutenant, Michael Simpson, 2d Lieutenant,
and William Cross, 3d Lieutenant. Our standing committee approved of their election, and sent down an express
to the Congress, informing them of what had been done
here, in consequence of their       circular letter, and
intimating to them that another company had been formed
in this town chiefly through the care of
ready to wait their orders.  Much altercation and abuse
arose on the appointment of the officers. Young Ross
asserts [he was] empowered and desired by Mr. Patterson
to raise men, and that those so enlisted by him were approved
of by the committee                 of them.  Patterson
denies the assertion. The committee say that they can
take notice of no other riflemen than such as are returned
to theni by the latter, to whom they had alone given orders
to recruit; and that Patterson and Ross must settle that
matter between themselves.  Mr. Simpson in particular is
much chagrined by the measures pursued, and so are very
many others. Jemmy Ross set off post haste last night to
Philadelphia to seek redress from the Congress, for the ill
usage he thinks he has received.
Upon the whole, I cannot but sincerely lament the want
of confidence and union amongst us, which so obviously
retards our public deliberations. I doubt but you have
heard ere now your son's determination to accept a lieutenancy
amongst the Berks Riflemen.  He was approved of by the
committee of that county, and by the           I wrote,
therefore, to his grandfather, and his uncle Edward, in hopes
that they would not be adverse to his going into the corps.
His grandfather disapproved of his resolution, and censured
him for not consulting his friends before he formed it. His
uncle disliked it, and mentioning to him in a letter his




243
want of knowledge in shooting a rifle, his unacquaintance
with the manner of woodsmen, and of their hardy modes of
life as capital reasons for his resignation. This was backed
by another letter from Mr. Willing to the same purpose.
I have heard yesterday that Mr. Patterson brings the news
of Neddy's having declined in consequence of the joint
opinion of all his friends, and that young Peter Grubb has
got the appointment in his room; but of this we have no
absolute certainty, not having received any letter from him
on the subject. SMy sentiments are, it might have been
prudent in him to have consulted his friends before he
offered himself to the committee; yet his intentions were so
virtuous and laudable throughout the whole proceeding,
that they appear to me to palliate if not to justify the step
he has taken.  The qualifications necessary to form an
officer amongst the riflemen he was well aware of. He knew
and started every objection himself to Colonel Thompson, but he was, and encouraged, and persuaded
by him to join the company. Want of due consideration
therefore cannot be attributed to him, but must be charged
to another account. Besides the care he had taken of his
business, in writing to Jesse Ewing to come over and
transact it in his absence, under certain terms, shows he
was neither inattentive to his own, nor the interests of the
country.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Jully 15th, 1775.
DEAR MR. BURD:-We are glad to hear of your recovery.
Let God be praised for all his goodness. I expect every




244
moment the account of a bloody battle at Boston. I hope
HE has given us the victory in making our defence against
our unnatural ministerial enemies; for should it prove
otherwise, what will become of us. I have this minute
received a letter from nMr. Read, wherein is the following
paragraph.  "I am pleased that a day of humiliation and
fasting is at hand throughout the land; may our spirits be
solemnized. I wish that card playing and other idle diversions were done away."
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURDY AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Sept. 22d, 1775.
lIoN. SIR: —I received your favor of the 19th instant,
and am glad to find that there is again some probability of
a hearty union taking place in the remote Townships. From
our united endeavors and strength alone, can we have the
least prospect of success in our present glorious struggle.
Your accepting of the command of the Company, and a
seat in the committee, pleased me much.
Had you declined doing so, your conduct might have
been questioned by many, and your influence might have
been greatly injured in your neighborhood. But I would
by all means, recommend you not to sit in the County
Committee, after your late refusal, until a new election
takes place. This probably will soon happen. The County
Committee are to fix a ticket to-day here, in consequence of a
letter received from the Committee of Safety and Observation
in Philadelphia.  If anything happens before this scrawl
is sealed up, I will communicate it to you. From what
little I have seen, I cannot help observing, that this desire




245
below* of interfering in our politics, is not generally relished
amongst us.  The step is viewed with jealousy and manifest dislike. It is thought some kind of control over the
freedom of elections, and many do not scruple to say, that our
Committee are going out of the line of their duty. I speak
the sentiments of others.  I carefully avoid the subject
myself, in conversations.
EDWARD BURD TO EDWARD SIIIPPEN, AT LANCASTER.
Prospect liTl, October 3d, 1775.
DEAR AND HON. SIR:-I have written a number of
letters to you, and my other friends in Lancaster, many of
which must certainly have miscarried. I find that I must
not pay much regard to the cry of an engagement being
likely to happen soon, as the same cry has been constantly
echoed both before and since my arrival at the camp. When
two armies are in sight of each other, there must be constant expectation of an engagement, no one can tell whether
the opposite party will make an attack or not.  I think I
have acted as a volunteer at a time, and long enough to show
my hearty disposition and wishes for the success of the cause
we are engaged in, and have sacrificed voluntarily and freely
as much, in proportion to my circumstances, as any one of
them can boast. That no opportunity has offered, since my
arrival, of my being in action, is not my fault. But that consideration ought not to keep me here to the ruin of my
business, and longer than I can support my credit in the
capacity I act. Indeed, I live as frugally as I possibly can,
and would be able to continue here with what cash I have,
* At Philadelphia,




246
a month longer.  But how must lily business suffer! I am
therefore determined to set off next week on my return to
Pennsylvania, and be at the Lancaster Court if possible.
When I shall enjoy the pleasure of seeing you and my
other friends, increased by the great distance I have been
from you. Gen'l Gage is going home, and Gen'l Howe
will command in his stead.  Dr. Church, the principal
physician in our army is confined, for keeping up a very
criminal correspondence with the regulars, by means of short
hand writing, is          and it appears that he has been
as industrious as bossible, in giving the enemy intelligence
of our measures and situation.
JUDGE YE.ATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Oct. 14th, 1775.
HONORED SIR:-I wrote to you by last post, since which
I sent you your new clothes, and a barrel of Newton's pippins, by one of your neighbor's wagons.
There is no late news here but what you must have heard.
Kearsley's infamous conduct has drawn down on him the
just resentment of the people.  He, with other tories, are
confined in Philadelphia gaol. It is said to be determined
in Congress, that our troops shall attack Gen. Gage's line
before his reinforcements arrive.  How true it is, I cannot
take upon me to determine. There is no doubt but Doctor
Franklin, Col. Harrison, and another of the delegates, have
set off for the camp about a week ago, on some public errand.
By our last letters, Neddy* was to leave New England by
Edward Burd.




247
the middle of this month, so that we may soon expect his
arrival anmong us.  God send us a speedy peace, upon terms
honorable and friendly to America.
EDVARID B3URD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Sunbitry, Noc. 1st, 1775.
DEAR AND HONORED SIR:-I arrived here, after long
delays and a little missing of the road, the day before yesterday noon.  We took a path that led into Plouts's valley,
by which we went six miles out of our road. However, we
feasted on venison all the way up, which made amends for
the tediousness and length of the road.
There was a great talk here of going against the Yankees
when I came up, but it has subsided a good deal.  The snow
and severity of the weather coming on, has made it a little
discouraging. The Assembly and Governor are determined
that the laws of this province shall be executed at WVyoming,
the consequence of which will be a scuffle.  When the attempt will be made I cannot tell, but I believe the justices
are chiefly against it. At present, whether the Yankees will
not by delay grow too strong to be attacked, I cannot say.
I intend to set off on Saturday for Reading.  I have not received a single farthing yet; bad times for us poor lawyers.
EDIWARD BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Readingr, Feb. 25th, 1776.
DEAR AND HON. Sla:-This town is divided into districts; and three comlpanies are to be formed in it.  I am




248
placed in the lower division, quite removed from that part
where I have interests, so that I suppose I shall not be
among the officers. In any other part of the town I should
have been chosen without dispute. I shall have the less
trouble if I am not elected-though there is some talk of
making me Captain. Mr. George Ross is laid up with the
gout, here. We have got some tories here that were taken
by Gen. Schuyler. A member of the family of Macdonaid, from Scotland, had settled on the Mohawk, with great
numbers of that clan. They were prevailed on by Sir John
Johnston to take up arms against us in the back parts of
New York, but were disarmed by Gen. Schuyler, and six of
their principal men sent here as hostages.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Laqncaster, Mtharch 7th, 1776.
I1ON. SIR: —We have no news. The expected arrival of
commissioners from England fills us with anxious expectation.
I hope the terms which they are empowered to offer will be
both just and generous, otherwise a negotiation will only
serve to inflame matters.
A few warm members of committee in Philadelphia have
resolved to call a provincial convention. The measure, I am
told, is so much condemned by the thinking people that it
is dropped for the present, until it is known what answer
will be given by the house of Assembly to the numerous
petitions before them.  Absolute necessity alone should give
birth to any new powers, and justify an innovation in the
constitution.




219
COL. JAMES BUITD TO TIlE OFFICERS OF TIlE THREE COMPANIES OF UPPER PAXTON.
Tinian, April 16th, 1776.
GENTLEMEN:-We received your very reasonable request*
concerning an alteration in the districts of the three companies of Upper Paxton; the same was laid before the
county cominittee by Colonel Burd, Major Cox, and Major
IIummell.  The committee approves of all alteration agreeable to the majority of the people, with the approbation of
the field officers.  We expect all the officers of the three
companies will meet the officers of the battalion at Mr.
John Harris', on Saturday next, at 10 o'clock before noon,
where the field officers can be informed of your alteration,
approve, and make report thereof to the county committee
agreeable to order. You'll please bring with you the returns
of your companies, that they may be made to the commissioners. Please to agree when and where we shall have the
pleasure to wait upon you next week in Upper Paxton to
view the three upper companies.   Lieut. Col. Mlurray's
indisposition prevented his attendance at Lancaster.  We
are, with much esteem, &c.
MiAJOR BUItD T'O COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Reacding, July 6th, 1776.
DEAR AND HON'D SIR: —I lately went to Philadelphia,
expecting to find my uncle there as usual, but both houses
were shut up. It made me quite melancholy; my uncle
* They had petitioned Col. Burd for leave to form a company of
their own, as they "were much harrassed by crossing the mountains."
L.*




250
Edward Shippen has gone to the Jerseys, on a fine farm
which he purchased there, about fifty miles from Philadelphia.
I received a very kind invitation from him to go up to his
place, but my affairs would not permit it.  I will contrive
before long to see them. It is not a day's ride from Easton,
and if I do not turn out with the militia, it is possible I shall
attend that court. But I believe, it will be expected of me
to act as Major in the militia to be raised for a few months
to serve in the middle colonies. If I am chosen, I am determined on going, as I have no notion of any man's refusing
his service when his country calls on him. As this is a
sudden emergency, I do not think I can see you before I go.
I bought a house and lot in Reading, lately, and hope
what payments are left behind will not be attended with
any inconvenience, as I have a good many bonds, which,
together with the rent, will nearly answer it, supposing all
other things to go ill with me.
EXTRACT FROM TIlE MINUTES OF CONGRESS.
IN CONVENTION,
Philadelphia, Ju7y 19tlh, 177G.
Sin:-The CONGRESS of the United States of America,
having recommended to this Convention to hasten, with all
possible expedition, the march of the associators of this
province into New Jersey, agreeable to a former request of
CONCIRESS, we do earnestly recommend and require you to
send forward into -New Jersey your battalion, or as many
companies as can possibly be armed, with all possible expedition, yielding a most exact obedience to the orders you




2.51
may receive from this Convention, or from your superior
officer, wholly disregarding all reports concerning the countermanding of orders received by you for mlarchling the
militia of this province, as such may be propagated by our
enemies for wicked and destructive purposes.  If you send
forward only two companies, the second major is to nlarch
with them; if only three, the lieutenant-colonel, or first
major; if only four, the lieutenrant-colonel and second
major; if only five, the colonel and both majors; if six, or
the whole battalion, then all the field-officers.
SgnC(d lby O.dcr of the CONVENTION.
BENJ. FRANKLIN.
To JAMES BURD, Esq.,
Colonel of his Battulion,
of the County of Lancaster.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT MIDDLETOWN.
Pittsburg, July 29th, 1776.
HIONORED SIR: — I got up here safely last Saturday,
having waited a week at Carlisle for Mr. Montgomery. We
find that the holding of our treaty with the Indians must
be deferred until the latter end of September, as it will be
impracticable for any number of them to come in earlier.
This will cause me a most disagreeable stay of two or three
months in this place, yet it cannot be avoided. I am in
hopes the treaty will be a general one, yet I sometimes
fear the savages will be intimidated from siding with us,
by our ill success in Canada. No step should be omitted,
that may possibly prevent an Indian war; I have no expectations from the Six Nations. They are too much attached




252
to Sir John Johnston. I am quite fatigued with writing,
having been constantly engaged in that business since
coming here.
EDWARD SIJIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
LLancastcr, N\rovember 7th, 1776.
DEAR MIR. BURD: — I am  this minute returned from
the Committee.  M3r. Yeates writes his wife of the 14th
ultimno, that he had, two days before, received a letter firom
Neddy Burd, part of the way by water, (I suppose via Virginia, for he wrote from shipboard,) acquainting him that
he was well, and very politely treated* by General Grant,
Majors Leslie and Batt.  But we have had no letter fronm
him  yet-for want of an opportunity.  We are glad to
hear of your recovery; blessed be God for all his goodness.
Mir. Yeates writes that the Delawares and Shawanese were
coming into the council-fire, and that he hoped the meeting
would be amicable, though he was apprehensive peace would
be of no long duration; some few people had been murdered
about seventy miles from Fort Pitt. Some people say that
Benjamin Franklin is sent to France, but this account is not
confirmed. I say nothing about politics in letters. Your
brother, E. S., has removed all his family back to Philadelphia. I imagine he does not like the power given to two
magistrates, of calling any gentleman in that government
before them, by warrant or summons, upon a bare suspicion of their being tories, and obliging him to give bail
for his appearance at the next court of quarter sessions;
and if he will not or cannot give bail, he must be sent to
prison.
*He was a prisoner.




253
P. S. - I don't expect to enjoy any post in the Government two weeks longer.  I have received a few shillings
as Recorder of Deeds and Deputy Register, but scarcely
enough to buy salt for my porridge.  I must therefore be
casting about for a country settlement, as well as my children, and Mr. Allen and his three sons, Johnny, Andrew,
and Jemmy.  But all at a proper time.  I can scarce read
my letters, for want of better spectacles, and there is not a
pair to be had in this town.
EDWARD SHIIPPEN TO COL. JAMIES BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Nov. 14th, 1776.
DEAR MR BURD:-Being just come from the Committee,
I find your and my dear daughter's letters to each of us, and
we thank you for your kind offer of your stone house, though
so much to your own disadvantage. But out of love for
yourself and family, it would be with the greatest reluctance
we should accept of it. When we are obliged to move away,
we shall let you know our resolutions, as we shall do to our
other two children. But keep these hints to yourselves. We
are daily in expectation of hearing, if not seeing, poor Neddy
Burd. I must go presently to Committee again. I understand
our Assembly is to meet at Philadelphia on the 20th instant,
and that Lord Howe, and his brother the General, went to
visit the city of Philadelphia; but I hope the season, by
the kind disposition of Providence, will disappoint them.




254
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Pliila7delphia, Dec. 12th, 1776.
DEAR AND HONORED SIR:- I amn at last so fortunate as
to be exchanged, though it happened not by intention, but
accident. General Washington sent about ten or twelve
prisoners to New York, and intended to name the persons
who were to be sent in exchange; but Gen. Howe took the
first Major, Captains, Lieutenants, &c., who happened to be
on his list of prisoners, and sent them in exchange. I happened to be the first Major, and was therefore so lucky as to
be returned.  General Washington was surprised to see me.
HIowever, he was so polite as to tell me, that from the character I bore he was satisfied with my being the person,
though he did not like the mode, especially as I was in a
Standing Regiment. I do not know what he could mean
by that, as the time of our regiment will expire by the first
of June next, and I am sure the men will not stay a day
longer.
CII. J. S'TIPPEN; TO IIIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadellphia, January 18th, 1777.
I{ON'D SIR:-I send you by Mr. Adam Zantzinger, the
sum of one hundred pounds, which you requested.  Your
condition, with regard to the income of your offices is to be
lamented, and the only consolation you can have, is that
everybody else is in the same situation. How long matters
may thus continue, cannot be known, yet I think another
summer must necessarily show us our fate. If the war
should continue longer than that, we are all ruined as to our




255
estates, whatever may be the state of our liberties.  The
scarcity and advanced price of every necessary of life makes
it extremely difficult for those, who have large families and
no share in the present measures to carry them  through,
and nothing but the strictest frugality will enable us to do
it.  I think my brother's situation a very eligible one.  IHe
is comfortably settled at a distance from the seat of war,
which causes the utmost devastation and desolation wherever
it comes.  I thought when I purchased in Jersey, I should
have been in the same situation, but it seems the country at
no great distance from it, is entirely laid waste, though I
have reason to think my farm is not injured at present.  I
live near the falls of Schuylkill, a very clever retired place,
yet am in daily apprehension of every house in town being
filled with soldiers, which has been the fate of all which
have been left empty. In order to prevent this I now go
to town almost every day, that I may be seen in and about
my house; which is constantly opened every day, and has
all the appearance of being inhabited, and is really lodged
in by two or three women every night.  By this means I
hope to escape the mischief.  I have lately had an affliction
of another kind.  My son Neddy was sent on an errand by
his master into Jersey, where he staid longer than his
business required. In order to avoid being pressed in the
militia service, when General Howe had advanced as far as
Trenton, and it was thought he was making his way to
Philadelphia, Neddy was prevailed upon by Johnny,
Andrew, and Billy Allen, to go in with them to the British
army, which he accordingly did, and was civilly received
there by General Howe and the British officers. His companions soon after went to New York, and Neddy remained
at Trenton.  When the attack was made on the Hessians




256
there, he was accordingly taken prisoner by our army, and
carried, with others, to General Washington, who, after
examining his case, and finding he had taken no commission,
nor done any act that showed him inimical, very kindly
discharged him, and he is now with us. Though I highly
disapprove of what he had done, yet I could not condemn
him as much as I should have done, if he had not been
enticed to it by those who were much older, and ought to
have judged better than himself.
CIH. J. SHIPPEN TO HIS FATIIER, AT LANCASTER.
Philadelphia, March 11th, 1777.
HONORED S IR:-The complexion of the times is still
bad, I know not when there will be any alteration for
the better.  I mean that peace (the most desirable of all
human conditions,) seems at as great a distance as ever.
General Howe in all probability will be in Philadelphia, in
a month or two, having been reinforced, (as it is said,) at
Brunswick, and General Washington's armyin no condition
to prevent him, but his coming to Philadelphia will only
be the introduction of all the calamities of war in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia will be as a place besieged by the American army, and the country will be laid waste by the two
contending parties. In this dreadful situation of affairs I am
at a loss to know how to dispose of my family. Advantages
and disadvantages present themselves by turns, whether
I determine to remain in Philadelphia or remove to a distance.
Your situation is better. You are already at a distance
from the seat of war, and may remove still further if necessary.  Yet no situation is actually exempt from a possi



257
bility of danger. We must make the best of it. I presume
your office will get into other hands. I understand Peter
Hoofnagle intends to stand candidate for it; you can certainly
not expect it unless you give up the old government, and
swear allegiance to the new one, together with the oath of
abjuration of King George the Third. In these times I
shall consider a private station as a post of honor, and if I
cannot raise my fortune as high as my desires, I can bring
down my desires to my fortune, " the wants of our nature
are easily supplied, and the rest is but folly and care."
Mlarch 26th, 1777.
Since writing the above I am favored with yours of the
15th inst., with copies of John Hubley's letter, and your
answer, which I think very proper. What plan you have
formed for the future you don't mention, nor is it easy to
advise. Nothing, however, should be determined with too
much precipitation. At your advanced age it is a serious
matter to go into a new course of life. The management of
a farm is more proper for a man in the prime of life than in
his decline, when nature calls for ease of body, as well as
ease of mind. A little time may possibly enable, you to
form some resolution upon the subject, more to your satisfaction than at present. As to resigning your commision to
Governor Penn there is not the least occasion for it.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster), lMarch 29th, 1777.
HON'D SIR:-I promised Henry Davis to write to you,
upon the return of Mr. Baily from Philadelphia, respecting




2.58
the establishment of a regular post rider here.  I cannot yet
find any great probability of its being done soon; every
article of expense on the road is so greatly augmented that
it will require treble the former sum subscribed to enable a
person undertaking it to make both ends meet. If any
settled plan takes place, I will acquaint you of it for Davis'
information. I have just received a letter from MIr. Slough,
of Philadelphia. He writes to me that'on the 27th inst. in-' formation was given to the Board of War, that some persons'in and about the city had prevailed on our pilots to bring'the British fleet up the Delaware; search was immediately'made, and the person originally concerned was soon appre-' hended and brought before the Board, when upon examina-'tion of the pilots who were so engaged, it appeared that the'person had given each of them fifty guineas in part for'putting this design into execution. It is apprehended that'some people in the town furnished him with the cash; the'person's name is Molesworth, and has served as clerk to every'Mayor of the city, for twelve or more years past; it is'thought examples will be made very speedily.'There is nothing new from the camp, except that the'enemy are preparing to move from here, and the people in
Philadelphia are much ashamed that they should receive the'first visit.' I find from the letter and every other account,
that we probably shall have much confusion and disorder
before the new constitution is fairly fixed. Many are determined to oppose it at all events, and many to support it
at all hazards.  I have not time nor patience to mention in
how many instances the Assembly has infringed the inviolable
frame of government, or to point out the impropriety of some
late appointments; it is sufficient to say that the late steps
give infinite dissatisfaction to the men of property and




259
understanding.  THE CLAMORS OF THE RED-HOT PATRIOTS
HAVE SUBSIDED INTO EASY PLACES AND OFFICES OF PROFIT!
The posts of mere TRUST go a begging 1 No one can be
found to accept themn! Whenever I reflect on the times, I
am seized with the blue devils. I walk about the room in
a sweat, look at my family, and wish them and myself out
of the way of vexation. Sally tells me, Peggy is not to cut
out her ruffles until she can send her up a pattern.
Col. Hand sets off in the morning for camp.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Oct. 3d, 1777.
IION'D SIR: —I have received your favor of the 1st
instant, with 8s. 9d. I send you the pound of chalk by the
post, which cost only 9d. IMy letters to Neddy by Bakistoes, gave the most particular account of everything I
could learn in the way of news. Since that time, we heard
that the Delaware frigate was taken off Philadelphia, without much opposition; the ship struck to a few cannon
planted on a wharf by the British troops. The chevauxde-frize are not yet weighed; the row galleys and battery
on Mud Island, having hitherto prevented the English ships
coming up. The meadows opposite that Island are laid
under water, by the banks being thrown down, to prevent
the approaches of the enemy.
It is said that Lord Cornwallis has been appointed Governor, and Jo. Galloway, Lieutenant Governor of Philadelphia.
MIr. Penn and MIr. Dulaney rode out to meet Gen'l Howe,
and earnestly entreated him to save Philadelphia from
plunder. The city, as we learn, escaped, but John Lawrence,




260
near the Falls, had everything swept away by the soldiers.
The truth of these things I cannot vouch for; in the nature
of such things we can only look to common reports as our
authority.
General Washington, we are told, is at Frankford, with
his army.  We expect every hour to hear of his attacking
Gen'l Howe. He has received some very strong reinforcements, and large bodies of Virginians are daily passing
through this town to head quarters. A general engagement
will in all probability, decide the events of this campaign.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Nov. 7, 1777.
HON. SIR:-I sent you by the boy, the bushel of salt
on a little pony of my son's.  There is no such thing as a
waggon to be had going up the road,
Lord Sterling and his Aid-de-Camp, have been at our
house these two days. There is no getting to bed at our
usual hour. I am almost tired of it. His Lordship is very
sanguine, that a few weeks will fully settle the fate of General Howe's Army. He speaks of those who choose to continue in Philadelphia, with pity for their situation.
Our Assembly are met,-to do great matters, I suppose.
The Court bell rings as formerly, but I go not near them.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Nov. 25th, 1777.
HON. SIR:-We have some reports in town that Fort
Mercer, on Red Bank, is still in our possession.  According




261
to others, Lord Cornwallis took it on Saturday last. We
know not which to believe; for my part I fear the worst.
One John Brown, was confined in jail a few days ago, by
orders of the Council.  I have seen his examination, the
purport of which is, that he came out of Philadelphia
on the 5th instant, being requested thereto by Mr. Thomas
Willing, who showed him a written message to him (Mr.
W.,) from General Howe, that he was desirous of preventing the further effusion of human blood. Mr. Willing
informed him, that in a conversation which passed between
Sir William Howe and himself, the General assured him
that his brother, Lord Howe and Sir William, had full
power to accommodate the present matters, and for that
purpose, could treat with Congress or any other person.
That they were willing to put us in the same situation that
we were in previous to the year 1763, and even grant us
better terms. That if the Declaration of Independence was
rescinded) they would withdraw their fleet and army, and
would not require the disbanding of our troops, until the
agreement should receive the sanction of Parliament, and
that they would allow the sinking of our continental currency in our own way. Brown gave his word of honor to
Mr. Willing, that he would not acquaint any one of his
errand, until he had intimated it to some member of congress. He accordingly went to                when he
mentioned it to Mr. Morris and Mr. Davis, when he
came to                 he was taken up by the Council, and the affirmation of allegiance was tendered to him,
but was at length admitted to bail by the intercession of the
above two gentlemen, who became surety for him. From
hence he went to Yorktown, and was from thence ordered
back for examination.  The Council have ordered him into




262
limbo. I would observe to you, that Brown has done business for Willing and Morris these ten years past, has the
entire confidence of them both, and is universally respected,
and a strictly honest man.  Considering all matters, I fear
we are ill disposed to an accommodation. MIr. Shippen remains very ill, every one else is in good health amongst us.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, December 19thl, 1777.
lHON'D SIR:-Capt. Crouch delivered your letters within
this hour, so that my answers to your questions cannot be
as full as I could wish. It is generally believed that the
chevaux-de-frize have been raised, I do not know however
that any certain news has been received on the subject, that
could impede them from accomplishing it for so many weeks,
when every succor of provisions depended on their exertions
in this particular. There was no battle fought near Whitemarsh, the two armies were drawn up within view of each
other, but our situation being exceedingly advantageous on
the summit of a high hill, Gen. Howe did not think proper
to risk an attack. On Thursday, Lord Cornwallis came out
of Philadelphia with 4,000 men, attacked the militia under
General Potts, and drove them off, and also the main body,
for about eight miles, killing, and taking many prisoners.
The militia, it is said, behaved in their usual way, very ill.
The enemy are now all gone into Philadelphia, and our headquarters are at the light-house, about twenty-five miles from
Philadelphia. In the late excursion of the enemy from
Philadelphia, they committed great devastation, and were




263
guilty of many cruelties. They stripped families of all denominations, of clothes, bedding, and everything they could
lay their hands upon, making fires of the furniture.
It is told us that the assembly are busied in making a law
to repeal the militia act, and proposing a commutation of
money for actual service. This is done under the recommendation of Congress, who has required of each state a new
quota of men for the Continental army; a law of this kind
would be of infinite service to the community. A letter has
this morning been received, giving an account that Lord
Cornwallis, Parson Duche, and several Quakers, have lately
embarked for England. Duche lately wrote a very foolish
letter to General Washington, which I suppose somewhat
affrights him, when he finds that America is not so easy a
conquest as he once believed.  If I can procure a copy of
the letter I will send it to you.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BUlRD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, Decemnber Gth1, 1777.
IION'D SIRn:-I have received your favor by J. Evans,
and now send you up a copy of Duchb's letter to General
Washington. I have just finished transcribing it.  The
Congress and gentlemen of the army would, I fancy, show
but little merby to the parson, if he was in their power.
They are particularly reflected on with much severity, in the
letter, indeed, I think, with circumstances of high aggravation. There are, however, some melancholy truths contained
in it, which I ardently wish could not be told. The most
exceptionable part of it to me, seems that passage wherein
he exhorts the General to negotiate for America, at the head




264
of his army, if Congress should not assent to his proposals.
This is plainly advising him to commit a flagrant breach of
trust.  It is true, Genl. Monk, before the revolution, played
the same game with success and advantage to himself. I
can only reply in the words of Shakspeare, "Tho' I love the
treason, yet my soul abhors the traitor." You will be able
to form your own judgment of the letter. Your strictures,
however, on it, should not be trusted to every conveyance.
When you have perused and done with the letter be pleased
to forward it to me by some safe hand, as I propose sending
it up to Fort Pitt, and copies are to be had with great difficulty. I also enclose you a copy of verses on the celebrated
urn of Doctor Franklin. They are, in my opinion, exceedingly
well wrote, and contain the true Attic salt. The authoress,
Miss Norris, acquired much political reputation by them in
Philadelphia.*  There is but little news stirring.  We hear
that a party of the enemy are gone towards Chester, to forage.
Ten or twelve detachments are sent in quest of them, who
are determined to give no quarters.  Morgan's riflemen are
determined to scalp, and the light-horse to dispatch their
prisoners. It seems this resolution was taken on their being
informed that a party of the British light-horse, having taken
two of our soldiers, inquired of their officer what they should
do with their prisoners?  He answered, " Give no quarters,
murder them." They accordingly dispatched one and gave
the other many wounds, but he survived to tell the horrid
tale to our army, who were greatly inflamed by his account.
Mr. Sam. Meridith brought up this account yesterday from
head-quarters, and I believe it may be depended upon as
truth.  Such brutalities and retaliations must aggravate in a
* Unfortunately, the verses are missing.




265
ten-fold degree the horrors of war. We sink from men into
savages, by such inhuman conduct.
I hear our assembly have agreed on suspending the habeas
corpus act for three mouths. If anything further occurs
before Hans sets off, I will communicate it to you.
December 27th, 1777.
I have just seen the draft of a law which has just been
read the second time, and is published for consideration. The
purport of the law is, to direct that all persons trading in
wine, rum, grain, clothes, linen, bar iron, nails, rods, shoes,
whiskey, wool, cotton, (with a long etc.) or other
wares or merchandise, shall take out licenses for that purpose,
from commissioners to be appointed in the respective counties, for which they are to pay five shillings. That licenses
are to be granted to those only who have taken the oath or
affirmation of allegiance and abjuration, and are friends to
freedom and independence.  That previous to obtaining a
license they are to give in an exact account of their goods
on hand, on oath or affirmation, &c., &c. This law will
probably make a great deal of confusion among us. I would
send you up a copy of it, but cannot get one. Oh! tempora,
Oh! mores.
EDWARD SIIIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, June 30th, 1778.
DEAR MR. BURD:-    *  *  *    *  *  I suppose
there have gone to Philadelphia this week at least a dozen
families, and more are removing. The president and council
left the borough last week, and most of the congress passed
M




266
through it yesterday.   Dunlop  (the  printer) is now
putting his furniture and press into a wagon, going off ad
urbem, so that we can't expect any newspapers in less than
ten days from this time.
3Ir. Yeates has gone to Philadelphia, aud we shall look
for him next MIonday night.
CHIEF JUJSTICE SHIPPEN TO  IIIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Philade7phiac, July 3d, 1778.
HON'D SIR: —I did not understand by your letters concerning Pultney's ground rent, that you meant to be paid
in half joes, as no such thing is now at all expected, that
commodity being merely a merchandise.
As to Galloway's expression to my brother about not
selling the house on your account, it was a low, dirty pretence, as every body knows selling real estate for continental
money has been avoided, though a great nominal price might
be offered. When I mentioned drawing on me for two years'
rent, I certainly meant continental money, as it would be
utterly impossible for me to pay in gold, having been drained
and put to the greatest shifts to procure sufficient to subsist
my family during the residence of the British troops here,
when no other money would pass, and every kind of provision a treble price. I have sent you by M1r. Yeates, half
a dozen pounds of chocolate, but I am afraid it will be very
difficult to procure Madeira wine at any price, the only pipe
I have heard of for sale was limited at either eight or nine
hundred pounds; I will keep a look out, and if possible
procure you some. There is no such thing as syrup, the




sugar bakers having all dropt the business a long while. It
is possible after some time there may be an importation of
French molasses; if so, I will try to get you some..IJDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, PAXTON TOWNSHIP.
Lancaster, October IOth, 1778.
HON'D SIR:-I have been doing little for these ten days
past, but electioneering. 3Matters have come at length to
that pass, that it becomes every good man to turn out, and
endeavor to procure a proper representation for the county
he lives in. The many violations of the Constitution by the
late Assembly have given the people at large the most general uneasiness and disgust, and strike the most ignorant with
the propriety of an exertion at the ensuing election. A
ticket has been formed here this day, which will run well
in the district, and if there should be a division in other
districts, however small, will probably be attended with success.  Will not the people about Middletown vote?  Be
good enough to try.  We have written to Col. Cox on the
subject, and enclosed him a ticket. Every moment's delay
is attended with danger. In the city of Philadelphia and
other counties, every nerve will be strained to effect a
change of men and measures. It is very generally believed
that a French and Spanish war is declared.  Dominic is
taken by the French, and a descent on Jamaica is meditated.
It is said the Spanish have blocked up Gibraltar.  A general European war seems inevitable.
The Oyer and Terminer Court will sit some weeks longer
in Philadelphia. Abraham Carlyle has received sentence
of death. John Roberts is convicted; Jacob Meng is con



268
victed.  Poor Billy Hamilton's trial comes on this week,
and his friends are very uneasy on his account. The city
is in the greatest ferment.  Most good men wish for an act
of oblivion. The British troops have destroyed all the saltworks and vessels at Egg Harbor.
A message was lately sent to Congress by the General
and Admiral, expressing their firm determination to burn
all the seaport and other accessible towns, unless the Convention of Saratoga was complied with.  Congress replied,
that their letter was too insolent to receive an answer, and
put them at defiance. Thus stand we at present.
CH. J. SHIPPEN TO HlIS FATHER, AT LANCASTER.
Pliladelphia, December 21st, 1778.
HON'D SIR: —I received your favor of the 16th inst.,
acquainting me with the sale of Mr. Galloway's house to
Mr. Yeates. I had some desire to make the purchase on
my own account as well as yours, as it is not very unlikely
I shall find myself under the necessity of removing from
this scene of expense; and I don't know where I could
more properly go than to Lancaster. The common articles
of life, such as are absolutely necessary for a family, are not
much higher here than at Lancaster, but the style of life
my fashionable daughters have introduced into my family,
and their dress, will, I fear, before long, oblige me to change
the scene. The expense of supporting my family here will
not fall short of four or five thousand pounds per annum, an
expense insupportable without business. I have at last completed my purchase in Chester county, greatly to my satisfaction, and have sold my Jersey estate for nine thousand




269
pounds; so that if I should live in Lancaster, I can be supplied with a variety of necessaries from my own farm, which
is about twenty-four miles from thence, with a very good
road all the way.
The orchard I must now defer planting till the spring;
if you could in the meantime secure me the first choice of
the best apple-trees in the nursery you mentioned, it would
be very well. I gave my daughter Betsy to Neddy Burd
last Thursday evening, and all is jollity and mirth. SMy
youngest daughter is much solicited by a certain General,
on the same subject; whether this will take place or not,
depends upon circumstances. If it should, I think it will
not be till spring. What other changes in my family may
take place to forward or prevent my removal from Philadelphia, is still uncertain. As to the sale of Shippensburgh, I
would not advise you to think of it unless you can beforehand meet with something to lay the money out in which
would yield you a better income.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, January 2d, 1779.
DEAR MR. BURD.-I have forwarded your letter to Neddy
IBurd, from whom I am in daily expectance of receiving a
letter. We hear he was married the 17th instant. Allowance
must be made for his not writing, as soon as expected, in
these cases. The young couple are happy, and that is
enough. We understand that General Arnold, a fine gentleman, lays close siege to Peggy, - and if so, there will soon
be another match in the family. My son Edward has lately
sold his fine house and mill and farm in the Jerseys, for




270
~9,000, and purchased another, within four and twenty
miles of this borough, on the Horse-Shoe Road, altogether
as good; and, as living in Philadelphia is so very expensive, he has some thoughts of purchasing this house, and
remaining up with his family. I should not write by
every post, having little to say, — but a short letter, I
consider, will serve to cover the newspapers. All General
Burgoyne's army are gone over Susquehanna.  Happy for
this borough, they were not detained by the weather all
winter. Enclosed is a pretty fancy enough in French,
which Neddy Burd will translate, one of these days, for his
brothers and sisters.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD) AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, February 19th, 1779.
HON'D SIR:- We are told of Congress having received
some dispatches of consequence from Europe, the particulars of which have not transpired. It is said that a combined fleet of France and Spain will be on the American
coast next month, in order to protect our trade, and that a
loan of ten millions of dollars in specie will be negotiated
with Spain-the budget to be communicated to the public
on Monday next.  Others speak of this matter merely as a
bubble, in order to assist speculation. These last think
there will be a general exertion in Great Britain, in order
to carry on the war, and desolate the country. They say
we have not the most remote prospect of peace. In this
uncertainty we must continue for some time at least.




271
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD.
Lcncaster,.Febrluary 24th, 1779.
DEAR IMR. BUND': -I just now received your favor of
the 19th instant, by the hands of MIr. Yeates. You have
done very well in adding to your orchard; I wish I could
get a good opportunity of sending up the young Summer
apple trees which I raised on purpose for you. At your
brother Edward's request, I have lately got from Hains's
nursery, near Bethel, one hundred pretty apple trees of
the best grafted fruit, and planted them in a nursery in my
garden, to be ready whenever he sends for them, which
will not be before next spring.  I have advised him  to
plough in the stubble this fall, and to stake out the orchard
with hoop-poles, and put within a foot of each stake a peck
of cow-dung, or horse-dung, two or three years old; then
to make a fence with posts and broad rails, five rails to a
pannel, and then he may plant his trees, fall or spring.
Let me observe, that even horse-dung will give the bitter
rot; neither should orchards ever bear but one crop of
grain, lest the ground be impoverished; for one hundred
apple trees, in the course of fifteen or twenty years, in
good soil, will produce more fruit than one thousand
starved ones.
Mr. Bier has been three months making me a pair of
shoes, and now charges me twelve dollars; whereas, last
November, he would have asked but eifht dollars.  Ilis
excuse is, that his time was wholly taken up with making
boots for strangers, which was the most profitable work. I
have your letter to Mr. Yeates, about a boy which he might
have in the country; but he asked me whether I would
accept of him. I said no; for I will never have the trouble




272
of another in my house. I can raise nothing in my garden,
because of my neighbor's fowls; and, when I want a little
wood sawed, or any other job done, I can hire a man,-and
I have no horses. I enclose you a few grains of Indian
corn, which General Hand has sent me from Albany, of an
early sort, though small. Here follows a copy of his note
about them:'A remarkable early kind of Indian corn, brought from'the foot of Lake Otsego, 7th November, 1778, worth'propagating; perhaps Mr. Burd may have a curiosity'to try it.'
The enclosed letters acknowledge the receipt of letters
from Messrs. Campbell and Henderson, informing me that
there is a petition sent to the Assembly for a new county,
and that the struggle is between the people of Shippensburg and the environs, and those of Chambersburg, as to
where the court house and prison shall be. The former
have subscribed ~10,000, and the latter are doing all in
their power to raise as much.
Your brother Joseph writes me, that his plantation is
not large enough for his family, and therefore he is looking out for another. I think I told you lately, that his
brother had bought this house from Mr. Yeates; the price
is ~3,000.
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, NEAR MIDDLETOWN,
LANCASTER COUNTY.
PIlactde7iphla, JlCarc/h 12th, 1779.
DEAR AND HON'D SIR: - The cat is not yet let out of
the bag: the good news which it is said was so favorable to




273?'
Alnerican is yet kept a profound secret.  Thus far we are
infornced, that it is of a cabinet nature, and it is of the
utmost importance.  Amid so great a variety of conjecture,
we have no ground on which we can build any opinion. We
are told that we know everything, that is for our advantage
at present to be informed of. Many people believe that
Congress has only spread the report, with a view to keep
up the spirit of the people, and raise the credit of the
paper money, but I am of a far different opinion. I firmly
believe that there is some news which lead to matters of
the utmost consequence, but they are not yet sufficiently
ripened to be asserted as facts to the public.  Great Britain
is preparing for a vigorous campaign, as far at least as
voting in the House of Commons will make it, but there
are old maxims that dictate the most vigorous exertions, in
order to get the better peace, so that this circumstance does
not discourage me.  I expect to get to housekeeping the
latter end of this month. I should be glad you would send
the boy to Lancaster the last week in Mtarch-perhaps he
might go behind some man-or you might possibly
to take him down, if no other mode can be used. IHe
must come down from Lancaster in a wagon. There is a
pair of candlesticks which I bought of Ab'm Wickersham,
which please to send to MIr. Yeates, as early as possible. If
no opportunity offers before the boy comes down, please to
contrive to send them by him to Mr. Yeates.
I shall set off to-morrow with my dear Betsy, on a visit
to Uncle Joseph Shipppen, in Chester county, if the weather
is favorable; we have been waiting for good weather and
roads some days. Mrs. Francis, MIr. Shippen, Betsy and
the family, join in kind love to you all.
I*




274
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BTURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, June 6th, 1779.
HON'D SIR:-I returned yesterday from viewing the farm
I am interested in, on the banks of Pequea, and am exceedingly pleased with my purchase. I accompanied Mr. and
Mrs. Burd seven miles on their road, on Friday last, and
then struck off towards my lands.
Mr. Haymaker purchased me a young negro lad while I
was down, whom I think of taking into the family, and
putting the lad I now have to the farming business.  He is
a hearty, strong, healthy boy, above twelve years old, but
must know that he has a master. I will put him on the
place when it comes in my possession, which will probably
be in April next, but in the mean time intend sending him
into the country. I have had several applications for him,
but don't chose he should be too near Lancaster. If you
think he will be of any service to you, I will send him to
you for a few months. He can thresh somewhat, and has
been used to the country.
We have many reports here that General Lincoln has
defeated the British in South Carolina, and has killed or
taken 1460. Should it be true, it will have amazing effects.
The news gains ground daily, and a number of circumstances
concur in giving it credit.
It is also said the English fleet has left the Chesapeake
bay, and that all the troops landed in Virginia are embarked
and gone off. Sir Henry Clinton has come out of New York
to White Plains, as if he meant to do something, and General Washington has left his former camp at Bound-brook,
and crossed the North river in order to be near him. It is
thought Clinton's object is the taking of West Point, where




275
a strong bomb is thrown across the North river, in order to
have the same removed, that his ships may go up without
interruption. I shall send your watch by Davis, if done
when he goes off; it was promised to me this evening. If
you do not think my negro will be useful to you, I would
by no means send him up.
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Philadelphgia, June 18th, 1779.
DEAR AND IION'D SIR: —Having been much engaged
since my return to the city, and expecting a full confirmation
of the very important news from Charleston, I have delayed
writing till this time. I am sorry it is not so well authenticated as I wished, but the accounts came through such a
variety of channels, and all the same in substance, that we
must give credit to it, though perhaps the truth may vary
in some circumstances. We have been looking for an express
every day since my arrival, but to no purpose. We are
greatly at a loss to account for the neglect in the people of
Charleston.  Some say that they are offended at the inattention shown by congress to their defence, others attribute
it to the continuance of the warlike operations before the
town, which engrosses all their time and attention, notwithstanding the repulse and loss of the enemy. Their remaining force is very considerable. A sailor arrived yesterday,
who says, as I am informed by some, that he was in the
battle, by others, that he was within a few miles of the place,
and received the information from others, but I am inclined
to believe from circumstances of the relation that he was in
the garrison at the time of the engagement.




276
The account he gives is this. That before the invasion of
Carolina, an embargo had been laid on the vessels in port,
that on the 7th SIay, the gates were shut, and martial law
declared, that on the 9th the enemy advanced, and on the
10th, in the evening at five o'clock, made an assault upon
the town with about 3500 British troops and as many Tory
refugees, which continued till 9 o'clock. They had brought
pontoons with them and attempted to cross with 1500 men,
and land on another part of the town, while the main body
attacked in front, but this plan was prevented by two or
three vessels, and a battery, which not only hindered the
execution of the design but also kept the troops from returning to the shore. They were obliged to put over to an
island, called James Island, and a body of our troops are
between them  and their main body.  The enemy were
entirely repulsed, and left 653 dead on the field. They retreated to a place called the Neck, about five miles off, some
say eight or nine miles off. General Williamson had got
into the town, and the garrison was a very large one. General Lincoln was three days march in the rear, and the bridges
were all broken by the enemy, to retard his march.
Their success is not decisive, but is nevertheless of great
consequence, as it will raise the spirits of the people, and
make many more join the army than perhaps otherwise
would have done.  I am in hopes of further good accounts
from this quarter.
What is a great confirmation of the repulse is the entire
silence of the New York papers, so late as the 10th instant.
They pretend to know nothing of it but what they have from
our papers. Such quantities of sugar have come in lately
that it sells for the barrel ~100 per the hundred.* We are
* Continental paper, I suppose.




277
in very great want of our boy; I wish it was possible to get
him down soon. If he has not left Tinian before this reaches
you, be pleased to send him to Mr. Yeates, at Lancaster, as
I believe that will be the quickest method of getting him
down. We are really at a great loss without him.
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Philadelphia,, July 9th, 1779.
DEAR AND  HONORED SIR:-I am sorry to tell you that
the enemy are not in that dangerous situation at Charleston that we wished, but it is certain that they retreated
suddenly from before the town, and by the help of some
ferry boats got upon John and James Islands.  General
Lincoln writes, that the enemy's force is        men
that his own is 2,000. That General Moultrie has 1,500
men, Governor Rutledge 1,000, and that he can keep them
from doing injury to the country, and that the town is
under no apprehension. 2,000 continental troops are upon
their way from Virginia, and 700 militia to join the troops,
at Charleston.   We have the greatest reason to expect
a Spanish war. A man just from Havana says, that the
harbor was ordered to be cleared for 12 sail of Spanish menof-war while he was there, and that goods rose fifty per
cent. I saw this man.
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Philadelphica, July 25thl 1779.
DEAR AND HONORED SIR:-You doubtless have heard
of the taking the strong fort, garrisoned with near 600




278
men, at Stoney Point.  It was a curious affair, and is no
inconsiderable loss to the enemy. I suppose the enemy
will soon be at Lancaster. I send you a couple of papers
that mention it.
The people are to have a town meeting to-day, when it
is expected that matters of some consequence will be transacted. George Ross you find is dead. He was very cheerful
on his death-bed; he said he was going a long journey, and
that he was almost tired before he set off, but the place was
cool, and that there were most excellent wives there, and
he should fare deliciously.  That Mrs. Ross did not expect
to see him so soon after her, &c.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, August 31st, 1779.
HONORED SIR: —I this morning received a letter from
your son, with the enclosed. At my request, he sent me two
bushels of salt, and by the same wagon directed to my
care, one and a half bushels of coarse salt, for you. He
writes to me, that he procured the salt with the greatest
difficulty, and had it not been for the friendship of Mr.
John Meas, one of my clients, it would have been impossible. The bags go down to Philadelphia again, so that when
you send for your salt you will please to send a bag.
I have heard that a small party of American Georgians,
during the absence of General Provost, took forty-five
light horse prisoners, besides killing a few of them. The
account about Penobscot is is still doubtful, the attack was
to be made on the 2d of August, and Sir George Collins set
sail on the 3d of August. It is thought a fortnight will




279
elapse before he arrives at that place. A vessel, part of
Goodrich's fleet, has been captured by a privateer of Blair
MIcClenachan's, with 60 brass cannons, 20 tons of powder,
40 chests of tea, and 1,000 suits of soldier clothes, and sent
into Philadelphia.  Another vessel of the same fleet has
lately been captured, and sent into Baltimore. She had 100
soldiers on board.
Philadelphia's new jail is filled with British prisoners,
and the town swarms with their officers. Every thing looks
well except our money, and Congress, it is said, are busily
engaged in devising some mode to retrieve its credit. I fear
it will be a herculean task.
MAJOR BURD TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, October 9th, 1779.
DEAR AND HONORED SIR:-I received your kind letters,
and intended to have wrote to you by Mr. Crouch, but the
business of the court took up all my time.
To-morrow  I shall off for York. The week after, I
shall be at Carlisle, and understand that there will be so
much business at York that I must return from Carlisle to
York, but on my return to the Lancaster sessions, I must
ride to Tinian and see you, if time will permit. I will spend
as much at Tinian as possible; but I am determined to be
there even if my time should be pinched. I shall be obliged
to depend upon my island for my bread the ensuing year,
and exchange corn for wheat and get it pounded into flour
and sent down to me, therefore be pleased to get my share




280
of the corn from the island.  Michael owes me sixteen
bushels of corn. I will speak about that when I go up to
Tinian.
The troubles in Philadelphia, I dare say, you have heard.
I have only time to tell you that I received a letter from
Betsy, dated October 7th, which says things are tolerably
quiet at Philadelphia now. You may have heard that
General Arnold was in          and had been in Wilson's
house, but neither of these is true; he is at home with his
wife. It is true he was in the street with the rest of the
citizens, and even pursued by two men, but he happened to
have pistols with him and prevented them from violence
by threatening to fire at them. He applied to the Congress
for protection, who referred him to the executive power of
the state, who have provided for him.
EDWARD SHIPPEN TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, November 24th, 1779.
DEAR MR. BURD: —Three days ago I was favored with
your agreeable epistle of the 13th instant, handed to me by
Mr. Yeates.  But a little before I received that letter, I
had wrote pretty fully by one John Tautes, of Sunbury,
who promised to deliver my letter, with the newspaper concerning Captain Worke.  Lest the letter should miscarry, I
shall here repeat some of its contents in this. The young
man who makes his addresses to Peggy, is of a good family,
and that is all I know of him. The Latin phrase is, exampla
parentum bonorum est maxima dos. The examples of good
parents is a great portion.  He bears a good character.  I
thought it advisable, as soon as prudent after the wedding,




281
that the young couple should remove to old Mr. Worke's
until they could get a place in the country to their mind.
Mr. Yeates told me that he understood they were to reside
in this borough. I replied that I was very sure that the
profits of a sheriff's office would never admit of that, when
the fees were more than double to what they are now; not
to mention that it is the most dangerous office a man can
undertake.  A sheriff ought to have the heart of a stone to
stand against the cries of women, beseeching him to take
their husband's words and fair promises, and so not to put
them into prison; frequently to the great loss of the sheriff.
Tom Smith, the sheriff, (though he lived part of his time
in the country,) was almost ruined by the office.  It is
indeed true, he was put in jail some time after he was out
of office, but that was because he was involved in an iron
work. Joseph Pugh, his successor, was so reduced by that
business, that he was obliged to remove into a remote part
of Virginia with his poor family. Then came in Jimmy
Webb, who rented a house in town, where he must live like
a gentleman, and make every leading man in the county
quite welcome that came to see him. If he had not had a
good estate, he would have failed. F. Stone succeeded him,
who thought himself as good a gentleman as his predecessors; but he, a poor, good-natured, tender-hearted man,
soon got into jail, and is at this day an object of pity.
After him Johnny Ferree, of Bettellhausen, nine miles off,
set up for sheriff, and carried it by a great majority of
votes, and called on me for a recommendation to his honor,
Governor Penn, for a commission, which rrefused to give
until, among other things, he promised to live very frugally,
and settle his accounts with me at every court, and pay me
the Governor's fees or fines, and my fees, &c. He was




282
indulged to live at his own house at Bettel House, coming
to town once or twice a week, by which means he was able
to do every body justice, and save some money to himself.
The ladies and misses dress as gaily as they do in the
city of Philadelphia, and loaf sugar and green tea are as
plenty on our tea tables as ever they were! You shall
always be as welcome as you ever were in better times.
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 10th, 1780.
HON'D SIR: —I wrote to you on 24th ultimo, since which
I have not observed anything particular respecting Mr.
Shippen's health; his lowness of spirits continues, but his
appetite and rest is good. I do not observe that his weakness increases, and am in hopes that the cold weather will
brace him up and somewhat confirm him. Perfect sound
health can hardly be expected at his time of life.
By a letter received from Mr. Parr, in Philadelphia,
we have advice that old Mr. Allen is gone to his long home.
Poor gentleman! he is at length happily removed from
all his troubles. His reverse of fortune is a noble lesson of
morality in the most prosperous seasons of life.
The second division of the French fleet is not yet arrived,
nor is it expected until the beginning of next month.
General Gates' defeat near Camden, is a heavy loss; greater,
I fear, than we conceive at present.




283
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURD) AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 18th, 1781.
HON'D SIR:-We were much pleased with Mrs. Burd's
coming down, though our pleasure would have been greatly
augmented by your company.  We flatter ourselves that
your disorder will be of no long continuance.
Ir. Shippen is very ill, though his fever is somewhat abated
since yesterday. The nourishment he receives can scarcely
support nature. It gives me the greatest pain to declare,
that, in my opinion, he can remain but a short time among
us, a very few days will probably produce the mournful
event.
We expect Mr. E. Shippen here this evening, and look
for Mr. J. Shippen every moment.
Some gentlemen from Philadelphia mention the arrival
of Admiral Digby at New York, with ten sail of the line.
But the French have a superiority of line of battle-ships on
the coast. They have thirty-five ships, and the British only
thirty.
J. YEATES TO JAMES BURD) AT TINIAN.
Lancaster, September 27th, 1781.
HONORED SIR:-We expect, daily, interesting news from
the Southwand.  Capt. Charles Stirling, a son of Captain
Sir Walter Stirling, dined with me to-day. He is a sensible,
agreeable young man, but rather stiff in his politics.  He
was lately taken in a sloop of war by the Congress, a Philadelphia privateer, after an obstinate engagement, and sent
up here a prisoner on parole.  It is said that Admiral




284
Digby is expected on the American station, with 8 or 9
ships of the line. I don't believe any such thing probable.
But should he come, Sir Henry will in all likelihood,
attempt succoring Lord Cornwallis, and relieving him from
his difficulties.
Many are fearful of an attack on the city of Philadelphia;
for my part I think there is little danger of it. It can be
no object of importance to the enemy.  General Clinton
has been fairly taken in by General Washington.  All his
movements indicated an attack on New York, while his
whole blow was aimed at Cornwallis.
COLONEL LAURENS AND THE SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS
AT YORKTOWN.;*
Having returned from the successful accomplishment of
his important mission, in which he had negotiated the cooperations of the French fleet on the American coast,
Colonel Laurens assumed his military functions, and was
eminently distinguished at the seige of Yorktown, where,
leading the assault of one of the British redoubts, he saved
the life of the officer who commanded it, and made him his
prisoner.
Being appointed Commissioner for the capitulation on the
part of General Washington, he met Colonel Ross, of the
British Army, A. D. C. to Lord Cornwallis, and commissioner on behalf of the garrison.  Having placed the terms
on which a capitulation would be granted before Colonel
Ross, that gentleman observed,'This is a harsh article.''Which article,' said Colonel Laurens?
* From Major Jackson's MSS.




285'The troops shall march out with colors cased, and'drums beating a British or a German march.''Yes sir,'
replied Colonel L.,'it is a harsh article.''Then Colonel'Laurens, if that is your opinion, why is it here?''Your question, Colonel Ross, compels an observation' which I would have gladly suppressed. You seem to forget,'sir, that I was a capitulant at Charleston, where General
Lincoln, after a brave defence of six weeks, open trenches'by a very inconsiderable garrison against the British army'and fleet under Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot,'and when your lines of approach were within pistol shot of'our field works, was refused any other terms for his gallant'garrison, than marching out with colors cased and drums'not beating a British or a German march.''But,' rejoined
Colonel Ross,'my Lord Cornwallis did not command at' Charleston.''There, sir,' said Colonel Laurens,'you extort'another declaration. It is not the individual that is here con-'sidered; it is the nation. This remains an article, or I'cease to be a Commissioner.' The result was, the British
army surrendred with colors cased and drums beating a
British or a German march.
The war in Virginia being closed by the capture of this
army, Colonel Laurens, impelled by his ardent patriotism,
hastened to the Southern army, where fresh laurels awaited
his gallant exertions, and where his country was to witness
his devotion, even to death in her cause.
The writer of the present article, who was then assistant
Secretary at war, received his last letter, in which he says:'I am writing to you from a sick bed; but I have just'heard that General Greene has ordered a detachment to'intercept a party of the British near to Cimbakee. I shall'ask the command, and if refused, I go as a volunteer.'




286
General Greene, anxious for the recovery of his health,
would have declined the request of Colonel Laurens, but
his determination to go as a volunteer, decided him  to
grant it.
It would appear that, by unavoidable accident, some
troops detached to the support of his party, did not arrive
until he was attacked by a very superior force; and in cutting his way through it, he was mortally wounded, and fell
dead from his horse into the arms of Major Smith. Such
was the close, while yet in its bloom, of his illustrious life,
through which he had given such proofs of devoted patriotism, heroic valor, and splendid talents, as would have secured to him the first honors of his country, as they have
impressed the deepest regret for his loss, and the most
heart-felt tribute of gratitude to his memory.
The following observation by Lord Cornwallis, made in
conversation after the capitulation of Yorktown, attests the
high estimation in which the officers, to whom it refers,
were held by his Lordship:' He said, there could be no more formidable antagonist'in a charge, at the head of his cavalry, than Colonel'William Washington; and that he had never taken a position in the vicinity of General Greene's army, that Colonel'H. Lee did not find out his weak point, and strike at it'before morning.'
JUDGE YEATES TO COL. BURDI AT PAXTON.
Lancaster, March 26th, 1783.
DEAR SIR. —Our prospects of a peace seem duller than
ever, lately. It is reported that some dispatches have been re



2 87
ceived from France; that neither France, Spain, nor Holland,
would agree to the terms which Great Britain holds out.
I can scarcely bring myself to believe that the war will
continue, yet no one can form a judgment of the European
Courts, nor of the views of the several belligerent powers,
at present.  Comparing everything, however, I am strongly
of an opinion that we shall not have another American
campaign.
Miss Nancy Relfe is down with us from Carlisle, paying
a visit.  Our winter has passed over agreeably.  What
with plays, cards, dances, dinners abroad and at home, we
have continued to dispel all care. My daughter MIolly sustained the character of Marcia, in the Tragedy of Cato,
with much approbation lately, at the school-room, to a very
crowded audience. The partiality of a father forbids my
enlarging on this topic.
I am, &c.
Since writing the above, I have seen a hand-bill from
Philadelphia, dated 24th inst., which gives the account of a
peace being concluded on the 20th January last. The intelligence came in a sloop-of-war commanded by MI. du Quesne,
in thirty-two days from Cadiz. The outlines of the treaty
are only mentioned. They are too lengthy to insert, nor
would my memory serve.  Great Britain retains Gibraltar;
the treaties concerning the demolition of Dunkirk are vacated; the Newfoundland Fishery to be shared by Great
Britain and France; Spain to enter into agreement with the
former respecting the cutting of logwood in the Island of
Honduras; Independence granted to us, &c., &c. Huzza!
huzza!




288
JOHN SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, COL. JOSEPH SHIPPEN,
AT LANCASTER.
Carlisle, March 3d, 1788.
HONORED FATHER:-I know not how to introduce the
present subject, nor, indeed, do I think it is in the power of
words to express fully the transactions of the people of Cumberland. However difficult it may be, I shall attempt it,
hoping to give you the outlines, after a fashion, that you
may complete the picture, and have some small idea of their
conduct. It will not seem a credible story to people who
are unacquainted with the inhabitants of the county, but
when attested by the hand and name of your son, you can
have no doubt of the truth of it.
I presume papa remembers the contents of a Carlisle
Gazette, which I sent him, with respect to the riot of December.  The sheriff of this county receiving warrants
(State) from the Chief Justice, McKean, against twenty-one
rioters, took said persons before Mr. Agnew and Mr. Erwin
(Justices), who being in some doubt with respect to the
warrants, offered them a privilege to remain on parole a
month, viz., to the 25th of March, till they should have
opportunity to consult the Chief Justice. The twenty-one,
taking into consideration the above offer, seventeen of them
insisted upon a trial, refused to give bail, though they might
have obtained it, and declared they would rather go to jail
than accept of a parole, as others did in the same situation.
They were accordingly committed. The report of their imprisonment having spread through the country, Mr. Agnew
and Mr. Erwin thought it expedient to publish in the paper
the above account, which by the country people was thought
to be a lie, as well as the procession in the town of Boston.




289
I may here remark, that whatever account favorable to the
Federalists appears in the paper, it is esteemed as a lie and
a falsehood by the adverse party-I mean the Anti-Federalists. Of the conduct of the latter I mean now to
treat.
On Saturday, by daylight, a company from the lower settlement entered the town, singing "Federal Joy," (a song
composed by one of their party, and published in the newspapers,) took possession of the Court-house, and rung the
bell all the morning. (I should have mentioned, they were
armed.) Several other companies came in from different
parts of the country, the last of which about ten o'clock.
They then marched to the jail, and demanded the prisoners; upon which, they received them, placed them in
their front, and marched through town huzzaing, singing,
hallooing, firing, and the like. It is thought, there was
upwards of eight hundred. Such a number of dirty, rag-amuffin-looking blackguards I never beheld.
It was feared, they would all remain (at night) in town,
in order to do mischief; but their leaving it in the afternoon produced an agreeable disappointment. It may seem
strange, that they should thus be permitted to do as they
pleased; but for want of a sufficient number to repel them,
the gentlemen of town, who are men of sense and forethought, as well as men of true courage, thought it most
proper to let them alone. Not that they were afraid, for if
they could but have raised two or three hundred men, well
armed, they would have marched in front; but the matter
would not rest here; they could have raised nearly as many
more, which would have been the cause of a civil war, to
prevent them, viz., the Anti-Federalists.
Thus, our Federalists acted their before-mentioned chaN




290
racter, which, considering their situation, was, in lily humble opinion, very proper and becoming.
I drank tea at Gen'l Butler's yesterday.  He told me he
was going to Lancaster, and is so good as to take care of
this letter.  I wish to be remembered with the greatest
respect and love to my dear mamma, sisters and brothers,
as also to Mr. Yeates, and General Hand's family, MSr.
Hutchins and Miss Patty.
JOHN SHIPPEN* TO COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Carlisle, Oct. 19th, 1788.
HONORED SIR:-I arrived here on Sunday evening last,
having dined at Harrisburg with cousin Hubley.
The Representatives, &c., chosen at our last general election for this county, for the ensuing year, are as follows:
Assemblymen-David Mitchell, Anti-Federal.
Thomas Bailes,
Jonathan Hoge,       "
Thomas Kennedy,    "
Sheriff-       Charles Lieper, Federal.
On the return-James Wallace, Anti-Federal.
Coroner —      John Walker.
On the return —John Wray, Anti-Federal.
Commissioner-George Logue,    "
* Son of Col. Shippen and nephew to Col. Burd.




291
JOSEPH BURD TO IIIS FATHER, COL. BURD, AT TINIAN.
Philadepdhia, April 30th, 1789.
DEAR AND HON'D  SIR:-On the 20th inst. General
Washington passed through this place; the whole city
seemed to be rejoicing.  Some of us went a little way to
meet him. An elegant dinaer was prepared for him at the
City Tavern by the citizens, and there was a glorious spirit
shown. He set off next morning for New York, to take his
seat as the President.
The House of Representatives has taken up the Revenue
bill, and is about laying heavy duties on many important
articles.
The King of England has got over his insanity, and is
recovering his health.  The Prince of Wales has been
appointed to the Regency.
Mrs. Burd desires her love to you. 3Iy brother I expect
will return to-nighlt from Norristown, and next Tuesday
sets off for the rest of his circuit, which will take him five
weeks.
Mr. Carmick, the student whom I found in the office when
I came down, thinking that the business of the office interfered with his studies, has left, a circumstance which I don't
like.
COL. SHIPPEN TO C-I. J. SHIPPEN.
Aiay 18, 1789.
DEAR BPrOTTIER:-I am extremely concerned to tell you
that a most unfortunate duel happened last Monday evening,
between Doctor Reiger and Mr. Chambers, on a challenge of




2922
the former, for an affront received by him at a tavern. When
each had fired one pistol without effect, the seconds interfered, and proposals of accommodation were made, which
Reiger could not be persuaded to agree to; each then presented a second pistol; Chambers' snapped, but Reiger's
discharged a ball through both his antagonist's legs. His
wounds bled much, but for two days were supposed not dangerous; a mortification then ensued; its progress upwards
was great and rapid till Saturday morning, when it extended
to his bowels, and carried him off, to the most severe distress of the families and friends of both.  The procession at
his funeral, in the evening, was truly solemn and affecting.
This melancholy subject has already too much agitated my
mind to dwell on it longer, by relating the particular circumstances.
JAMES TILGIIMAN TO COL. SHIPPEN; AT PLUMLEY;
CHESTER COUNTY.
Clhestertown, ]Marcyland, Sept. 2d, 1790.
DEAR SIR:-I could not overlook the good opportunity
of telling you, that I am happy to hear from Miss Shippen,
whom I frequently have had the pleasure of seeing at my
own house, that you retain a tolerable share of health, and
are settled on a good farm. As we grow in years, we must
expect to feel the natural attendants on old age. For my
own part, I am weak in my sight and hearing, and have in
a manner totally lost my teeth, and with them a good deal
of my power of articulation. Thus hurt in my sight,
hearing, and speaking, I am grown very unfit for public
company; I can hear the sound of a general conversation
only, but cannot distinguish what is said, which is a dis



293
agreeable circumstance.  In other respects, I thank God I
enjoy a good share of health. I cannot say so much for
my spirits, which you may well imagine must be somewhat
affected by the severe afflictions I have met with, in the
loss of my good children, who were both a comfort and a
credit to me; and, although I have received a very considerable addition of property, by the death of my sons
Richard and Thomas, it comes through so unnatural and
melancholy a channel, as to be of consequence rather to
my family than myself, and I feel that wealth alone is not
sufficient to constitute happiness. My farms furnish me
some new employment and amusement, and are in that
respect very useful to me; for having led a life of business,
I should be wretched, indeed, if I had not some objects on
which to employ my attention. I have lately made a purchase of a farm, about an hour's ride from town, which will
not only be a hobby-horse for me, but I expect to derive
some advantage from it, though I paid a great price for it,
~7 lOs. an acre, and I must lay out a good deal of money
in buildings, repairs, and fences; but I expect it will soon
repay me. It contains near four hundred acres, all of the
first quality, and finely watered, which is not common for
that part of the country.  The present tenant this year
makes an extraordinary crop —fifteen hundred bushels of
wheat, and two thousand of Indian corn. The common
crop is about twelve hundred of wheat, and fifteen hundred
of corn, and to this I expect to add some tobacco, when I
take it into my own hands next year. Enough of myself.
Do you hear from our friend, Mr. Penn? I understand the
family have fallen short of their expectations from Parliament. All things considered, they have got more than I
expected, and have enough left, if it be well managed. I
hear in a round-about, uncertain way, that Mrs. Penn is




294
not so fond of England as she expected to be. She left
her consequence in America, as most people do, who go to
England.  It is not alvays a portable commodity.  I have
had but one letter from IMr. Penn, and probably shall not
have another, as I do not know that my last, written a
good while ago, has been received. You know his aversion
to letter-writing, even where he had subjects of business,
and was urged by considerations of interest; both which
motives are now wanting. I should not be surprised if they
should return.  I take it for granted Dick must. I am
spinning out a long letter. The truth is, I have a real
satisfaction with conversing, though in this imperfect way,
with an old friend; I have hardly one left here. It will
always give me pleasure to hear of your welfare and happiness —being,
With very sincere regard,
Your old acquaintance,
And obedient servant,
JAMES TILGHMAN.
JOHN StIIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, COL. JOSEPH SHIPPENI AT
PLUMLEY FARM, WESTON TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY)
PENN' A.
Camp* at Cherry's Mill, on Jacobs' Creek, which falls into
the Youghiogeny, after being the boundary line between
Westmoreland and Fayette, for a considerable distance.
Cherry's Mill is at the point where Jacobs' Creek begins
to be the boundary line.
Mount Pleasant Township, Oct. 31st, 1794.
M5Y DEAR FATHER: —I am now seated in our tent, surrounded by two or three of my companions, while the re* For a full and careful account of this insurrection, see Wharton's State Trials.




295
mainder of the ten are finishing their suppers, composed of
chocolate, bread and butter, and the remnants of a chicken
or two, which gratified our palates at noon. They are sup.
ping on a little scaffold, erected by way of sunshine table,
at the door, and the talking and laughing of those around,
and two different songs, one from each of the neighboring
tents, combined at once in my ear, would perhaps entirely
incapacitate me for writing or thinking at all, but that I
have been so used to it for about two weeks past, that I
scarcely know that I am in the midst of it. Having begun
as I have, I might add before I proceed, that, by way of table,
I have placed on my lap a little board, that was yesterday.
morning the cover of a provision box for our mess, which
had the ill fortune to be staved to pieces, among some other
damage done to the property of our company, occasioned by
the oversetting of our wagon yesterday. And I cannot help
thanking you, sir, just in this place, for your thoughtfulness
and kindness in sending me your little green waxen taper,
which serves me as light on this occasion, as were it not for
its aid, I should be obliged to postpone writing till morning.
You will naturally inquire how I come to have nine companions as messmates.  It is owing to a circumstance of which
I have yet to inform you. At Carlisle there became by
the arrangements, a number of supernumerary officers, from
colonels to ensigns. I was one among the number, and conceived it my duty to join, as a private, some volunteer
company.  I accordingly proceeded from thence to Bedford,
to join Captain Graham's company, of MIacpherson's battalion of Blues, as a private. General Hand, with his usual
kindness, assured me that if it was in his power, he would
endeavor, in case of a vacancy, to get me an appointment.
I overtook Graham on my way to Bedford; and proceeding




296
on, I overtook Gen. Proctor at Hartley's.  His attention
and civility I cannot soon forget, especially after I had satisfied his curiosity and inquiries respecting my coining on before the troops. The General asked me to ride together
with him to Bedford; which I did, where we arrived before
any of the army. On our ride the General expressed his
satisfaction at my determination to come forward and go on as
a private, instead of returning home as some of the supernumerary officers did. And, when I think or speak of supernumerary officers, I cannot help informing you that the
Governor has really very ill used the supernumerary officers,
by taking no notice of them, while he gave some privates
command and posts, which afterwards appeared as vacancies.
The Governor is, in my opinion, an electioneering, cunning,
contrary [dog,] and I know not what kind of little fellow, who has, particularly on this occasion, hurt himself so
much by his conduct that it will, perhaps, be with some difficulty he will again be Governor, provided any popular man
opposes him.  For my part, I must have some reason for
altering my opinion, if I ever vote for him as such, for I
think I have found out his real character; but I will say no
more on that score at present. When I found that neither
Captain Graham nor myself could contrive any mode of
taking on my mare, so as to draw forage for her if I joined
his company; and when I found that I could procure no
satisfactory quarters for her at Bedford, I then determined
on joining our Chester County dragoons, under the command of Major McClellan.  In this situation I now am very
well, hearty, and happy, in a mess with MIajor Humphreys,
Col. Whelen, Samuel Dennis, Dr. Kennedy, Joseph Dilworth, William  Kinnard, Samuel Entriken, Willis Hemphill, &c.




What, with cooking, eating, feeding, currying and watering our horses, procuring our oats and hay, and furnishing
them, attending roll, standing guard, making our beds,
and riding out in the country by turns to procure such
necessaries as we want and to get our clothes washed, it
consumes the whole day; and when we march it requires the
most indefatigable exertions to have everything go smooth,
If this were not the case, we should be unhappy. This keeps
our bodies, and consequently our minds, fully employed.
Things are most amazingly dear.  Some have been so
unconscionable as to demand 2s. 4d., and 3s. 9d.,
for a quart of whiskey, 6s. and 9s., for a dozen of washing,
counting a pair of stockings as two pieces. We have, however, reduced those prices somewhat, by declaring we would
not be imposed on.
I saw bread, a small heavy rye loaf, worth 3d., sold for
is. 10~d. We have plenty of beef and flour, sometimes
we are lucky enough to draw bread.  Hay and oats have
been the scarcest, sometimes we have not drawn more than
four, sometimes six, though generally nine quarts a day.
Hay has been less plenty. However, we are now getting in
a more plentiful country. Our marches are excessively slow,
and tiresome. We have sat on our horses, six, seven, and
eight hours at a time, and in the rain; and made but eight,
nine, and ten miles a day, on account of the wagons and
foot, than which we must not go faster. One night, and
that the worst since I left home, we slept on straw at the
fire, covered by blanketing, without tents, the wagons not
being able to reach us, and I believe not a single person
experienced the slightest injury from it.
In what manner to give you a concise history or account
of the army in general, I am at a loss. However, I may.,,




298
mention that the President was at Carlisle, and made some
arrangements (not respecting officers,) but the modes and
measures to be pursued. From there he went to Cumberland fort, where General Morgan was, with his Virginia
troops at that time. Having, I supposed arranged matters
there, he came to Bedford, and from thence, after two. or
three days' stay, returned to the city.  His conduct, his
appearance, his dignity, and affability of demeanor, struck
admiration in a number of beholders who then saw him for
the first time.
General Lee is Commander-in-chief when the army comes
together, (which) I cannot say when or where it will be.
We are all of us, and have been all along in the dark, as to
every thing future, even our next day's march.
Governor Mifflin is second in command. Governor Howell
commands the Jersey line. We, and all the county troops
of horse in Pennsylvania, except the Lancaster, and three
Philadelphia troops are attached to the Jersey horse, and
under his command, the more immediately under the command of General White, of the horse. General Frelinghuysen commands the advanced part of the army, consisting of
Macpherson's Blues, Taylor's Rifle Corps, the three Philadelphia companies of horse, and Captain Kenney's, of Jersey.
The next in advance is General Howell's command, and
the last Mifflin, Irwin, and Proctor's Brigade, and park of
artillery, although at present they have made a kind of
junction, as we are all within the space of three miles. At
Bennett's, about three or four miles from Bedford, we all
turned off to the left, and left the Pennsylvania road, bending
our course to the Glades and Berlin. When we had reached
the top of the Alleghany mountains, the road again divided,
and there we took the right, leaving Berlin on our left, while




299
Mifflin's command took the left, and proceeded through
Berlin, which same road General Frelinghuysen had marched
the day before, most terrible roads indeed: but these and
other particulars I leave to relate when I have the pleasure
of sitting around our happy fire-side at Plumley. Parkinson's
Ferry is supposed to be the place where the whole junction
of the different armies will take place. It is, I believe, a
little north of west, about twenty-five miles distance.
At Carlisle, (I believe,) one or two persons were taken
hold of as WThiskey-men, (for that is our term,) but at
Bedford, twelve or fifteen were taken prisoners, four of whom
were sent on to Philadelphia, as the most infamous and
criminal of them, the others were admitted to bail. Judge
Peters, and Attorney Rawle, and Attorney-General Ingersoll,
are with the army.
The horse scour the country and bring in these prisoners.
Harman Husbands, one of the four above, was brought by
the horse forty miles to Bedford from the Glades.
I believe I am accurate when I say there are about 1300
dragoons of the Jersey and Pennsylvania lines. As to the
Virginia and Maryland horse we know not, but hear they
are about 5 or 600. As to the foot of the Pennsylvania line
and Jersey line, they amount to about 5000. We are now
about seventy miles from Bedford, and forty from Pittsburgh,
at Cherry Mill, on Jacobs' creek, which I trust you will find
on the map.
At Shippensburg the army parted -the horse all went
by Chambersburg-the foot, by Strasburg. Capt. Rippey
takes the lot at ~20 per acre; as I found great necessity
for it, he advanced me forty dollars, with much pleasure
and readiness.  I saw Major Galbraeth, who informs me he
had seen James Buchanan, who promised him that he




300
would take particular pains to search for papers, relative to
your lands, among the papers of his brother John; and that
he would call upon you with them, the first time he came
to the city.  I saw James Buchanan yesterday, by accident, about two or three miles from  here, when I was out
for necessaries, and he repeated the above promise; he
added, he wished he had the names called for in the warrants. I referred him to Col. George Woods. I saw Judge
James mWebb at Bedford, who behaved with his former
steadiness and kindness; he says his brother's illness prevented him  from  preparing his business, as soon as he
otherwise would have done, for his journey to the city: but
that he is perfectly recovered, and expects to go to the city
in the course of some weeks, when he will certainly call on
you.
P. S. We have had ten days of bad weather; every day
more or less rain - sun shines one moment - rain in ten
afterwards.  I never saw a country like it.  The boundary
line between Westmoreland and Fayette, is the road from
Berlin to Cherry's mill-thence Jacobs' creek to Youghiogeny - thence, a straight line, a little N. of W. to the
Monongahela, south of Parkinson's ferry.  I suppose your
old map has not particulars on it.
JOIIN SHIPPEN, TO HIIS FATHIER, COL. JOSEPH SHIPPEN,
AT PLUTMLEY FARM.
Pittsbu/rgh, November 15th, 1794.
Camp near the town.
DEAR AND hiONORED SiR:-I am sorry I have not been
able to have written to you oftener than I have.  You all




3Ol
may, however, be assured that it was not because I thought
the less firequently of you. The seldomness of an opportunity, the real want of time, and sometimes the hurry and
flurry of the camp, and at other times of our tent, are some
circumstances that have prevented my enjoying the agreeable exercise.
I wrote you from the camp at Cherry's mill, favored by
3Ir. Hunt Downing, and gave you, as near as I could, the
situation and motions of the army.  I find I was somewhat
mistaken as to some of my conjectures.  The main body of
the army, (I mean the Pennsylvania and Jersey lines,) is
now within four miles of this place.  We, and the Lancaster
troops, commanded by Captain Coleman, and the Pennsylvania horse, are encamped on the Alleghany, about one mile
from the town.  Some of the Virginia and Maryland line
yet lay, I believe, between the Youghiogeny and Monongahela, some at Parkinson's Ferry, and some at Washington; to which last place I believe, the advance of our line
has marched. What regular general plan of operations is
adopted, or has for some time guided the motion of the
army, no inquiry, that I can with propriety make, has
discovered.  At Carnatan's tavern, about three miles from
]3urd's, and the same from Simmerel's Ferry on the Youghiogeny, we were encamped about six days.  This last encampment is about thirteen miles from Cherry's mill, on the
road to the above ferries.  At Cherry's mill we laid about
the same space of time. Our horse arrived here two or
three days ago, and the foot since. When we shall return is
yet not known, or what quantity of business remains yet to
be done is all dark to us.  Upwards of twenty prisoners, I
understand, have been taken near and about Parkinson's
ferry, by the Maryland and Virginia horse, and several in




302
and about Washington by some of the troops, but which I
have not learnt.
Nine prisoners were brought the other night by some of
our scouring parties, from their beds in this town to the
Pennsylvania camp before they reached this encampment,
and are now under guard.
It is surprising and laughable, that in this country,
every body tells you they were forced by threats to go to
such and such place, and they talk violently against the
proceedings of Tom Tinker's men, (for that is the name of
the Whiskey-boys now,) and when you ask them, where are
the persons that threatened them, and that were principals,
" Oh! they are run off;" which is not altogether untrue,
for numbers have fled, but numbers of those that remain
are as guilty as they.
I am told that a man by the name of Hamilton in
Washington county, who had been very active in the late
disturbances, was informed on. A person who knew him
well, undertook to describe his dress. A number of troops
were set to guard the house, and if he came out and attempted
flight, their orders were to shoot him. In the mean time
the cunning rogue was busy changing his dress for that of
some domestic, very different from his own, and walked out
the house with apparent carelessness and unconcern, and
spoke with the soldiers and officers, and indeed answered
some questions that they put to him regarding Hamilton,
with such adroitness, that he escaped through them, and fled.
This story seems improbable, but I am told it is true.
Pittsburgh is a handsome situation. I think I never saw
two more beautiful rivers than the IMonongahela and Alleghaney; I may add as a third, Youghiogeny, which did my
heart good when I saw it, at the recollection of your former




303
adventures before I was in being. Pittsburgh is amazingly
crowded with quarters of Generals, Colonels, Aid-de-Camps,
and other officers; the people are afraid of being eaten up
if the army should rest here, but I believe there is not the
most distant danger.
Inaccuracies you will pardon; though I should read
over my letter ten times if I could, I fear they would
escape my notice at present.
MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE TO MAJOR WM. JACKSON,
AT PHILADELPHIA.
Bowood Park, October 10th, 1796.
DEAR SIR: —I trouble you with the enclosed letter, from
a very particular friend of mine, who is in every respect to
be depended upon.
General Washington may perhaps not be sorry to know
the circumstances contained in it —in which case, I am
sure they cannot find their way to him through a more discreet channel than yours. He best knows the degree of importance which may attach to the personage in question,
which is considered by manry well-informed persons, as considerable; and I am certain that his magnanimity and wisdom render all solicitation on this, or any such occasion,
altogether impertinent.
I shall be much obliged to you likewise, to communicate
the enclosed to Mr. Bingham, with my very best compliments. I add no observations on the state of public
affairs-not knowing when or how this may reach you.
I am, with great esteem and regard, dear sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
LANSDOWNE.




304
MIR. COUTTS TO LORD LANSDOWNE.
(Enclosed in the foregoing Letter.)
Clifton, October 10th, 1796.
IY LORD u:-I believe I have had occasion to mention to
your lordship the intimate acquaintance I have with the
eldest son of the late Duke of Orleans; and I imagine the
amiable character of the Duchess, his mother, is not
unknown to you.  I never knew much, personally, of the
father; - and can only say, if he deserves the bad character I have often  heard  of him, he resembles very
little his eldest son, who, I believe —those who know themn
most intimately, will agree with me - possesses the most
engaging qualities, accompanied with the modesty becoming
his years.  He has constantly written to me since the
French Revolution, and his conduct has been exemplary.
He fought and behaved bravely, for the liberties of his
country, till the murder of the king.  He then left the
army, and has lived in the greatest obscurity, on the most
slender means.  The most virtuous characters are too often
calumniated.  He has, to my knowledge, been hiding himself in Lapland, unknowing and unknown to almost everybody-at the same time that pamphlets and newspapers
have placed him at Hamburgh and elsewhere, contriving
with Dumourier plans of ambition-which he never thought
of. The mother has lately procured the release from prison
of her two younger sons, who are to go to America;* and
the eldest, for whom  I am  interested, has, from  dutiful
* In the Directory for 1798, after
"Dennis, Mr., Taylor, Pewter Platter Alley," appears the following:
" Dorleans, Messrs.,:Merchants, rear 100 South Fourth street."
These were Louis Phillipe and one of his brothers, who lived at
the north-west corner of Fourth and Prune streets, in a house still
standing, and now number 110. —-Y. aend Q., vol. viii, p. 168.




305
compliance with her orders, and to place himself out of all
suspicion of European plots, set sail in an American ship
lately from Hamburgh, for Philadelphia. Setting aside my
personal affection for this young man, his misfortunes claim
some regard from the world, so long as his conduct continues
such as to deserve it, as hitherto it has invariably done.
Your lordship knows he was born Duc de Chartres; and he
does not mean to be unknown for who- he is in America,
though he may find it convenient to assume a less brilliant
name; his wish being privacy, suited to the unhappy
reverse of his fortune.
Under his uncommon calamitous fortune, I am confident
your lordship would be glad to serve him —and it may be
of great service, if you can procure for him a good recommendation to General Washington —also, that you would
recommend him to any of your friends in the mercantile,
or other respectable lines of life, at Philadelphia.
I flatter myself, with your usual kindness to me, you
will excuse my writing to you in favor of a young person,
for whom I have a very sincere regard; and believe the
sentiments of respect with which I have the honor to be,
my lord,
Your lordship's
Most faithful and obedient servant,
THOMAS COUTTS.
Any letters I procure for him, I mean not to send
him to deliver, but to send them by the packet; and so
leave it to the option of those they are addressed to, to
take notice of my young friend, or not, as they think
proper.




306
I shall, however, inform him that such letters have been
written in his favor, and by whom.*
TIE MARQUIS 01 LANSDOWNE TO MAJOR WILLIAMI JACKSON,
AT PIIILADELPHIIA.
London, Jlarch 5th, 1797.
DEAR SIR:-Col. Markland and Mr. Richards arrived
tooethcr, which brought me the favor of your two letters of
the 28th November.  I never received that to which you
allude; which, with some others, I have reason to believe
were either stopped or miscarried.  But I have received the
picture,t which is in every respect worthy of the original.
I consider it as a very magnificent compliment, and the
respect I have for both Mr. and Mirs. Bingham will always
enhance the value of it to me and my family. I have just
had the honor of writing to Mrs. Bingham my acknowledgments, but must depend on your making my excuses for not
writing instantly, which can only be excused by the fact of
an almost unceasing pain in my head. I am not alarmed at
it, because I know the cause and the remedy, which last consists in the Bath water, with constant air, exercise and perfect leisure; but nothing could cure me, if IMrs. Bingham
thought me wanting for a moment. This state of health,
and many other circumstances, would make me consider it
as a great calamity to return to my public situation. I know
but one circumstance which could reconcile me to it, which
is next to impossible: that I could have it in my power to
* An outline of his adventures in America is to be found in the
spirited article on Louis Phillippe, reprinted from the London
Times, in Appleton's Library.
j- Portrait of Genr. Washington, by Stuart.




307
introduce a little more civilization among nations, and to
put war at a greater distance. The weakness of Government and the extreme popularity of the sea service, added
to old and false prejudices and habits, makes it difficult to
render the commerce of neutral nations as sacred as it ought
to be, but nothing should detain me from the attempt, if I
saw a probability of succeeding. I cannot express to you
the satisfaction I have felt in seeing the forts given up.  I
may tell you, in confidence, what may astonish you as it did
me, that up to the very last debate in the House of Lords,
the ministry did not appear to comprehend the policy upon
which the boundary line was drawn, and persist in still
considering it as a measure of necessity, not of choice. However, it is now indifferent who understands it. The deed is
done, and a strong foundation laid for eternal amity between
England and America.
General Washington's conduct is above all praise. He
has left a noble example to sovereigns and nations, present
and to come. I beg you will mention both me and my sons
to him in the most respectful terms possible.  If I was not
too old, I would go to Virginia to do him homage. I am
extremely obliged to your kindness and hospitality to Mr.
and Mrs. Rigal. I believe them to be very worthy people.
I beg to be remembered to them.
MIr. Richards appears a worthy, unaffected person.  His
stay in town was so short, that I did not see as much of him.
as I desired to do, but he has promised to come to me in the
country.
Though I have not the honor of being known to Mrrs.
Jackson, I beg to offer my best wishes for her happiness,
and that you will believe me always,
Your most faithful servant,
LANSDOWNE.




308
CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY TO MAJOR JACKSON,
(IN THE CUSTOMS,) PHILADELPHIA,
HIead Qucarters, at Shepherd's Town,
May 15, 1800.
DEAR SIR:-I am exceedingly obliged to you for a copy
of the very elegant, pathetic and eloquent discourse you
pronounced on our deceased Patron, Father and Friend. You
knew him nearly and well, and could best declare his worth.
I was greatly pleased when I first heard the Cincinnati had
entrusted his eulogy to your talents, but I was enthusiastically delighted and affected when I perused your admirable
oration. Again and again, I thank you for it.
What news from our envoys, or from Europe, or of our
domestic politics?
The only injury we can now receive from the French is
by their making a treaty with us; and I have no doubt but
that they will complete the plan of their politics towards
this country, by making such a one as will consequently
draw us into a war with the coalition powers, or disarm,
lull and completely humbug us, and afterwards observe it
as long as they deem convenient. What are the Disunionists about? I trust the Federalists will not be over supine.
When you have a leisure minute, devote me a line, and let
me know what is going on. Mrs. Pinckney and my daughters, unite with me in best compliments to Mrs. Jackson and
yourself, and we beg you will tender them, on our part, to
Mr. and Mrs. Bingham and their family.
I remain, with great regard,
Yours, truly,
CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY.




309
JOHN SHIPPEN TO HIS FATHER, COL. JOSEPH SHIPPEN, AT
PLUMLEY,  CHESTER CO., PENNA.
&S7ippensburghl, December 13th, 1801.
DEAR AND HON. SIR:-When on the point of setting out
to the Federal city, on the 26th October, I waited till the
arrival of the mail in hopes of receiving a letter from you on
your return from Philadelphia to Plumley. The mail did
not disappoint my hopes, but brought me long, affectionate,
satisfactory letters from you and sister Peggy, both of which
I acknowledged by letter by Mr. Hall.
I then set out, and reached Chambersburg that evening.
I went by way of IHagerstown, Fredericktown, Montgomery
Court House, and Georgetown. After two or three days'
stay at the city'of Washington, I accomplished the objects
of my mission thither; and, being but thirty miles from
WVest river, I paid my relations there a visit, staying three
days with them, and proceeding home by the way of Annapolis and Baltimore, having been absent thirteen days.
The city of Washington is elegantly situated as to inland
view, and valuable as not being accessible by weighty, foreign
men-of-war, and of being so distant from the sea coast up in
the bosom of the country, as to be easy of defence, and difficult of attack by foreign invaders.  Many merchants of
capital must establish themselves there, and many Pennsylvania, German or other industrious tillers of smaller farms
than are usually seen in Maryland or Virginia, must plant
themselves in the surrounding country, before this great
city can bid fair to progress.
How far these will be equally consequences as causes of its
progress, is a matter of curious discussion. The truth is,
everything must go hand in hand, and the warm advocates
of that spot must not barely content themselves with building




310
and improving the city, but should lend their attention
seriously to the encouragement of merchants and farmers.
Navigation and agriculture are the sources from  whence
must principally spring the advantages and greatness of any
city. The plan is very extensive, and occupies a great space
of country. Already (it is calculated, and I believe it) one
thousand  houses have been built there.  These present
themselves to one's view as a number of small villages, in
respect of the scattered position of the houses; the most of
which, however, are large and elegant. The lots and squarcs
are, in my opinion, much too small, and are inconvenient
for the want of alleys. I went by water to Alexandria, a
very regularly built, handsome town. I returned by land
on the Virginia side; from many hills on the road, we had
fine prospects of the city of Washington, especially of the
President's house and of the Capitol. In planning and
plotting this city, and fixing the places for the public buildings, more attention was paid to the nature of the ground
and views, than to any previous arrangement on paper or
distances, and the sites chosen for the President's house and
Capitol are the highest, and considered the best prospect.
The distance between them is at least a mile. At a future
day, when this city shall flourish and be generally pretty
close built, it will have the advantage of most other cities in
the world, in being all of a piece, and preserving the symmetry of a great original project. The public buildings are
neither central nor convenient.  The President's house, outside, exhibits great grandeur and simplicity of architecture.
The inside (I went through it) is not equal to my expectations.  The Capitol is only part built; from  this, I can
judge of the intended whole.  Its architecture is not so
simple; I think its decorations of wreaths and flowers, etc.,
cut in stone, are rather too profuse.  It is, however, grand.




311
It struck me, the windows of the Capitol had the appearance
of being rather small for the building.
I was very much pleased with its inside.  The senate
chamber is the most superb and grand room, and its architecture the most noble and elegant of any I ever saw. These
two buildings are of a squared free stone, not a pure white,
rather on the greyish order, or a tinge towards lead. They
yield much to the marble of the Bank of Philadelphia.
Three miles from Georgetown, just at the head of tide water,
and at what are called the little falls, a bridge of single arch
crosses the Potomac. It is composed of wood; erected by
one Palmer, from Connecticut. I was told that it was formed
by him in Connecticut aad shipped in pieces. The abutments are a huge pile of massy square stones bolted together
with great iron pins, and melted lead, a novel sight to me,
and I take it, capable of resisting the most swollen floods of
water. The Virginia side a high bank, Maryland side, low
base of immovable, large and deep rocks. The fact is, here
the Potomac is narrow and deep. People were busied in
repairing the locks of the canal at the upper or great falls.
I was very affectionately and kindly received and treated by
my uncle Galloway, and my other relations at West River.
I lodged at my uncle's, but he and I divided our time between
his house, Tulip Hill, and Mrs. Cheston's. Mrs. Cheston is
an uncommonly fine woman, and her daughters two of the
most sensible young women I know. I felt extremely at
home at these places, reflecting almost every moment that
my dear mother had been wont in her innocent youth to
frequent them, and that she drew her first breath at West
River.
Last evening I had a letter from uncle Galloway, dated
Hagerstown, 11th inst.  He was on his way to Cumberland




312
to visit his daughter Polly, (who married Captain Linn.)
He mentioned his son John being with him. John has
just returned from the Mediterranean. He is in the navy, and
partakes of the honor of Captain Sterritt and crew in the
late successful engagement.
Mrs. Cheston and the young ladies expressed a sincere
desire that my sister Peggy would pay them a visit. This
affectionate wish attached me still more to them.  Mrs.
Cheston is a most excellent manager of her farm and its
concerns.  Her farm is in the highest cultivation of any I
observed in that part of Maryland.  James Cheston, her
only son, is a steady, promising young man. I was tired of
the Maryland gates, but not of their oysters; which we had
twice a day.
Your time, when in Philadelphia, must indeed have been
pretty busily engaged, amidst the several interesting matters
of business, and the many friends by whom you would be
surrounded. As to the division of the Pegs' run lots, that
may be somewhat tedious, but you will have fewer obstacles to combat. As to the sale of Plumley, I am in hopes
you will be able to get your price for it, which, in my
opinion, is not one farthing too high. Suppose you.should
not sell, still is it not necessary for your own sake and sister
Peggy's, that you should move to Lancaster in the spring?
I would give my vote for it. I am a friend to solitude, but
I think at your time of life and that of sister Peggy, especially, when distress has taken some possession of the heart;
a little change of cheerful company is absolutely necessary.
THE END.