*5* \
■ i
<£/,
I
o
MEMBERS OF THE
ISLATIVE-COUNCIL.
ilefex, imouth,
(far* omerfet,
lergen, iurlington, \kucejler, alertly
Cumberland, Zape-May, Hunterdon, Morris, Suffix,
The Honourable John Wetherill,
Nathaniel Scudder,
Stephen Crane,
William Paterfon,
John Fell,
Richard Smith,
John Cooper,
Andrew Sinnickfon,
Theophilus Elmer,
Jonathan Hand,
John Stevens, Vtce-Prefident,
Silas Condict,
John Cleves Symmes.
MEMBERS OF THE
ASSEMBLY.
ddlefex, nnmoutb,
lft*>
, omerfet,
.Bergen,
Burlington,
Gloucejlcr,
Salem,
Cumberland,
Cape -May,
Hunterdon,
Morris,
Suffix,
John Combs, John Covenhovcn, Abraham Clark, Jacob Bogart, Peter Zabrifkie, .. Peter Tallman, Richard Somcrs, Edmund Wctherby, Ephraim Harris, Eli Eldridgc, John Hart, Speaker, Jacob Drake, Cafpar Shaver,
Daniel Moores, Jofcph Holmes, jun. Caleb Camp, Alexander Mac Eowen, Theunis Dey, t taleb Shrtrve, • •
Robert F. Price,
Samuel Dick, Jonathan Bourn,
Jofcph Savage,
John Mchelm,
Ellis Cook,
Abia Brown,
Benjamin Manning James Mott, jun. Henry Garritfe, Reoloff Vandike, David Hoard, Jofcph Newbold, Ifaac Micklc, J
Eli (ha Ballet, juj/ John Buck, Hugh Hathornc, Charles Coxc, William Woodhull, Thomas Fcterfun.
\
o
V\
V
VOTES
AND
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE
ATE
f F
N E JV - J E R S E T.
At a SESSION begun at Princeton on the 27th Day of Augujl 1776, and continued by Adjournments.
\
I
BURLINGTON:
Printed by Isaac Collins, M.dcc.lxxvii.
0 r
U \
[ ■ ]
VOTES
AND
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE
State of New-Jersey.
PRINCETON, TucfJay, Augujl 17, i776.
TH E above Time and Place being appointed by the late Convention for the Meeting of the firft AiTembly elected under the new Conftitution o< the State of Neiv-Jerfey, the Houfe met, and, there not being a lut'.i Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Jfcdnejday, Augujl 28, 1776.
The Houfe met,
And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufn. adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met, and adjourned till Eight o'clock To-morrow Morning.
Thursday, Augujl 29, 1 7 76.
The Houfe met.
'rheums Dey, Peter Zabrtjkie and David Board, being returned Rcprcfentati for the County of Bergen ; Abraham Clark, Caleb Camp and Henry Can it., for the County of Efjcx ; John Combs, Benjamin Manning and Daniel M . for the County of Middle/ex ; Jacob Drake, Ellis Cook and William Woodbull, for the Coun- ty of Morris ; Alexander Mac Snven, Jacob Bogart and Rent/off VandUe, for the County of Somerfet ; John Covcnhoven, Jojipb Jhluus, jun. ami Jame . |un.
B for
2 VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
for the County of Monmouth ; John Hart, John Mchehn and Charles Coxe, for the County of Hunterdon ; Peter Tallman, Caleb Shreve and Jojeph Nc-wbold, for the County of Burlington; Samuel Dick, Eli/ha Bajfet, jun. and Edmund Wet herby, tor the County of Salem ; and J oj'eph Savage, Hugh Hat home and Eli Eldridge, lor the County of Cape-May ; the leveral Returns and Certificates were read and filed ; whereupon John Hart, Efq. was duly qualified by John Combs, Rfq. appointed thereto ; and the laid John Hart, Efq. being appointed for that Purpofe, having duly qualified fuch of the other Members above-mentioned as were prefent, they took their Seats in the Houfe.
The Houfe proceeded to the Choice of a Speaker, when John Hart, Efq. was unanimoufly choien Speaker of this Houfe.
The Houfe alfo unanimoufly appointed Jonathan Dzare, Efq. Clerk of the Houfe of Affembly.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock.
Friday, Auguft 30, 1776.
The Houfe met.
There appearing to be fome Infufiiciency in the Return of the Reprefentatives for the County of Suffix, the Houfe took the fame into Confideration ; and, after Debate thereon, and the Queftion being put, Whether the faid Ele&ion be legal or not ? It palled in the Affirmative. Ordered,
That Cafper Shaffer, Thomas Pcterfon and Ab'ia Brozvn, the Members returned for Sujfex, do take their Seats in this Houfe ; whereupon the faid Members, having been firft duly qualified by the Speaker, took their Seats accordingly.
The Return and Certificate of the due Election of Ephrahn Harris, "Jonathan Boiven and John Buck, Reprefcntatives for the County of Cumberland in General Affembly, was read and filed; and the faid Members, having been fu It djuly qualified, were ordered to take their Seats in this Houfe ; at the fame Time Richard Somers, one of the Members for Gloucejler, was qualified, and took his Seat.
A Paper from the Council of Safety in Philadelphia was read, requefting that the Houle will give Furloughs to Mojes Yeomans, Blackfmith, who is employed at the Flying Camp, and fuch Men as are employed under him ; on the QnelVion, Whether the Houfe will comply with fuch Requeft ? It paffed in the Negative.
A Paper from the Librarian of the College of Neiv-Jerfey, by Order of the Faculty, offering to this Houfe the Ufe of the Library in the College, was read, Ordered,
That the Thanks of this Floufe be given to the Facvdty for their polite Offer.
Refolved, That David Olden be Sergeant at Arms to this Houfe ; and that Robert Ham- bleton be Doorkeeper to the Houfe.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. A Letter was read from Mr. Philip Kearney to the Houfe, fetting forth, That he was, on the thirteenth of laft Month, fent to the Hou!e of Mr. Richard Ste- vens in- Hunterdon County, by Order of the late Provincial Convention, and there confined, and defiring to have Liberty to attend his Bufinefs elfewhere, or be heard before the Houle touching his Confinement ;
Ordered,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efqtrire, Governor.
Ordered, That Mr. Kearney be heard before the Houfe.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting of the Council and Aillinblv.
The Houie adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock.
Saturday, Augujl 31 , 1776.
The Houie met. A Letter from John Stevens, Efq. was read, informing the Houfe that the
Eattern Treafury Chclt has been lome Time in I lemon ; that he is Secu-
rity for the prefent Eaflcrn Trealurer, whole Accounts arc ready to he offered to the Houfc, o c. and requeuing the Houie cither to order his Bond to be c.mcelled, or continue Mr. Stevens in the Care of the Treafury, as fhall appear moil for the publick Good ; Ordered, That the /aid Letter have a fecond Reading.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, ot.
The Houie adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Combs had Leave of Abfence, on particular Bufinefs, till Monday the Ninth of September next.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Nine o'Clock.
Monday, September- 1, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from Brigadier-General Philemon Dickinfon, fettiug forth, that a Number of the Militia had deferred, taking their Arms, &c. with them; and that a Number of the Militia arc without Arm! ; and defiring the Attention of the Legillature thereto; which Letter was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
On Application in Writing from the Council of Safety of Pennl'ylv.mi.i, rrqucfl- ing that this Houfc would exempt certain Perlons employed at the Salt-W erecting on Pom's River, from ferving in the Militia until faid Works are C pleted ; on the Queftion, Whether the Houie will comply with fuch Rcquclt ? It pafTed in the Negative.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met.
A Petition was prefented from a Number of Inhabitants of the Townfhip Stafford and Dover, in the County of Monmouth, for Reasons therein let forth, praying that their Militia, being few in Number, may not he taken from thole Townfhips ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Tucfilay, September 3, 1776. The Houie met.
Caleb Camp, Efq. one of the Representatives for EJfcx County, appearing in the Houfe, was duly qualified, and took his Scat.
A Petil
4 VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
A Petition was prefented by the Committees and other Inhabitants of the Townihips of Great- Egg- Harbour and Galhvay, in the County of Gloucejler,. fetting forth the defencelefs Situation of thofe Townfhips, and their being expofed to the Enemy ; and praying the remaining Half of their Militia may not be called out on Service, &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A Reprefentation of the Field-Officers of the Militia of the County of Salem, was read, fetting forth, That the Captains had retained the Fines from Non-Affo- ciators in their Hands, and, for Reafbns therein mentioned, praying that the Fines may be diftributed among thofe of the Companies who fbould abide their Lot ; Ordered,
That the fame have a fecond Reading.
Ordered, That whenever any Member moves to have the Yeas and Nays entered on any Queflion, and is leconded in his Motion, that the fame be entered.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till to To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Wednesday, September 4, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Reprefentation of the Field-Officers of the Militia of the County of Salem, was read the fecond Time j Ordered,
That Mr. Dick, Mr. Clark, Mr. Drake, Mr. Mehelm, and Mr. Bro-wn, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to remedy the Inconveniencies fet forth in faid Reprefentation.
A Petition was prefented by Anthony Moufengeil, praying an Exemption of certain Perfons, Workmen at the Copper Furnace at Raritan, from Service in the Militia ; on the Queflion, Whether the Houfe will grant the Prayer of the Petition ? It palled in the Negative.
The Petition from divers Inhabitants of Great-Egg-Harbour and Gallivay, in the County of Gloucejler, for Reafons therein fet forth, praying that one Half of their Militia may not be called out on Service, &c. was read the fecond Time; on the Queflion, Whether the Houfe do comply with the Prayer of the Petition ?
It pafled in the Negative.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c
Mr. Qoxe, Chairman of the Committee of the Townfhip of K'mgivood, in Hun- terdon County, informed the Houfe that he had in his Hands the Sum of Tiven- ty-elght Pounds Three Shillings, for feveral Fines collected in faid Townfhip ; Ordered, That Mr. Coxe do pay the fame to the Treafurer of this State, to be hereafter difpofed of by the Legiflature.
Mr. Savage has Leave of Abfence on Account of his ill State of Health.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c. And
The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor.
• The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nino o'clock.
Tburfday, September 5, 1776.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Dick, from the Committee appointed to bring in a Hill respecting the Ap- propriation of Fines in the Militia, brought in a Bill, entitled, An re- pealing an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Ncw-Jerley of the tvent;- Jir/l of Augult Lift, for recovering and appropriating certain Militia lines, &.c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, 6v\
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, September 6, 1776. The Houfe met. A Meflage from the Council by Mr. Pater/on. Ordered ', Council-Chamber, Sept. 6, 1776.
THAT Mr. Pater/on do acquaint the Houfe of Aifembly that Mr. Smith and Mr. Cooper are appointed a Committee to meet a Committee of the Houfe of Aifembly, in order to form a Great Seal for the State, and make Report thereof to this Houfe ;
Whereupon, Ordered,
That Mr. Did:, Mr. Harris, Mr. Covenhoven, and Mr. Coxe, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council in order to form a Great Seal for the State ; and that Mr. Holmes and Mr. Neivbold do inform the Council thereof, and define them to appoint the Time and Place of Meeting.
Mr. Holmes reported, that Mr. Neivbold and himl'elf delivered the Melfage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting. And The Houfe adjourned till Three, /'. M. The Houfe met. Ellis Cook, Efq. one of the Members for Morris County, appearing in the Houfe, was duly qualified, and took his Scat.
Mr. Peterfon has Leave of Abfence till Tufday next, on particular Bufin. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, or.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, September 7, 177^-
The Houfe met. The Hill, entitled, An Act /or repealing an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of New-Jerfey of the t-wcnty-frjl of Augull /-///, for recovering and appropri- ating certain Militia Fines, c<c. was read the fecond Time ; on the Quell. Ordl red, That the lame be engroffed.
C A Rcprcfcntation
6 VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey,
A Reprefentation to the Houfe from the Chairman of the Committee of the County of Somerfet, reflecting fbme Prifoners of War confined in faid County, was read,
Ordered, That this Houfe do requeft a Conference with the Council thereon, which was accordingly done.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Hand. Ordered Council-Chamber, Sept. 7, 1776.
THAT Mr. Pater/on, Mr. Fell and Mr. Symmes, be a Committee to meet a Committee of the Houfe of Aflembly in a Conference refpecting the Prifon- ers of War, and other Perfons confined on Parole within this State, and make Report to this Houfe ; that the faid Committees meet at Mr. Whitehead's at Twelve o'clock ; and that Mr. Hand acquaint the Houfe of Aflembly therewith ; Whereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Mac Etven, Mr. Bogart, Mr. Bey, Mr. Woodhull, Mr. Covenhoven^ and Mr. Cook, be a Committee of this Houfe to join the Committee of the Coun- cil in a Conference refpecting the Prifoners of War, and other Perfons confined on Parole within this State, and make Report to this Houfe ; and that Mr. Board and Mr. Buck do acquaint the Council thereof.
Mr. Drake, Mr. Bogart, and Mr. Woodhull, have Leave of Abfence on par- ticular Bufinefs.
Mr. Board reported, that Mr. Buck and himfelf delivered the Menage with them entruited to the Prefident in Council.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, 6'<\
The Houfe adjourned till Monday next Two o'Clock, P. M.
Monday, September 9, 1776.
The Houfe met, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Tuefday, September 10, 1776.
The Houfe met. Peter Talhnan, Efq. a Member for Burlington County, and Robert Friend Price and Ifaae Mickle, Efqrs. M embers for Gloucefler County, appearing in the Houfe, were duly qualified, and thereupon took their Seats.
Ordered, That Mr. Coxe, Mr. Mehehn, Mr. Dick, Mr. Brown, Mr. Price, Mr. Covenhoven, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Wetherby, or any three of them, be a Committee to fettle all publick Accounts that may come before the Houfe this Seflion.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Fell.
Council-Chamber, Sept. 10, 1776.
A tK H E Houfe having taken into Confederation that it will neceffarily take up -*• fome Time to get a proper Great Seal prepared for the Sealing of fuch Com- mifhons as have ufually patted under the Great Seal, and that it will be necettary for the publick Good that fundry Commifuons mould iflue before fuch Great Seal can be made j therefore,
Refolved,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Lfquiic, Govci
RcfoheJ, That the Seal at Arms of His Excellency William I . nnjl ,n, Efquire, (hall deemed, taken and tiled, as the Great Seal of this Stale till" another lhall be m i Ordered^ That Mr. Fell do carry a Copy of the foregoing Resolution to the Houfe of Afllnibly for their Confuleration and Concurrence ;
\\ hereupon the laid Mellage of the Council being taken into Confuleration,
Rejblvedi That this lloule do concur with the Council in their Eelolution of this Day refpecling the Great Seal of this State. Ordered^ That Mr. Dick and Mr. Cwenhoven do inform the Council thereof.
A Memorial from David White of the County of Somerfett prefented to the Continental Congrefs and referred to this Houlc, was read, praying, lor divers Reafons therein let forth, to be exempted from bearing Arms in the Militia, or to have Leave to return to his Children and Property in England) and that the lloule will grant him a Pallport for that Purpole ; Ordered^
That the lame have a fecond Reading.
Ordered^
That a Committee of Grievances do fit on Wednefday in every Week during this Beffion, if neceffary ; and that faid Committee be a Committee of the whole Houfe.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M
The Houfe met.
On Motion,
OrJcriil, That the Speaker do employ fome Perfon to bring from Burlingl with all the Books and Papers belonging to the Aliembly.
Mr. Covenhovcn, from the Committee appointed to confer with the Committee of the Council reflecting the Prifoners or War and other Peribns confined on I >le in this State, made the following Report:
Pr'incct'jn, Sept. <;, I ) VOUR Committee, appointed to confer with a Committee of the Honourable 1 Council rcfpecling the Prifoners of War and other Perlons confined on Parole in this State, beg Leave to report,
ill, That it appears to the Confei ices that the taking, altering or v of
Paroles given by any Inhabitants of this State, who may have been a] pi shei on Nufpicion of being inimical to their Country, and the Qifpofal >: , o. War lb far as Refpecls the Place of their Refulence and Deftio Dufinels of an executive Nature, falls properly within the Department ol the Governor and his Privy Council.
-dly, That it appears to the Confenees that waving the Point of Right, Matters of this Kind fhould be referred to the Governor and Privj I ncil on the Score of Expediency, for otherwile no Restriction or Enlai Parole can be made dining the Recefs of the Legillativc Council and Afleml i even during their Seffion, without a Law for that Purpofe, win li * aid once extremely inconvenient to Individuals, and imncccllarily burdcnlonie to the I llature.
;,dly, That the Conferrees did not (examine into the particular Situation and Cireumftances of the Prifoners of War and others under Parole in this State,
becauie
8 V O T E S, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
becaufe if they either of Right fall within, or for the Sake of Expediency be re- ferred to, the executive Line, it fuperfedes the Neceffity of any Enquiry by the Conferrees, the Bufinefs in fuch Cafe belonging to another Department, and, of Courfe, not coming properly under their View.
John Fell, Chairman of the Committee, John Covenhoven, Alexander Mac Ewen.
Mr. Covenhoven has Leave of Abfence till Monday next, on a particular Occafion. The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Wednesday, September n, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The EngrofTed Bill, entitled, An Act repealing an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of New-Jerfey, of the t-wenty-frfl of Auguft lafl, &c. being read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refolved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Dick and Mr. Holmes do carry the faid Bill to the Council for their Concurrence.
Doctor Samuel Bard having produced to this Houfe Bonds, with fatisfa&ory Security, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, agreed to be lent him by the Convention of this State, to encourage his erecting a Salt-Works in the State : Refolved, That the Treafurers appointed by the late Convention, or either of them, pay to the faid Samuel Bard, or his Order, the faid Sum of Five Hundred Foundsy whofe Receipt (hall be a fumcient Voucher for the Payment thereof. Ordered, That Mr. Tallman and Mr. Harris do wait on the Council and defire their Con- currence in this Refolution.
Mr. Dick reported, that Mr. Holmes and himfelf delivered the Bill to them en- trufted to the Prefident in Council.
Mr. Tallman reported, that Mr. Harris and himfelf delivered the MefTage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Memorial of David White, prefented to the Continental Congrefs, and referred to this Houfe, was read the fecond Time ; on the Queftion, Whether the Houfe will grant the Prayer of the Memorialift or not ? It paffed in the Negative.
Ordered, That Mr. Combs, Mr. Price, Mr. Tallman, Mr. Coxe, and Mr. Dick, be a Com- mittee to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Support of Government.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Condicl, informing the Houfe that the Council doth concur with the Houfe of Affembly in their Refolution of this Morning refpefting the Security taken of Doftor Samuel Bard for the Sum of £. 500, ordered to be paid him out of the publick Money, for erecting a Salt- Works in this State. ,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <J . .
The Houie adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock.
Tburfday, September 12, 1776.
The Houie met.
William Parker and Richard Hart/hornc prefented a Petition to the Houie, which was read, praying a Clearance for a final] Sloop or VcfTel called the Dolphin, whereof Jonathan Bawne is Mailer, for St, Eujlatia or Coracoa, in the Dutch Wejl- Indies ; and having produced a Manifeft or" the Cargo to be Chipped on Board laid Veffel, Rejblvcd,
That His Excellency William Livingston, Elq. Governor of this Stale, be em- powered to clear out laid Veflel, or any others that lhall be permitted, until a proper Cuftom-Houle Officer or Oilicers be appointed for that Purpole ; and that he be entitled to receive the Tees as eltabli'.hed by Ad or Allemblv. Ordered,
That Mr. Dick and Mr. Manning do wait on the Council and deGre their Con- currence in this Refblution.
Ordered, That Mr. Combs, Mr. Price, Mr. Me helm, Mr. Tollman, and Mr. Dill; or any three of them, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council, to fettle the Accounts of John Smyth, JoJ'eph Smith, Samuel Tucker and John Dennis, Enquires, late Treafurers of this State, and make Report to the Houie ; and that Mr. Dc; and Mr. New bo Id do acquaint the Council thereof, and defire they will appoint a Committee for this Purpole.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. A Meffagc from the Council by Mr. Smith, as follows :
Council-Chamber, Sept. 12, 1776. ]\/rR. Dick and Mr. Manning, from the Houfe of AfTembly, having brought to ***■ this Houfe for Concurrence, a Refolution of the Houie of Affcmbly or this Day, " That His Excellency William Livingston, Elq. Governor of this Stat, " empowered to clear out a Veffel therein mentioned, or any others that (hall be M permitted, until a proper Cuftom-Houle Officer or Officers be appointed for that " Purpole ; and that he be entitled to receive the Pees as eftablilhcd by Act of " Allembly." Refolved, That His Excellency William Livings/on, Elq. Governor of this State, be em- powered to clear out any Veflel or Veflels which lh.dl be permitted to fail from this State, until a proper Cultom-Houfe Ollicer or Oilicers be appointed for that Purpole ; and that he be entitled to receive the lees as eflablilhed by Act of Affembly.
Ordered, That Mr. Smith do acquaint the Houfe of Allembly therewith.
Ordered, That Mr. Fell, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Elmer, or any two of them, be I Com- mittee to join a Committee of the Houfe of Allembly to fettle the Accounts of John Smyth, JoJ'eph Smith, Samuel Pucker and John Dennis, late Treasurers of this State, and make Report thereof to this Houfe; and that the laid Committees
D meet
i o V O T E S, 6fc. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
meet for that Purpofe at the Houfe of Jacob Hyer in Princeton, on Wednefday at Three o'clock, P. M Ordered, That Mr. Smith do acquaint the Houfe of AfTembly therewith.
Ordered,
That Mr. Harris, Mr. Mott, and Mr. Brown, be a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for regulating and eftablifhing the Fees to be taken by civil Offi- cers and others within this State.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <&c.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, September 13, 1776.
' The Houfe met.
A Refolve of the Continental Congrefs was read, recommending it to the Le- giflatures of the leveral States of America, to caufe Infpectors to be appointed to examine and determine the Quality of all Gun-Powder imported into and offered for Sale, or manufactured within their Juriidiction ; Ordered,
That Mr. Price, Mr. Mehelm and Mr. Combs, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for that Purpole.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pet tit, informing the Houfe that His Excellency is in the Council-Chamber, and defires the immediate At- tendance of the Houfe ; whereupon Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and with the Houfe went to wait upon His Excellency ; and, being returned, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and reported, that the Houfe had waited on His Excellency, who was pleafed to make a Speech to the Council and General Affembly, of which Mr. Speaker faid he had, to prevent Miftakes, obtained a Copy ; which was read, and is as follows :
Gentlemen of the Council, and General Affembly,
CONSIDERING how long the Hand^of Oppreflion had been ftretched out againft us ; while the moft affiduous Applications for Redrefs were either totally difregarded or treated with Infult : — How long the Syftem of Defpotifm concerted for our Ruin had been infidi oufly purfued, and was at Length at- tempted to be enforced by the Violence of War ; Reafon and Confcience muft have approved the Meafure had we fooner abjured that Allegiance, from which, not only by the Denial of Protection, but the hoftile Affaults on our Perfons and Properties, we were clearly abfolved. It may however, afford fome Confolation to every Man duly regardful of the Convictions of his own Mind, and the Ho- nour and Reputation of his Country ; that America deferred this important Step, till the decilive Alternative of abfolute Submiffion, or utter Deftruction, announced by a numerous Fleet and Army, had extinguifhed all Hope of obtaining Juftice ; and the whole Continent, fave a few felf-interefted Individuals, were unanimous in the Separation. In a Word, till the moft fcrupulous Confcience could, on the matured: Reflection, find itfelf juftified before God and Man, in renouncing thofe Tyrants who, after having ravaged a great Part of Afia ; and diflipated in Vena- lity and Riot, the Treafures extorted from its innocent Inhabitants by the Hand of Rapine and Blood ; finally meant to prolong their Luxury and Corruption, by appropriating to themfelves the hard-earned Competence of the American
World.
Thus
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor. n
Thus conftrained to aflcrr our own Independence, and diflolve all political Connection with a Nation inlatiate with Plunder, and cleat to the Voice o( ltca- ibn of' Jufticc and Humanity ; the late " Reprclcntam cs of the Colon) of A " jferfey in Congrels atlembled, did, purfuant to the Advice of the Honourable " the Continental Congrefs, the Supreme Council of the American (Colonies, a; " upon the Form ot a Conftitution ;" which by tacit Acquiclceme and open Approbation, hath fince received the AiTent and Concurrence of tli : lYople
of this State, to whofe Confideration it was, for that Purpole, lubmittcd. Agree- ably to this Constitution, you Gentlemen, have been cholcn the I.cgiflativc Council and Aflcmbly of this State ; and being jointly met, have, in farther Pur- fuance of it, proceeded to the Choice of a Governor.
Having conferred that Honour upon one who feels himfclf very unequal to the Talk ; but at the fame Time upon one, who, having during the whole Con- teit, taken an active Part in oppofing the meditated Bondage, now difdains, in its moll perilous Period, to fhrink from a Station, which nvitl render him peculiarly obnoxious to the common Enemy ; he can with great Sincerity allure you, that it lhall be his conltant Endeavour, faithfully to discharge the Trull i ::i him.
He is moreover, confident, that how greatly loever you may find yourle! deceived in the favourable Opinion, you may have been pleated to entertain of his Abilities ; he will never give you any Reaibn to call in (^uellion, the Rectitude of his Intentions.
Gentlemen,
In the prefent Situation of Affairs, it is abfolutely neccflary to turn our firft Attention to the Operations of War.
The Pay of our Militia lately called out for the Defence of Nezu-1'ork, (which has acquired fignal Renown by the Spirit and Alacrity with which it engaged in the common Caule) admits of no Delay.
That of half our Militia now on Duty, will be due in a few Da- Some farther Regulations refpecting the better ordering the Militia, merit your fpeedy Attention.
A Law for regulating the impreffing of fuch Articles as the Exigencies of the Service may require, is of great Importance.
No Allowance having been made for the Provender of the Eight Ilorfe when in actual Service, and it being impolTiblc from their perpetual Change of Station, and being frequently employed as Exprellcs, for the Commillarics to provide them, it is realbnable the Men lhould be allowed an Equivalent tor keeping their Horfes themfelves.
The fixing the Scat of Government in fome convenient and plentiful Part of
the State, calls for your feafonablc Deliberation.
Such other Matters as may occur to me during the Seffion, and appear more particularly conducive to give Vigour to the executive Branch of the Cunilitution, I lliall take the Liberty to lay before you.
To enable me, Gentlemen, the more fuccelsfully to execute the arduous Of- fice, wherewith your unfought and unexpected Predilection hath i melted me ; it affects me with lingular Plealurc, to find both Monies compofed ot' the molt re- lpectable Characters. This affords a happy Prclage of your Zealand Unanimity, in promoting the true Emolument of that State, of which the iiuorrupted V of a free People, has made you the Guardians and Protectors. As it i - our indif- penfable Duty, may it be our invariable Aim, to exhibit to our Conftituents, the
brighteft
i2 VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
brighteft: Examples of a difinterefted Love for the common Weal ; and be inflex- ible in our Refblution, to know neither Friend nor Favourite, whenever his Soli- citations appear incompatible with the general Good. In our publick Capacities, we ought to rife fuperior to all private Attachment or Refentment, and make the intrinfic Merit of every Candidate for an Office, our fole Rule for his Promo- tion. Let us, Gentlemen, both by Precept and Practice, encourage a Spirit of Oeconomy, Induftry and Patriotifm ; and that publick Integrity and Righteouf- nefs which cannot fail to exalt a Nation : Setting our Faces at the fame Time like a Flint, againft that Diffolutenefs of Manners, and political Corruption, which will ever be the Reproach of any People. May the Foundation of our Infant State be laid in Virtue and the Fear of God ; and the Superftrudure will rife glorious, and endure for Ages. Then may we humbly expect the Bleffing of § the mojl High, tuho divides to the Nations their Inheritance, and separates the Sons of Adam. In fine, Gentlemen, while we are applauded by the whole impartial World, for demolifhing the old Fabric, rotten and ruinous as it was ; let us unitedly ftrive to approve ourfelves Mafter-Builders, by giving Beauty, Strength and Stability to the neiv.
WIL. LIVINGSTON. Princeton, September II, 1776.
Ordered, That His Excellency's Speech have a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Dey, Mr. Drake, Mr. Wetherby and Mr. Board, have Leave of Abfcnce on particular Bufinefs.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, September 14, 1776.
The Houfe met.
His Excellency's Speech was read the fecond Time ; Refolded,
That the fame be committed to a Committee of the whole Houfe ; whereupon the Houfe accordingly refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on his Excellency's Speech, and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that they had gone through the Matters to them referred, and had come to feveral Refolutions, which he was ready to report whenever the Houfe will pleafe to receive the fame ; Ordered,
That the faid Report be made immediately ;
Whereupon the Chairman reported the Refolutions of the Committee as follow :
1. Refolved,
That an Addrefs be fent to the Governor in anfwer to his Speech.
2. Refolved,
That the Payment of the Militia of this State be immediately attended to, and the mod fpeedy Ways and Means adopted for that Purpofe.
3. Refolved,
That a Law for the better regulating the Militia be taken into Confideration.
4. Refolved,
That the imprefling fuch Articles as the Exigencies of the military Service may require, be taken into Confideration.
§ Deut. xxxii. 8. £, Refolved,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor.
-
5. Refolved, That a proper Place for the Seat of Government be taken under Confident] To which Resolutions the Houfe agreed.
Ordered) That Mr. Mehelm, Mr, Tollman, Mr. Dick, Mr. 1 id Mr. f a
Committee to prepare the Draught ot' an Addrefs to His ] to his Speech.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Sinnickfon, informing the Houfe that the Bill, entitled, An Act repealing an Ordinance of tbt ntion of tl
of New-Jerfey o) 'the' tiventy-jirjl 0/ Auguft A;//, for recovering and certain Militia Fines, and to prevent excejjvuc Diftrejfes, has palled the Council. Mr. Manning and Mr. Drake have Leave of Abfence till Tue/day next. The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Nine o'clock.
Monday, September 16, 1776.
The Houfe met, and adjourned till Three, /'. M,
The Houfe met.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Smith.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Sept. 10, 177^.
/_pHAT Mr. Smith do carry the Bill, entitled, An Acl for the & be
■*- Government of New-Jerfey, to the Houfe of Ailembly, and defire their Con- currence to the (aid Bill.
\\ Inch Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
dered, That Mr. Coxe, Mr. Dick, and Mr. Tollman, or any two of them, be a Com- mittee to join a Committee of the Council to fettle the Accounts oi this State with the Continental Congrefs. Ordered alfo, That Mr. Clark, Mr. Mehelm, and Mr. Woodhull, or any two of them, Committee to join a Committee of the Council, to little the Account.- oi State with the Provincial Convention of Neiu-Xork. Ordered, That Mr. Zabrijkie ami Mr. Mott do wait on the Council and defire they will appoint Committees for both Purpofes.
Mr. Mehelm, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought i Bill, entitled, An Acl to appoint I r of Gun-Powder imported into.
for Sale, or manufactured ivit bin the State of New-Jerfey ; winch v. ad
ordered a fecond Heading.
Ordered, That Mr. Woodhull, Mr. Buck, and Mr. Ncwbold, be a Committee to infj
the Minutes of the l.ill Seflion of AlUmbly, and fee what Bufinefs was r
and alio to examine what Laws arc expired, or near expiring, and make 1; to the Houfe.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Syrni
Ordered, hcil-Chamber, Sept. \
r^HAT Mr. Sinnickfon and Mr. Elmer, or either of them, be a Commiti
A join with the Committee of the Houfe of Aflembly to fettle ti. this State with the Continental Congreis.
1- Oi
1 4 VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Ordered, That Mr. Fell and Mr. Condiff, or either of them, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Houfe of AfTembly, to fettle the Accounts of this State with the Provincial Convention of New-York. Ordered, That Mr. Symvies do acquaint the Houfe of AfTembly with the two foregoing
Orders.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Tuefday, September 17, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for the Security of the Government of New-Jerfey, was read the fecond Time, and ordered a third Reading.
A Memorial from the Committee of Elizabeth-Town, praying a fupply of Am- munition, was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met.
The Memorial from the Committee of Elizabeth-Town, praying a Supply of Ammunition, was read the fecond Time ; and a Letter from Brigadier-General WiUtamfon refpecting the Pay of the Militia, and the Want of Ammunition, being alfo read,
Ordered,
That Mr. Coxe, Mr. Dick, Mr. Mehehn, Mr. Combs, Mr. Price, Mr. Tallman, Mr. Mott-, Mr. Mickle, and Mr. Zabrijkie, or any fix of them, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council in a Conference refpecting the Subject Matter of the faid Memorial and Letter ; and that Mr. Eldridge and Mr. Somers do ac- quaint the Council therewith, and defire they will appoint a Committee for that Purpofe, with the Time and Place of Meeting.
Mr. Eldridge reported, that Mr. Somers and himfelf delivered the MefTage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Condi ft. Ordered, Council-Chamber, Sept. 17, 1776".
'""pHAT Mr. Cooper, Mr. Elmer, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Condicl, or any three of -*- them, be a Committee to meet with the Committee of the Houfe of AfTem- bly in a free Conference on the Subject Matter of the Memorial from the Com- mittee of Elizabeth-Town, and the Letter from Brigadier-General Williamfon ; and that the faid Conference be held in the Council-Chamber immediately. Ordered, That Mr. Condicl do acquaint the Houfe of AfTembly therewith.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
W eclnejclay , September 18, 1776. The Houfe met, And the Speaker being indifpofed, and not able to attend the Bufinefs of the Houfe, the Houfe was adjourned till Three, P. M.
The- Houfe met, And the Speaker being ftill indifpofed, the Members went to the Speaker's
Lodgings, where the Houfe met.
Mr.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Elquirc, G tor. 15
Mr. Cuxr, from the Committee appointed to confer with a Committee of Council in a free Conference on the Subject Matter ol th Memorial ol the - mittee of Elizabeth-Town, and a Letter from Brigadier-General Wtlliamfon, m
the following Report, which was read :
"XT OUR Committee appointed to meet with a Committee of the Council in a •■■ free Conference on the Subject Matter ol a Memorial from the Comn Elizabeth-Town, and a Letter from Brigadier-General William/on, r< Supply of Ammunition, and the Pay of the Militia called out in actual J
beg Leave to report :
That the laid Committees having met in Conference according to Order, and having read and coniidered the laid Memorial and fetter, came to iundry Refolu- tions, which are as follow : 1. Re/blved,
That the publick Magazine of Ammunition kept for the Ufe of the Militia at or near Elizabeth-Town, is nearly exhauffed, and that it is neceflary that Provifion mould be immediately made for replenishing the faid M 1. Re/blved,
That it is proper that His Excellency be requeued to procure an immediate Supply of one Ton of Gun-Powder for the Hie of the Militia ; and that hi empowered to draw from the Treafury of this State as much Money as may be neceflary for the Purchafe and Carriage of the fame. 3. Re/blved,
That as large Bodies of the Militia of this State have been called out, at fun- dry Times, in the Continental Service ; and that lor Want ol .; p havii * heen ellablifhed for the Pay of the laid Militia, man) h have arifen, and are daily enereahng ; therefore it is proper that His I' the Governor be requcfted to make Application to the Honourable the ( Congrcfs, and delire that they will be plealed to direct the imme liate Pa) fuch of the Militia of this State as have been called out in the Service of the Continent; and to eflablilh fbme Mode for the regular and punctual Payil of fuch of the Militia of this State as fhall hereafter be called out in the laid Service.
By Order of the Commit
CM A. CO X V., ('■.■mum.
To which Report the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Thurfday, September 19, 1776.
The Houfe met. A Petition was prefentcd from Junius Drake and John Yoorhccs. nen at
New-Brun/wick, letting forth Iundry Difadvantages attending their I praying that the Refolution of the late Convention reducing their Fare to one Third, may be repealed ; which was read, and ordered a fecond R< l
A Petition was prefenred from William Parker and other-, letting forth, that are engaged in creeling Works for the manufacturing of Salt, and 1 the Houfe would give Encouragement thereto by advancing them a Sum ney on eafy Terms, in fuch Manner as heretofore lias been clone in this State; which was read, and ordered a leeond Heading.
A Petition was prefentcd from divers Inhabitant in the County of
Monmouth, praying, for llealons therein let forth, that their Militia may not in
future
1 6 VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
future be called out on Service, &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Bill, entitled, An Ad for the Security of the Government of New-Jerfey ; was read the third Time ; on the Queflion, Refolved, That the fame do pal's.
Ordered^ That Mr. Mott and Mr. Cook do carry the Bill to the Council, and acquaint them that the lame has palled this Houfe.
Mr. Manning, one of the Members, informed the Houfe, that, from certain Information by him received, the Inhabitants of Aviboy are great Sufferers by their Houfes and Fences being deftroyed by the Troops now there, owing, in a great Meafure, to the Want of a proper Perfon or Perfons being appointed for purchaling a fufficient Quantity of Fire-Wood. Refolded,
That the Speaker do write a Letter to the Delegates for this State at the C i- tinental Congrefs, defiring they will endeavour to have fome fuitable Perfon or Perfons appointed in Amboy to furnifh the Troops with Fire-Wood, in order that the Property of the Inhabitants of that Place may be in future prelerved, and the Grievances complained of remedied.
Mr. Combs, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Acl for the Support of Government of the State of New-Jerfey, to commence the twcnty-feventh Day o/"Augufl One'Yhoufand Seven Hundred and Seven- ty-fix, and to end the fecond Tuefday in October which will be in the Tear One Thoufand Seven Hundred and feventy -f even, and to dif charge the publick Debts and contingent Charges thereof ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Woodhull, from the Committee appointed to infpecl the Minutes and Laws, ^t. made the following Report:
Bufinefs referred from the laft Seflion of Alfembly.
1. The Petition of that Part of Somerfet lying in the Borough of Elizabeth^ praying to be annexed to Effex County.
2. The Petitions for and againft a Bill for the Manumiflion of Slaves.
3. The Petition from Webley Edwards, Prifoner for Debt in Monmouth Gaol.
4. The Petition from fundry Freeholders in Burlington County, praying that young Men who live with their Parents may be taxed.
The Committee do not find any Laws which have expired fince the laft Seflion of Affembly, or that will expire till the End of the next Seflion, except the Acl for Support of Government, which expires on the firft Day of Oclober 1776.
Mr. Mehelm has Leave of Abfence on an extraordinary Occafion. The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <&c.
A Petition was prefented from Captain Jofcph Badcock and John Ker, fetting forth, that the Company of Militia they belong to, have raifed, at an extraordinary Expence, their Complement of Men towards the three Thoufand three Hundred in the five Months Service, though other Companies have not raifed any, and praying that their Company may not be called out on Service, &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A Petition from Captain Jofcph Badcock was prefented, praying an Allowance
for taking Care of a fick Man in his Company while at New-York, &c. which
was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A MefTage
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquiie, Co
.
A Meflagefrom the Council by Mr. / Ordered, < mcil-Cbamh r, >'
^p II AT Mr. Fell do carry the Bill, entitled, An Act to render i ■*■ Credit a leg%l Tender within this State, and to prevent the cou fame, and other Bills of CreJit, to the I loud* of Aflcmbly for their Co Which Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houle adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, September 20 , 1776.
The Houle met. The Bill, entitled, An Acl to render certain Hills of Credit a legal 'I\ >. .' this State, and to prevent the counterfeiting the fame, .was read the Tin , a nil ordered a third Reading.
The Houle adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houle met. And the Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, cl
The Bill, entitled, An Act to /ruder certain Bills of Credit a legal this State, and to prevent the counterfeiting the fame, and other Bills oj > was read the third Time ; on the CUieflion, lie/lived linanimoujly,
Thar the lame do pafs.
Ordered,
TI ti Mr. Brown, and Mr. Cook do carry the (aid Bill to the Council and a quaint them that the iame has pa fled this Houle.
Mr. Brown reported, that Mr. Cook and himfelf had delivered the laid Bill to President in Council.
On Motion, Re/blved,
That the Speaker and any two Members be a diffident Number to meet a adjourn the Houle from Day to Day ; and alfo that the Speaker have Po er to convene the Houle whenever any extraordinary Occurrence lhall render it qc iary.
The Petition of William Parker, and others, fctting forth, that they are en in creeling Salt-Works, and praying the Houie would encourage it by vancing them a Sum of Money on eal'y Terms, civ. was read the fecond Ti . Ordered,
That Mr. Combs, Mr. Molt and Mr. Brown, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for that Purpofe.
Mr. Dick, from the Committee appointed to prepare the Draught of an A to His Excellency, brought in a Draught, which . I, ;u\d order. nd
Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Ninco'Clock.
Saturday, September 21, 1 776.
The Houfe met. The Draught of an Addrefa to His Excellency was read the fecond Time, and committed to a Committee of the whole Houfe; whereupon the Houle 1
F If
1 8 VOTES, ^f. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe upon the faid Addrefs ; and, after ibme Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chair- man of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had gone through the Ad- drefs to His Excellency, and had made feveral Amendments thereto, which he was ready to report whenever the Houfe would pleafe to receive the fame ; Ordered^ That the Report be made immediately ;
Whereupon Mr. Combs reported the Addrefs with feveral Amendments, which being read, Ordered^ That the fame be engrofled.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Elmer. Ordered Council-Chamber, Sept. 21, 1776.
THAT Mr. Elmer do carry the Bill, entitled, An A€tfor the more eafy procur- ing of Provender for the Horfes employed in the publick Service, to the Houie of Aflembly, and defire their Concurrence in the faid Bill. Which Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Ordered, That Mr. Combs, Mr. Price and Mr. Brown, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for the Payment of Incidental Charges.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Ten o'Clock.
Monday, September 23, 1776.
The Houfe met, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed to Bufinefs, adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met,
And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till To-morrow Morning Ten o'Clock.
Tuefday, September 24, 1776. The Houfe met.
A Petition was prefented from Chriflian Kroivs, a Prifoner for Debt confined in the Gaol of the County of Salem, praying Relief, <&c. which was read, and or- dered a fecond Reading.
The like Petition was prefented from Thomas Pitman, a Debtor confined in Burlington Gaol ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for the more eafy procuring of Provender for the Horfes employed in the publick Service \ was read the fecond Time, and ordered a third
Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
A Meflage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, in the following
Words :
Gentlemen,
YOU will fee by the Papers herewith laid before you, how greatly inadequate are all the Regulations refpecting the Militia of this State, now in Force, to anfwer the good Purpofes thereby intended. The growing Evil, of which the
Inftance
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Coven.,,. 19
Inftancc mentioned in Lieutenant-Colonel Van VorJTs Anfwcr to Brigadier-General ' IViUuimforis Orders is the ftrongeft and molt melancholy Exemplification I bare hitherto met with, demands your molt ferious Attention. I am therefore confi- dent that your Zeal for the Defence of the State will induce you fo to frame the Militia Bill, now before the Legillature, as to prevent, in future, the dangerous Confequences that may refult from a iimilar Conduct in the Reft of our Ba lions, who, to their great Honour, have hitherto regulated their Actions 1 by their Love for their Country, than the Imperfection of it's Laws.
Sept. 24, 177 6, WIL. L 1 V I N G S T ON.
Which Meifige was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Petition from Jofepb Badcock and John Kcrt was read the fecond 'lime, and referred to the Committee of Grievances.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Petition from Jojeph Badcock was read the fecond Time, and referred to the Committee of Grievances.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock. V ednefday, September 25, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Aci for the Support of Government, Sec. was read the fe- cond Time, and committed to a Committee of the whole Houfe ; whereupon the Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the faid Bill ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combt% Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had made fbme 1 grefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till Three3 P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the w. ole Houfe on the Bill for Support of Government ; and, after lome i im pent t'.. in, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committi , reported, that they had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them re- ferred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Eight o'clock.
Tburfday, September 26, 1776.
The Houfe met. A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit. Gentlemen,
THE Neceflity of fpcedily regulating the Price of Oats, II iv and otfc vender for Horles, to facilitate the forming a Magazine lor the C iti- ncntal Troops, will, I hope, apologize for my recommending to vou to g>ve II poilible Difpatch to the Bill for that Purpofe now under your Consideration ; ai I to lay before you the Letter herewith transmitted as farther evinci\e of the Need- fity of adopting that Mcafure.
Prineeton, Sept. 26, 1776. Wl L. L I V I N G S 1' ON.
Which
20 VOTES, Q&. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Nezv-Jerfey.
Which MefTage, with the Letter from Clement Biddle, Efq. Deputy-Quarter-Maf- ter-General, therein referred to, were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from the Honourable John Han- cock, Efq. Prefident of the Continental Congrefs, to the AfTembly, with a Num- ber of Refolutions of Congrefs ; which were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for the more eafy procuring Provender for the Horfes employed in the publick Service; was read, and committed to Mr. Moores, Mr. Boiven and Mr. Combs.
Mr. Harris, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act for the better enabling the Judges, &c. to tax Bills of CoJlt &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from the Honourable Richard Stockton, Efq. a Member of the Continental Congrefs, in anfwer to a Letter from the Speaker of this Houfe, refpecling the providing Fire- Wood for the Troops at Perth-Amboy and elfewhere in this State, with the Refolution of Congrefs thereon, which was read.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Speaker being neceffarily abfent, the Houfe proceeded to the Choice of a Speaker pro Tempore, whereupon Theunis Dey, Efq. was chofen to officiate till the Speaker can attend.
A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit.
Gentlemen,
IH E R E B Y tranfmit the Memorial of Captain Neil of the Artillery, accom- panied with a Letter from Brigadier-General Williamfon, fhewing the Ne- cellity of augmenting the Number of his Men, or reducing that of his Guns ; which I beg Leave to recommend to your Confideration as fpeedily as the more important Bunnefs of the Seffion will admit.
Sept. 26, 1776. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which MefTage, with the Memorial and Letter therein mentioned, were read, and ordered a iecond Reading.
The Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Efq. with the Refolutions of Congrefs respecting the railing four Battalions of Troops, &c. were read a fecond Time;
Ordered,
That Mr. Dick, Mr. Coxe, Mr. Boiven, Mr. Eldridge, Mr. Zabrijkie, Mr. Cookt Mr. Garritfe, Mr. Moores, and Mr. Peterfon, or any five of them, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council in a Conference refpecling the Subject Matter of the faid Letter and Refolves ; and that Mr. Woodhull and Mr. Ncwbold do wait on the Council arid acquaint them therewith, and defire they will appoint a Com- mittee, with the Time and Place of Meeting.
Mr. Woodhull reported, that Mr. Neivbold and himfelf delivered the MefTage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for the better enabling the Judges and Jufices of the State of New-Jerfey, to a/certain and Tax Bills of Cofl, 8cc. was read a fecond Time; on the QuefHon. Ordered,
That the fame be engrofTed.
Mr. Combs , from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill,
entitled,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor. 2.
entitled, An Act to encourage William Parker and others, to creel Salt-Works in the State of New-Jerfey ; which was read, and ordered a (econd Readi:
Ordered, That Mr. IVetherby be added to the Committee appointed to fettle the Trcafurcrs Accounts.
A Melfage from the Council by Mr. Fell.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Sept. 26, 17
THAT Mr. Conditl, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Symmes, and Mr. Sinnicljin, or any three of them, be a Committee to join with the Committee of the Houfe of All'cin- bly in a Conference on the Subject Matter of a Letter received from the Honour- able John Hancock, Efq. respecting the railing four Battalions of Troops in this State to lerve during the prelent War ; and that the laid ( Committees do meet for that Purpoie at the Houfe of William Whitehead, at fix o'clock this Evening. Ordered, That Mr. Fell do acquaint the Houfe of AlTembly therewith.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Eight o'Clock.
Friday, September 27, 1776.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee appointed to confer with the Committee of the Council on the Subject Matter of a Letter received from the Honourable John Hancock, Efq. reflecting the railing four Battalions of Troops to fervc (.luring the War, made the following Report, which was read and agreed to, to ii'it,
"VTOUR Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Council in a Con- *- ference on the Subject Matter of a Letter received from the Honourable John Hancock, Efq. reflecting the railing four Battalions of Troops to ferve during the War, beg Leave to report, That the faid Committees met in Confer- ence according to Order ; and, having deliberated on the Matters referred to their Confideration, have come to fundry Refolutions, as follow :
1. That it is the Opinion of the Committees that it is proper to comply with the Requisition of the Honourable the Continental Congrefs, by railing, 1^ fpee- dily as pollible, four Battalions of Troops to lerve during the War, and to be on continental Pay.
2. That, in order thereto, it will be proper to take the three Battalions tlrfl railed in this State, and now in the Service to the northward ni Albany % or huh Parts thereof as are willing to engage in the Service, into the Elt.iblilhnient ; relei \
to the Legillature the Power of re-appointing the Officers, at the End of the respective Terms of their former Enlistment, as the two Houles (hall think pro- per on a due Confideration of their Merits, and having due Regard to their former Rank.
3. That as to the fourth Battalion, and the Supplying fuch Deficiencies a . m happen in the three Battalions before-mentioned, it will be proper to give a Pre- ference, both as to the Officers and Soldiers, to the five Battalions now under the Command of General Heard ; the Officers to be elected out of Inch of them as Ihall apply, or lhall otherwiie lignify a Willingnefa to engage in ti. rice ; and the Soldiers to be enlifted by the Officers lb appointed, I > as not to interfere with their prelent Enlistment without the Content of the Commander in Chi
the Army.
4. That it will be proper to lend one or more Commiluoncrs, with proper ln-
G (tractions,
— — — — ■ ' i r j
22 VOTES, ®c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Neiv-Jerfey.
ftructions, to inquire into the State of the Battalions raifed in this State, and now in the Service, and their Difpofition to engage further in the Service on the new Eftablifhment.
Princeton, Sept. 27, 1776.
Ordered, That Mr. Dick, Mr. Mott, and Mr. Manning, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to oblige the Treafurer to give Security for the due Execution of his Office ; and to prefcribe the Mode in which the fame Security fhall be taken.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Smith.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Sept. 27, 1776.
/"T~N HAT Mr. Symmes be a Commifuoner to join with fuch Commifuoner or -*■ Commiffioners as fhall be appointed by the Houfe of Alfembly to inquire into the State of the Battalions raifed in this State now in Service, and their Dif- pofition to engage further in the Service on the new Eftablifhment. Ordered, That Mr. Smith do acquaint the Houfe of Affembly therewith.
Ordered, That Mr. Dey and Mr. Cook, or either of them, be a Commiffioner or Com- miffioners to inquire into the State of the Battalions raifed in this State, and now in the Service, and their Difpofition to engage further in the Service on the new Eftabliihment.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Smith.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Sept. 27, 1776.
/T"S HAT Mr. Condift be a Committee to join with a Committee of the Houfe -"- of Affembly to make a Draught of Inftruclions to the Commiffioners for in- quiring into the State of the Battalions raifed in this State and now in the Ser- vice, and their Difpofition to engage further in the Service on the new Eftablifh- ment.
Ordered, That Mr. Smith do acquaint the Houfe of Affembly therewith, and defire they will appoint a Committee for that Purpofe.
Which Meffage being read, , Ordered^
Dr. JOHN SMYTH, his Account cur—
To Balance of Account fettled by the Committees, Feb. 3, 1775, £• 20550 : 13 : 11 To Cafh received for Deficiencies on Support of Government for the Year 1774, viz.
Bergen, - - £. 260 : 1:0
Middle/ex, - - • 307 : 4
Monmouth - - - 610 : 7 : 9
a*
. 1177 : 12 : ni
To Balance received in full of old Arrears, - - 137 : 12 : i\
To Support of Government received for the Year 1775, viz.
Efex, - - - £.144:18:6$
Bergen, ... 232 : 1 1 : o
Somerfet, - - - 13:17:0
391 : 6:6±
To Cafh received on Bond for Deficiency of S. Skinner, 2920 : 0:6
£. 25177 : 6 : ij
William Livingston, Efquirc, Governor,
Ordered, That Mr. Dick and Mr. Combs be a Commitrcc to juin the Committee of the Council to make a Draught of the laid Inlli uclions.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houlc met.
Mr. Dick, from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill to oblige the Trea- surer to give Security, &c. brought in a Bill, entitled, ./// Ad to obltgi tk / finer of the State of New-Jerfey to give Security for the due I ... m of bis (> &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to encourage William Parker and others, t, J ://-
Works, ckc. was read the fecond Time, and committed to Mr. Holmes, Mr. Nt bold, and Mr. Mantling,
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Eight o'Clock.
Saturday, September 28, 1776. The Houfe met. The Bill, entitled, An Ad/or better enabling Judges and Juflices of the State of New-Jerfey, to a/certain and tax Bills of Cofl ; and for making Prov;. Law for
the Payment of the Services of the feveral Officers of the State ; ana the faid Officers from taking exorbitant Fees ; was read a fecond Time ; on the Queftion,
Ordered, That the fame be engroffed.
Mr. Dick, from the Committee appointed to join a Committee of the Council to make a Draught of Inftructions to the Commiihoners for inquiring into the State of the Battalions, &>c. brought in a Draught, which was read, and ore a fecond Reading.
Mr. Combs, from the Committee appointed to join a Committee of the Council to fettle the Accounts of John Smyth, Jofeph Smith, Samuel Tucker and John Dennis, Enquires, late Treafurers of this State, reported they had fevered Meetings for ad- juring and fettling faid Accounts, and with Leave he delivered the faid Accouj , which were reflectively read, and are as follow, viz.
'•t
rent with the Province of Keiv-Jcrfey, Cr.
By Bond of Stephen Skinner for Deficiency, - £. 5334 : 12 : 10
By fundry Vouchers produced, endorl'cd and allowed, 4374 : 15 : 6
By Balance of Sinking fund, - - - 7 -36
1776>J"ly '3- By Cafli paid Metfieurs Mehclm and^
Sergeant, a Committee appointed / f
by the Provincial Congrefs, as by C 4944 : '9 J
Receipt, ' -'
24. By ditto, as by Receipt, - 436 : 10 : o
30. By ditto Elmer, as by Receipt, - 719:12:6
Gici
By ditto in Treafury Chert: as by Mr. Stevens's Receipt of
July 1, 1776, By Amount of private Account, - - : 1 1 : 1
By Balance due, - - . . : 1 -
34369 : 8 : 3
£. 25.77 : 6 : 1 Princeton, September 28, 1776. John Smyth. rer.
HAVING examined the foregoing Accounts and the Vouchers tliei find a Ba-
lance due to the State oi A .-, of Eight Ik.
teen Shillings and Five-pence.
Error.! cxrehtr.l. —
24 VOTES, $$c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Dr. Province of Neiv-Jerfey,
GENERAL ACCOUNT. To Balance brought from Account for Support of Government, £. 2799 : 9 '• 5i Balance due to the Province carried below, - - 6195 : 13 : 9
£■ 8995
o m n *
£- « : *3
To my Salary as Treafurer, from June 1 to September 15,
at £. 40 per Annum,
To figning £. 41556 : 15 : o of the Loan-Office Money, 26 : 13 : 4
To exchanging £. 435 : 18 : 10, at Six-pence per Pound, - 10:17:11
49 : 4 : 7 Balance due to the Publick, - - 6146 : 9 : 2
£.6195 : 13 : 9
Dr. SAMUEL TUCKER, Treafurer, in Ac—
1776. Sept. 18. To Balance in my Hands, - - £. 7571 : 16 : 9
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor.
*5
to JOSEPH SMITH, <jk.
By Balance of Account of Money Jlruck for exchanging ragged ( r
and torn Bills, - . ^ £-6520:2
By Balance of Sinking Fund Account, - - *47S '• ' "■
Balance brought from above, - - . £. 6195 : 13 : 9
Errors excepted, September 19, 177G-
JosEPii Smith. Princeton, September 19, 1776.
HAVING examined the foregoing Accounts and the Vouchers thereto, do find a Ba- lance due from Jofeph Smith to the State of New-Jtrfey of 6'/.v TboufandOtu Hundred and Forty-fix Pounds Nine Shillings and Tivo-pencc.
J 1 1 1 1 s I'm, J ' I
count with the State of Kcw-ferfey, Cr.
1776.
Sept. 1 8. By Cafh paid John Mchelm, Efq. £. 17 : 14:0
Ditto paid Peter Tollman, Efq. - 1 : 16 : o
Ditto paid Thomas Hendry, Bounty, - 7:8:0
iG : 1 S : o Balance, ... 7544 : '8 J 9
£.7571 : 10 : 9
Errors excepted,
iSth September, 1776.
Samuel Ticker, Treafurer. Princeton, September 18, 1776.
HAVING examined the foregoing Accounts and Vouchers thereto, do find a Balance of Seven Thoufand Five Hundred and Forty-four Pounds Eighteen Shillings and Ifl ..- pence, due from Samuel Tucker to the State of Nezv-Jerfey.
Job m r 1 l,
John Combs.
N. B. There yet remains in the Hands of John Hart and Samuel How, F.fquires, two of the Signers, or one of them, £. 1 15 : 14 : 6, to make up the Wollcrn Share ol the £. 50,000 : 5, being £. 25,000 : 2 : 6.
II Dr.
26 VOTES, ®c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey,
Dr. JOHN DENNIS, Treafurer, in Ac-
1776. Sept. 18. To Sundries from the other Side, - - /'. 5455 : 8 :
Refolded, That John Smyth, Efq. one of the late Treafurers of this State, do pay the Sum of Eight Hundred and Seven Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Five-pence, be- longing to this State, and now in his Hands, into the Hands of the Honourable Richard Smith, Efq. the prefent Treafurer ; and that the faid Treafurer do give the faid John Smyth, Efq. a Receipt for the fame ; and the faid Richard Smith be accountable to the Legiflature of this State for the faid Sum.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Scudder.
Council-Chamber, Sept. 28, 1776.
IT appearing to the Houfe that the Honourable the Continental Congrefs have appointed a Committee, confiding of one Delegate from each State, to employ proper Perfons to purchafe, in their refpective States, a fufEcient Number of Blankets and Woollens fit for Soldiers Cloaths ; and that they take the moil ef- fectual and fpeedy Methods for getting fuch Woollens made up and diftributed among the regular Continental Army, in fuch Proportion as will befr. promote the publick Service ; and that they alfo purchafe all other neceffary Cloathing for the Soldiers in fuch Proportions as they judge, upon the beft Information, will be wanted ; and that faid Committee be authorifed to draw on the Prefident of the Congrefs for the Sums neceflary to execute this Bufinefs, they to be account- able for the Amount of their Draughts and Difburfements : And it alfo appear- ing to the Houfe that the faid Committee of Congrefs met on the 26th Inftant, and agreed that the Refolution fhould be laid before the Affembly or Convention of each State, and that they be recommended to appoint the proper Perfons and fix the Places where the feveral Articles purchafed fhall be lent, that they may from thence be tranfmitted to the Army in their proper Proportions. Ordered,
That Mr. Sinnickfon, Mr. Elmer, and Mr. Smith, be a Committee to meet with a Committee of the Houfe of Aflembly in a Conference on the Matters recom- mended to them by the Honourable the Continental Congrefs. Ordered,
That Mr. Scudder do acquaint the Houfe of Aflembly therewith, and defire them to appoint a Committee for that Purpofe, to meet at the Houfe of William Whitehead, at fix o'Clock this Evening.
Ordered, That Mr. Dick, Mr. Coxe, Mr. Zabrijkie, Mr. Bo-wen, Mr. Cook, and Mr. Wc- therby, be a Committee to meet with the Committee of the Council in a Confer- ence on the Refolve of Congrefs refpecting the providing Cloathing, &c. in this State, for the Continental Army.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor.
count with the State of Neiv-jfafey, CR>
\
I776' T, L
Sept. 1 8. By the Amount of Monies difburlccl, as appeared by I'undry
Vouchers examined and approved, - . f.
By Balance due from John Dennis to the State of Ntw-Jerfey, tyoi : o : 7
p ■ , c , / o £' 5455 : 8 : 9
Princeton, September is, 1776.
HAVING examined the foregoing Accounts and the Vouchers thereto, do find .1 lance of Two Tboufand Seven Hundred and 7 '■/ P md pence, due from
John Dennis, Efq. Trcal'urcr, to the State of A u -j
Jo 1 1. 1.,
John Combs.
The Houfe met, And the Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Nine o'Clock.
Monday, September 30, 1776.
The Houfe met, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed to Dufin adjourned till Two, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Draught of Inftructions to the Commiffioners for inquiring into the State of the Battalions, &c. was read the fecond Time, to which the Houle agreed, and are as follow :
"1I7HEREAS the Honourable Congrefs hath refolvcd that eighty-eight Batta- '* lions be enlifted as foon as polhble to ferve during the prelent War, and have recommended to this State to raile four Battalions, being their Ouota of laid Troops ; the Legiflature of this State, thinking it highly proper to comply with the Requeft of Congrefs, hath come to the following Refolutions:
1. That they will raife, as fpeedily as poffible, four Battalions to ferve during the prefent War, on the Terms in the Refolve of Congrefs (pecified.
2. That, in order thereto, it will be proper to take the three full railed Batta- lions in this State, and now in Service to the northward of Albany, into the Eftabliihment, or Inch Parts thereof as are willing to engage in the Sen Serving to the Legiflature (he Power of re-appointing the Officers, as the two H >ulea ili-ill think proper on a due Confulcration of their Merits, and having R rrd to their former Rank, at the End of the respective Times of their former Servi<
3. That as to the fourth Battalion, and the fupplying inch Deficiencies as may happen in the three Battalions before mentioned, it will be proper to give Preference both as to Officers and Soldiers to the five Battalions now under the Command of General Heard ; the Officers to be elected out of l'uch of them as fhall apply, or lhall otherwife Signify their Willingneis to engage in the Servi and the Soldiers to be enlifted by the Officers lb appointed, 10 as not to intei I with their prelent Enliftmcnt, without the Conient of the i inlcr in Chief of the Army.
4. That it will be proper to lend one or more Commillioncrs with Inllrnelie , to inquire into the State of the Battalions railed in this State, and now in Ser- vice, and their Disposition to engage farther in the Service on the new LlUblilhment.
In
28 VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
In Conformity to which Refolves you, Gentlemen, are appointed Commiffioners for the Purpofes above-mentioned : You are therefore to repair with all convenient Speed to the Stations of the aforefaid Battalions ; and proceed, by the moft prudent and effectual Means, to execute the Intent of your Commiffion, by procuring Returns of the Battalions raifed in this State, with the Condition of their Cloath- ing, Arms and Accoutrements ; and inquiring of the General and Field-OfEcers, under whom they have ferved, the refpedive military Abilities and Services of the Captains and Subalterns who may fignify their Willingnefs to ferve during the prefent War ; and likewife the Number of able-bodied non-commiiTioned Officers and Soldiers willing to engage in the Service upon the Terms held out by the Honourable Congrefs.
We need not fuggeft to you the Neceffity of ufing the greateft Delicacy in be- coming acquainted with fuch well authenticated Fads and Annecdotes as may throw Light on the military Character and Abilities of fuch Field and other Officers as may expect to be employed in the Service of this State : But as it is of the laft Conlequence that none be employed in fuch important Offices, who have not manifefted a Zeal for the common Caufe, and a Capacity for, and Improve- ment in military Knowledge in Proportion to their Opportunities ; you will not neglect any probable Means which may lead to the neceffary Difcovery.
And as the Nature of the Service requires that fuch Officers, whofe prefent Engagements are nearly expired, mould be immediately empowered to enlift Men in their refpedive Battalions ; you may therefore affure fuch Captains and Subalterns in the three firft Battalions, as may be willing to engage in the Ser- vice on the new Eftablimment, (if on the belt Information you think they merit the Appointment) that on making Return of their Companies, when filled, they fhall be commiffioned.
But as the Circumftances of the Battalions are various, and many unknown to the Legillature, it is impoffible to point out the particular Line of your Con- dud • we therefore fubmit to your Difcretion the taking fuch other. Steps as by you i'hall be deemed expedient for accomplifhing the great End of your Jour- ney recommending to you to take Notes of all fuch Incidents and Information, in the Execution of your Commiffion, as you ihall think proper to be laid before the Legillature.
By Order of the Committees,
Princeton, September 28, 1776. Silas Condict,
Samuel Dick.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock.
Tuefday, October I, 1776. The Houfe met.
Mr. Dick, from the Committee appointed to join the Committee of the Council on Ways and Means to provide the Army with Cloathing, &c. made the follow- ing Report, which was read and agreed to, and is as follows, viz.
YOUR Committee, appointed to confer with a Committee of the Council on the Refolve of Congrefs refpeding the providing Cloathing, &c in this State for the Continental Army, beg Leave to report, That it appears to the Conferees that it will be proper to appoint the Reprefentatives in Council and Affembly of this State Commiffioners in their refpedive Counties for the Purpofes mentioned in the Refolve of Congrefs : And it is the Opinion of the Conferees that the Sum of Thirty Tboufand Dollars is neceffary in this State for executing the Pur-
pofe
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor. 29
pofe of faicl Refolve ; and that the Committee mentioned in (aid Refolve he re- queued, through the Honourable Richard Stockton, Efq. to draw on the Honour- able John Hancock, Efq. for laid Sum.
The Conferees recommend further, William C. Houfionznd Jonathan Baldwin proper Peribns to be employed in tranfarting (aid Bufinefs at Pbiladelpk Ordered^
That Mr. Buck and Mr. Manning do inform the Council that this Houfe have nominated William Churchill Houjlon and "Jonathan Baldwin, to proceed ;<> Phila- delphia, and receive of the Honourable the Congrcfs the Sum of 30,000 Dollars for purchafing Cloathing, &c. in this State, whole Expences are to be borne bv this State; and that this Houle do defire the Council to concur in the laid mination.
Mr. Buck reported, that Mr. Manning and himfelf delivered the Meflage with them entrulted to the l'refuleut in Council.
A Meflage from the Council by Mr. Ccndicl.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, (Jcf. 1, 1776.
'"pHAT Mr. Condicl do acquaint the Houfc of Aflembly that this Houle con- -*• curs in the Nomination of Mr. Houfton and Mr. Baldwin, agreeable to their Meflage of this Morning.
A Meflage from the Council by Mr. Smith, Ordered, Council-Chamber, Oil. I , I ;
'THAT Mr. Smith do carry the Bill, entitled, An Art to confirm and eflablijh the ■*• federal Courts of Jujlice •within this State, to the Houle of Aflembly lor their Concurrence.
Which Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itli.lt into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for Support of Government ; and, after Ionic Time (pent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and had come to ieveral Refolutions, which he was ready to report whenever the Houle would pleafe to receive the fame ; Ordered,
That the Report be made To-morrow Morning.
The Houle adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to confirm and ejlablijh the fever al Courts of Jujlice •within this State ; was read the fecond Time ; Ordered, That the lame have a third Reading.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, 6'f.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
// cdiitflay, Oclobcr 2, 1 776. The Houle met. The Bill, entitled, An Art to confirm and cjlabhjh the fever al Courts of Ju,. Jytthm this State, was read the third Time ; on the Queftion. Refohed, ^
That the lame do pafs.
I
3o VOTES, Qfa of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Ordered,
That Mr. Mac Eiven and Mr. Vandike do carry the faid Bill to the Council, and acquaint them that it has palTed this Houfe.
Mr. Mac Eiven reported, that Mr. Vandike and himfelf delivered the Bill to them entrulted to the Prelident in Council.
Rejhlvcd,
That the Treafurer of this State pay out of the publick Money to the Honour- able John Cleves Symmes, and Theunis Dey, Efquires, Commiffioners appointed to go to the northern Army, or either of them, the Sum of Sixty Pounds to defray their Expences ; and that their Receipt, or the Receipt of either of them, be a fufficient Diicharge to the faid Treafurer ; and that the faid 'John Cleves Symmes and Theunis Dey do account to the Legislature for the Expenditure of the fame. Ordered,
That Mr. Camp and Mr. Hathorne do carry the faid Refolution to the Council, and delire their Concurrence therein.
Mr. Camp reported, that Mr. Hathorne and himfelf delivered the Meffage to them entrufted to the Prelident in Council.
The Bill, entitled, An A€t for the InJpecTwn of Gun-Powder , was read the fecond Time ; on the Queftion, Ordered^ That the fame be engrofled.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Conditl. Ordered, Council-Chamber, Ocl. 2, 1776.
THAT Mr. Conditl do acquaint the Houfe of Affembly that this Houfe doth concur with them in the Refolution of this Morning refpedling the Sum of Sixty Pounds to be advanced to the Honourable John Cleves Symmes and Theunis Dey, Efquires.
Ordered, That Mr. Combs, Mr. Mac Eiven and Mr. Garritfe, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to afcertain the Fees to be taken for Commiflions to be iffued to civil and military Officers, &c.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Symmes. Ordered, Council-Chamber, Ocl. 2, 1776.
THAT Colonel Symmes do carry to the Houfe of Affembly the Bill, entitled, An A€tfor ejlabliflnng a Court of Admiralty and Cuflom-Houfes within the State of New-Jerfey.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for eflablifloing a Court of Admiralty and Cuflom-Houfes within the State of New-Jerfey ; was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Combs, according to order, reported the Refolutions of the Committee on the Bill for Support of Government as follows :
1. Refolded, That in and by the faid Bill, when paffed into a Law, there be paid to His Ex- cellency William Livingston, Efq. Governor of this State, at the Rate of £. 500 per Annum ; and, on the Queftion, Whether the Houfe agrees thereto or not ? ii paffed in the Affirmative as follows :
Ye.'
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efqujrc, C
OVCl
V
Yeas. Mr. Boar J, Mr. Camp, Mr. Garritfe, Mr. Combs, Mr. Manning, Mr. Cm>£, Mr. Woodbull, Mr. SA<#«-, Mr. Peter/on,
To which the Houfe agreed
Yeas. Mr. Gmt*, Mr. fla^r, Mr. Wet her by, Mr. Bourn, Mr. jfaoi, Mr. Vandike, Mr. Z)/V*, Mr. Tall mar..
Mr. Zabrijl Mr. 3//. / .tr//, Mr. Hairnet, Mr. Afctf, Mr. Hathorne,
who voted fot £. :
2. To Jo&a Z)<r /iferf, Efq. Chief-Juftice of this State, at the Rate of £. 200 per Annum; and, on the Question, Whether the Houle agrees thereto carried as follows :
|
For £. 200. |
For £. 150. |
For j£\ 150. |
|
Mr. Zabri/kie, |
Mr. Tallman, |
Mr. (>,a/fr, |
|
Mr. Board, |
Mr. 5^/, |
Mr. IVoodhull, |
|
Mr. Garritfe, |
Mr. I l\t herby, |
Mr. Ma / |
|
Mr. Manning, |
Mr. Bo-wen, |
Mr. Vandike, |
|
Mr. Shaffer, |
Mr. flao*, |
Mr. J/*//, |
|
Mr. Peter/on, |
Mr. Hathorne, |
Mr. Holmes. |
|
Mr. CoAif, |
Mr. Camp, |
|
|
Mr. D/V£. |
Mr. Combs, |
Carried for £. 150 ; to which the Houfe agreed.
3. To Samuel Tucker, Efq. fecond Jufticc of the Supreme Court of this State, at the Rate of £. 100 per Annum ; and, on the Queftion, it pafled as follows : For/*, ioo. For £. 100. Mr. ZabriJMe, voted for £. 1 c 3
Mr. Woodbull,
Mr. Vandike,
Mr. iV/o//,
Mr. Tallman,
Mr. if^/,
Mr. Wctberby,
Mr. Holmes.
Mr. ZJ/W-, for
Mr. flw/t, for
Mr. Ccvf, for
Mr. .A/.; , for
Mr. Bourn, for
Mr. Hathorne, lor
150
140
'-5 "5
Mr. Board, Mr. Garritfe, Mr. Manning, Mr. S/wtffcr, Mr. Peter/on, Mr. Camp, Mr. Combs, Mr. Ccwt,
Carried for £. 100 ; to which the Houfe agreed.
4. To Francis Hopkinfon, Efq. Third Jufticc of the Supreme Court, at the Rate of £. 100 per Annum ; and, on the Queftion, it palled as follows :
For £. 100. For £. 100. Mr. Dick, voted for/*. 150
Mr. Board, Mr. Mae Ewen, Mr. Zabnjiie, for 125
Mr. Ca;w/», Mr- Vandike, Mr. CW, for
Mr. Garritfe, Mr. Holmes, Mr. /?«<■/-, fot
Mr. Co//;£j, Mr. ;1/o/r,
Mr. Mannings Mr. Tallman,
Mr. Coo/6, Mr. Ballet,
Mr. Woodbull, Mr. Wetberbj,
Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Bowen,
Mr. Peterfon, Mr. Hathorne.
Carried for £. 100 ; to which the Houfe agreed.
5. To William Pater fn, Efq. Attorney-General, at the Rate of 1'iventy F per Annum ; and, on the Queftion, it pafled as follows :
'-5
'3°
32
VOTES, ^. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
For £. 20. For £. 20. For £. 10. For nothing.
Mr. Zabrifkie, Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Garritfe. Mr. Peter/on,
Mr. Z?$W, Mr. Mac Ewcn, Mr. Holmes,
Mr. Gt/h^, Mr. femftie, Mr- Me«,
Mr. Combs, Mr. CW, Mr. Tollman,
Mr. Manning, Mr. VYcthcrby, Mr. D/V£,
Mr. Coo*, Mr. B«ff«, Mr- -&#/,
Mr. Woodbull, Mr. Hathorne. Mr. £«<:£.
Carried for £. 20 ; to which the Houfe agreed.
6. To Richard Smith, Efq. Treafurer, at the Rate of £. 40 per Annum ; and, on the Queftion, the Houfe agreed thereto, except Mr. Holmes and Mr. Mott, who voted for no Salary.
7. To the Clerk of the Circuits at the Rate of £. 20 per Annum ; to which the Houfe agreed.
8. To the Clerk of the Council the Sum of Ten Shi/tings per Diem ; to which the Houfe agreed.
o. To the Doorkeeper of the Council the Sum of Four Shillings per Diem, for the Time he (hall attend ; to which the Houfe agreed.
10. To any of the Juftices of the Supreme Court for holding Circuit Courts and Courts of Oyer and Terminer, <&>c. the Sum of Ten Pounds for each Time they fhall attend during the Continuance of this Act ; to which the Houfe agreed.
1 1 . To each of the Members of the Council for the Time they fhall attend at this or any Sitting of Affembly, the Sum of Eight Shillings per Diem ; to which the Houfe agreed.
12. To each of the Delegates in Congrefs, the Sum of Twenty Shillings per Diem for their Attendance, &c. to which the Houfe agreed.
13. To Jonathan Deare, Efq. Clerk of the Houfe of Reprefentatives, or any other Clerk for his Attendance, the Sum of Ten Shillings per Diem ; and alfo the Sum of Four-pence per Sheet, reckoning ninety Words to the Sheet, for entering the Minutes fair in the Journal, and copying the Laws and Minutes for the Printer ; to which the Houfe agreed.
14. To Ifaac Collins, or any other Printer, for printing the Laws and Minutes, fuch Sum as John Hart, Robert Friend Price, Peter Tollman and Jqfeph Holmes, Efq ui res, or any two of them, fhall agree to be paid for the fame ; to which the Houfe agreed.
15. To the Sergeant at Arms for the Time being, who fhall attend the Houfe of Reprefentatives, the Sum of Three Shillings per Diem ; and to the Doorkeeper of the Houfe who fhall attend the fame, the Sum of Four Shillings per Diem ; to which the Houfe agreed.
16. To the Speaker and every of the Members of the Houfe of Reprefentatives for the Time they may attend at any Sitting during the Continuance of faid Act, the Sum of Eight Shillings per Diem ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'clock.
Thurjday, Oftober 3, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An h&for ejlablijlnng a Court of Admiralty and Cujom-Houfes
•within
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquii^ Gdvei
zvithin the State of New-Jerley, was read the fecund Time, and committed to
Mr. Gjxe, Mr. Mott and Mr. Combs.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to encourage William Parkier and others, to a Works in the State of New-Jerley, was read the fecond 1 ime ; on the Quclkii Ordered^ That the fame be engrolTcd.
The Houle having gone through the Hill for Support of Government, the fame was read, and committed to Mr. Coxe and Mi. Tollman.
The Joint-Committee, appointed by both Houfes to prepare a Great Seal, beg Leave to report :
HplIAT they have cbnfidered the Subject, and taken the Sentiments of feveral ■*■ Gentlemen thereon, and are of Opinion that Francii ii Efq. il
lie immediately engaged to employ proper Perfons at Philadelphia to prepare a Silver Seal, which is to be round, of two and a hair" Inches Diameter, and three- eights of an Inch thick; and that the Arms (hall be three 1' in an Efcutcheon, the Supporters Liberty and Ceres, and the Creff. a Horfe's Head ; theft Words to In- engraved in large Letters round the Arms, viz. The Great Seal of the State of New-Jciiey.
By Order of the Commit!, .
Richard Smith, Chairman. The above Report being read,
Rcfoh'cJ, That the Joint-Committee afore/aid do engage Francis Hopkinfon, Efq. accord- ingly ; and that he be authorized to draw on the Treafurer of this State for the Expense or' the Great Seal.
Ordered,
That Mr. JVooJ 'hull and Mr. Tollman do acquaint the Council therewith, anil re their Concurrence. ^
Mr. Dick, with Leave, brought in a Bill, entitled, An AA for better regulating
the Militia ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houle adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houle met.
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee on publick Accounts, reported the Account of Caleb Camp, Klcj. with this State, as follows :
H . Mr. CALEB CAMP, in Account current with the State i ) Cr.
1776. To Ca(h received from } ,.
Jtbn Demjt, Efq. £ .*• *62 : ° : ° To do. received from do. .0:0
/'. 5.2:0 Balance due to Mr. 14:7
/."• 57(>-7 ■ -
By the Amount Dfhu .V oOBt lor Cannon, Carriag< -, fire Anns, Shot, Lead, intrench"
ing Tools, &c. 6\. /'. --'■ : 7 :
THE Committee appointed to fettle publick Accounts having examined the abovr count, ami the Vouchers relative thereto, do allow the fame, and find a Balarto 8 '• Shilli e due to Mr. C ':/>.
Oclobcr 3, 17; Charles <
1 l 11. Di< k,
> . K R 1'. \ .
K l'o in
34 VOTES, &V. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Four feparate Petitions from Edivard Lewis, Edward Lewis, jun. John Leake, and William Williamfon, infolvent Debtors in the County of Somerfet, praying Relief ; were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Woodhull reported, that Mr. Tallman and himfelf delivered the MefTage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
A MeiTage from the Council by Mr. Sinnickfon.
Council-Chamber, 061. 3, 1776.
THE MefTage from the Houfe of AfTembly containing a Refolution that the Joint-Committee do engage Francis Hopkinfon, Efq. to procure a Great Seal, and that he be authorized to draw on the Treafurer of this State for the Expence thereof, having been read and confidered, Refolved, That this Houfe do concur in the faid Refolution.
Ordered, That Mr. Sinnickfon acquaint the Houfe of AfTembly therewith.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to oblige the Treafurer of the State of New- Jersey to give Security for the due Execution of his Office, <&c. was read the fecond Time ; on the Queflion, Ordered,
That the fame be engrofTed.
The EngrofTed Bill, entitled, An Act for the Infpeclion of Gun-Powder, was read and compared ; on the Queflion, Refolded, That the fame do pafs.
The EngrofTed Bill, entitled, An Act to encourage William Parker and others to ere6i Salt-Works, &c. was read and compared ; on the Queflion, Refolved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Zabrijlie and Mr. Garritfe do carry the faid Bills to the Council for their Concurrence.
Mr. Zabrifkie reported that Mr. Garritfe and himfelf delivered the Bills to them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Bill, entitled, An Aft: for better regulating the Militia, was read the fecond Time, and committed to a Committee of the whole Houfe ; whereupon the Houfe accordingly refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the faid Bill; and, after fbme Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had made fome Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, OSlober 4, 1776.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Combs, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to af certain the Fees to be taken by the Governor and Secretary on Commifftons granted to Judges, Jufices, military and other Officers in the State of New-Jerfey ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A MefTage
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Ifquiic, Governor. 35
A Meffagc from the Council by Mr. ( Ordered, Council-Chamber, Off. a, 1776.
np HAT Mr. Ccndicl do carry the Bill, entitled, An Ac! to punijh Traitor t and ■*■ difaffecled Perfons, to the Houfe or" Aflembly for their Concurrent
Which Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe again, according to Order, rclolvcd itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that they had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the I lou e agreed.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to punijh Traitors and difaffciled Persons, was read the iecond Time, and ordered a third Reading,
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to encourage William Parker and others to ereel Salt- Works, ckc. being returned to this Houle with feveral Amendments made thereto by the Council, the fimc, with the Amendments in their Places, were read ; on the Queftion, Whether this Houfe agree to faid Amendments ? It palled in the Affirmative. Ordered, That the laid Bill and Amendments be re-engrofTed.
The Bill, entitled, An Acl to punijh Traitors and di faffed ed Perfons, was read the third Time ; on the Queflion, RJolved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Dick and Mr. Manning do carry the faid Bill to the Council, and ac- quaint them that the fame is palled by this Houle.
Mr. Dick reported, that Mr. Manning and himfelf delivered the Bill with them entrulted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
A Meflage from the Council by Mr. Fclk
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Ocl. 4, 1776.
npHAT Mr. Fell do acquaint the Houfe of Aflembly that the Bill, entitled,
An Act for the Infpcction of Gun-Poxuder, is palled by the Council without any Amendments.
The Houfe again, according to Order, rcfolved itfclf into a Committee of the whole Houle on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee bad made lomc further Progrefs in the \ litters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again: to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, OSlobcr 5, 177^.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee to whom was committed the Bill, entitled, Acl for ejlablfhing Courts of Admiralty and Cujlom-Houfcs, &c. hating repotted
the
36 VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
the fame with one Amendment, the faid Bill, with the Amendment in it's Place, was read and agreed to by the Houle. Ordered, That Mr. Manning and Mr. Hat home do carry the fame to the Council and defire their Concurrence therein.
The Re-engrofled Bill, entitled, An Act to encourage William Parker and others to erect Salt-Works, &C. being read and compared ; Ordered, That the Speaker fign the fame.
Ordered, That Mr. Manning and Mr. Hathorne do carry the fame to the Council.
Mr. Manning reported, that Mr. Hathorne and himfelf delivered the Bills with them entrufted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, in the following
Words :
Gentlemen,
A S the Term for which our Militia were ordered to join the Flying Camp will ^* expire next Week; and while the Enemy is in PoffelTion of St at en- IJl and, there appears to be the fame Necefftty for our Troops to occupy the proper Stations for preventing their Incurfions into this State, which there was when they were firft called out, I beg Leave to recommend this Matter to your ferious Confederation. — Should any of the Militia remain at Elizabeth-Town Point during the Winter, it feems to be abfolutely necefTary that Barracks mould be immediately built for that Purpofe, as the Seafon is fall approaching in which the Men cannot be fcreened from the Inclemency of the Weather by Tents.
Princeton, October 5, 1776. Wit. LIVINGSTON.
Which Meflage was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Ordered, That Mr. Coxe and Mr. Cook do wait on His Excellency and defire to know when and where he will pleafe to be waited on with the Addrefs of this Houfe.
Mr. Coxe reported, that Mr. Cook and him£lf had waited on His Excellency according to Order, who was pleafed to fay the Houfe fhould hear from him in a few Minutes.
A Meffage from His Excellency by the Secretary, informing the Houfe that His Excellency was in the Council-Chamber ready to receive the Addrefs of the Houfe ; whereupon Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and with the Houfe went to wait on His Excellency ; and being returned, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and reported, that the Houfe had waited on His Excellency, and delivered the Addrefs in the following Words :
To His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor, Captain- General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New-Jerfey, and Terri- tories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the fame ;
The ADDRESS of the ASSEMBLY of the State of Neiv-Jerfey.
May it pleafe your Excellency, y
\ I7HILST we anticipate the Bleffings of a Government founded on Freedom,
'" having for its fole Object; the Happinefs of the People, it affords the moft
pleafing Reflection that all our Meafures for attaining that great End, are flrongly
marked with Deliberation and Firmnefs, and will bear the ftricteft Scrutiny of
Realbn
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efqdiw, Governor.
Reafbft and Conference. To thofe difpofed to trace the Ffand ol appi |
vea in our Deliverance from the galling Yoke of Slavery, the anparallelled Una- nimity of the American States in refitting the Encroachment i of Defpotifm, and refufing the infiduous Offers of precarious Peace — the Rejection ol our Pctiti
though fraught with un refuted Reafoning and clear Demonftration, joined to infatuated Policy or our Enemy, and the Saccefs of our Anns, afford the moft unequivocal Marks of Providential Agency ; wiiilll our Willi even to relin-
quifh ibme of our indubitable Rights for the Sake of Peace — our Patience under
repeated Infults and Injuries — the Declaration of our Rights, and con In-
dependence, long delayed — plainly evince to the ini|uicial World our AverfiorJ to fhedding Human Blood. But, compelled by the infatiate Plunderers of the
Ealt to allcrt our Freedom, we have hard the Bands of political Slaw: aroie into a Life of Liberty. Thus lituate, we cannot evin ■ fully to the
World the Purity of our Intentions, and our Senle oPthe Value or our Purcli than by placing, in the moft confpicuous Point ol View, thole Gentlemen who have taken an early and decifive Part in our glorious Struggle for Freedom.
Our Conviction Of the Rectitude of your Excellency's Intentions Hands confefT- cd, by your Appointment to the Office of Chief Magiftrate of this free Sr ire. But whillt we feel our own Inadequacy to the Bulinels alligned us by our Country, we mufl acknowledge with your Excellency, that your Talk is arduous ml and entreat you to look up with us, to the indulgent Parent or the Unirerfe, who, when the End propolcd is damped with his Approbation, can make the Abilities keep pace with the Will.
Convinced with your Excellency of the Neceility of a well-regulated Militia for the Defence of a free State, and of their being duly paid for their Service, our earlieft Attention lhall be given to that molt important Bulinels ; and permit u>, Sir, tj a dure you, that, whillt we have aught to bellow, the Voice ol murmur- ing for Services unpaid, or Merit unrewarded, lhall not be heard in this State.
If, in fixing the Seat of Government according to the local Circumllances and Convenience of the various Parts of this State, we mould appoint a Place agree- able to your Excellency, it will double our Satisfaction. The Law in ntioned, and fuch other lalutary Regulations as may occur to your Excellency during this SelTion, when communicated to us, (hall meet with all due Attention.
Your obliging Mention of the Importance of the Station in which the uncor- rupted Voice of our Conitituents hath placed us, demands our Acknowledgmei and will, we hope, fpirit us to Inch Exertions in our Duty, as may redound to the Benefit of the State : And we allure you, with Sincerity, that, laying alidc all private Attachments and Rcientmcnt, it lhall be our Study to cultivate that Harmony between the Branches of the Lcgill iture, that Spirit of Oeconomv, Indultry and Patriotiim, fojultly recommended, and lb ellential to the publick Welfare; and that whillt our Heaven-directed Generals and Soldiers, with an ardour peculiar to Freemen, brave the Dangers of well-fought Fields, againlt the lawlefs Sons of Rapine and Plunder, ours lhall be the important Talk, in Con- junction with your Excellency and the Honourable Council, to give our Deliberations and ufeful Reiolves, the molt unambiguous Marks of that Spirit which ought to animate a Senate of Freemen.
We hope that no Situation in Life can make us lofe Sight of that evident Truth, lb loudly proclaimed in the hiltoric Page, that dillblutenefs of Manner- an 1 po- litical Corruption are inleparable Companions in the Deltrucfou of Kingdo whillt the concurring Tcltimony of the infpired Penman will enforce on the moft obdurate Heart, that Rigbteoujnefs exaltetb a . but that Sht is a Reproach to
any People. Determined to employ the Talents given in procuring, ami tr ani- mating inviolate to Pofterity, the fair Inheritance of civil and religious I
I. though
3 8 VOTES, &. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
though bought at the Price of Life, we will look, for the Permanency and Sta- bility of our new Governmeut, to Him who bringeth Princes to. nothing, and
teacheth Senators Wifdom. house of AssEMBtY. By Order of the Houfe,
°^""5'1776- JOHN HART, %^r.
To which His Excellency was pleafed to make the following Anfwer :
Gentlemen,
YOUR kind and affectionate Addrefs deferves my cordial Thanks ; and I feel myfelf moft agreeably affected with your obliging Affurances of paying all due Attention to the Laws and Regulations recommended to your Confideration.
I heartily participate with you in the Pleafure of tracing that confpicuous Pro- vidential Agency which has hitherto fruftrated the fanguinary Purpofes of our Enemies ; and which, that it is not more generally and devoutedly acknowledg- ed, is greatly to be deplored. But while with pious Gratitude we furvey the frequent Interpofitions of Heaven in our Behalf, we ought to remember, that as the Difbelief of an over-ruling Providence is Atheifm ; fb an abfolute Confidence of having our Deliverance wrought out by the immediate Hand of God, with- out our own Exertions, is the moft culpable Prefumption. Let us therefore in- flexibly perfevere in exerting our moft ftrenuous Efforts, in an humble and ra- tional Dependance on the great Governor of the World ; we have the faireft ProfpecT of furmounting all our Difficulties ; and of feeing our mercilefs Oppref- fors involved in that DeftrucTion which they have fo long been meditating for
others.
WIL. LIVINGSTON.
A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Elmer. Ordered Council-Chamber, Oct. 5, 1776.
HAT Mr. Elmer do carry the Bill re-engroffed, with the Amendment made by the Houfe of Affembly, entitled, An Act for efablifhing a Court of Admi- ralty, &c. to the Houfe of Affembly.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met.
The Bill for Support of Government, &c. having been taken into Confidera- tion, and feveral Amendments made thereto in the Houfe ; on the Queftion, Ordered, That the fame be engroffed.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Nine o'Clock.
Monday, October 7, 1776. The Houfe met, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till Two, P. M.
The Houfe met. The Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Efq. Prefident of the Continental Congrefs, and a Refolve of Congrefs recom- mending that proper Perfons be appointed to examine thofe who offer to ferve as Surgeons or Surgeons Matesin the Army and Navy, &c. and requesting that Meafures be taken to caufe, as fpeedily as poffible, a full Reprefentation of this State in Congrefs ; which Letter and Refolve were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The
T
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquije, <
The Bill, entitled, An Act to a/certain the Fees to be taken by the Go. ctary on Commijjions, &c. was. read the fecund Time ; un icitiot),
Ordered, That the fame be engrofled.
The Houle adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'CJocfc
Tuefday, Od after 8, 1 776,
The Houle met,
And the Speaker being abfent, adjourned till Two, P. M
The Houle met.
Mr. Speaker being neceflarily abfent, the Houfc could not proceed on Bufincfs, or adjourn without choofing a Speaker, the Houle therefore proceede I to the Choice of a Speaker fro Tempore, during tfie Ablence of the Speaker, when %bu Combs, Efq. was chofen for that Purpofe, and took the Chair.
A Meflage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
Gentlemen^ .
"LMxOM the many Advantages that will redound to the Service in general, as ■*■ well as to this State in particular (too obvious to be mentioned) from appoint- ing the neceflary Officers for railing at leaf! two of the four Battalions requefted of this State by the Honourable the Congrefs, before the Return of your Com- miflioners ; I beg Leave earneftly to recommend to you, to let on Foot the railing thole Levies without any Lofs of Time.
Princeton, Oil, 8, 1776. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which Meflage was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Ad to oblige the Tre i/'urcr of the State of Ncu- Jerfey, to give Security for the due Execution oj his. Office, cvc. was read and com- pared ; on the Queftion. Refolded, That the fame do pafs.
The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Acl to af certain the Fees to be taken by the Governor and Secretary on Commijfions to civil and military Officers, Sec. was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refolved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Wetherby and Mr. Holmes do carry the laid Bills to the Council for their Concurrence.
The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Ac! for the Support of Government, ike. was read and compared ; and, on the Queftion, Whether the lame do pals' It v carried in the Negative.
Mr. Wetherby reported, that Mr. Holmes and himfelf delivered the Bills to them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Houfc withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, fro. after fome Time th returned, and the Speaker took the Chair.
On Motion, Refolved, That Richard Smith, Efq. Trcafurcr of this State, do pay to each of the Members of the Council and Aflcmbly for their Attendance at this Sitting | f Ai-
lemblj
VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
fembly at Princeton^ Eight Shillings per Day, for as many Days as the Prefident or Vice-Prefident of the Council, the Speaker, or any three Members of the Af- fembly, mail %n a Certificate for, certifying the Number of Days fuch Members have attended ; and alfo to the Clerks of the Council and AfTembly, Ten Shillings per Day for their Attendance this Sitting, for lb many Days as the Prefident of the Council, or Speaker of the AfTembly, (hall certify fuch Clerks have attended ; and alfo to the Sergeant at Arms, Three Shillings per Day, and to the Doorkeepers of the Council and AfTembly eacli Four Shillings per Day, for fb many Days as the Prefident or Vice-Prefident of the Council, or Speaker of the AfTembly, do certi- fy they have attended.
Ami Refolded alfo, That the (aid Richard Smith do pay the Certificates of the late Members of Convention ; and alfo that he pay to Meffieurs William Churchill Houfton and Jonathan Baldwin, Six Pounds for thf ir Trouble and Expences in bringing the Money from the Continental Congrefs at Philadelphia.
Ordered,
That Mr. Cook and Mr. Boiven do wait on the Council with this Refolution, and defire their Concurrence therein.
Mr. Cook reported, that Mr. Bo-wen and himfelf delivered the Meflage with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Houfe adjourned to meet at Burlington on Wednefday the thirteenth of November next.
B UR L INGTO N, Wednefday, November 13, 1776.
The Houfe met purfuant to Adjournment, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Thurfday, November 14, 1776.
The Houfe met, And, for Want of a fufficient Number of Members, adjourned till Two, P. M.
The Houfe met,
And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members, adjourned till To- morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, November 15, 1776.
The Houfe met, And, there not being a fufficient Number of Members, adjourned till Three, P.M.
The Houfe met, And, there not yet being a fufficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufi- nefs, adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, November 16, 1776.
The Houfe met. Mr. Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Efq. with fundry Refolutions of the Continental Congrefs therein enclofed ; which were read, and ordered to be referred to the Joint-Meeting.
The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efqirixe, Governor;
4»
The Houfe adjournc.l till Three, J\ M.
The Houfe met. Ordered,
That Mr. J)ey and Mr. Covenhoven be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council to provide Ways and Means to lend the Shoes and St , and Inch
other Articles as are in Readinefs to he lent, to the northern \ lD|e
to the Requeft in a Letter from the Honourable Richard Stockton, 1 the Delegates of the Continental Congrels ; and that Mr. Buck do acquaint the Council therewith, and defire they will appoint a Committee for mat Pur- pole, with the Time and Place of Meeting.
Mr. Buck reported, that he had delivered the Meflage with him cntrufted to the Prefident in Council.
A Meflage from the Council by Mr. Fell. Ordered, Council-Chamber, Nov. i6t ij~6.
npHAT Mr. Smith be a Committee to join the Committee of the Houfe of
A Affembly to provide Ways and Means to lend the Shoes and StOckin fuch other Articles as are in Readinefs to be lent, to the northern Army ; that the faid Committees meet for that Purpole at the Houfe of Jofepb ■ at
Nine o'Clock To-morrow Morning ; and that Mr. Fell do acquaint the Houfe of Aflembly therewith.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Nine o'clock.
Monthly, Nove tuber 18, 1776.
The Houfe met.
On Motion,
Ordered, 1
That Mr. Combs, Mr. Coxe and Mr. Tiillman, be a Committee to briog in a Supplementary Ad to the Ad, entitled, An Act to punijh Traitors and difaffa, Perfons.
Ordered, That all Perfons having any publick Accounts unfettlcd with this State, 1 bring in the fame in the fecond Week of the next Sitting of Aflembly, in order that the fame may be fettled ; and that the Members do publilh this Order m their refpeclivc Counties.
A Petition was prefented from Edivard Hqputctt, fctting forth, that he is a great Sufferer by having a Quantity of Hay and Corn deitroyed by the Troops quar- tered in Amboy, and praying Relief, 6v. which was read, and ordered to be n a fecond Time.
A Petition was prefented from Captain Job Shepherd, of Colonel Charles /i. .;./'.-. Battalion, in Burlington County, letting forth, that his Company have been out in Service and not received their lull Pay and Rations, and praying Relief, which was read, anil ordered a fecond Reading.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting of both Houfcs.
The Houfe adjourned till Three. P. M.
The Houfe met.
± ill. liuun. iiiv.1,
A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pcttit.
M
Gentle'
42 VOTES, fifc of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Gentlemen,
THE Council having refolved that the feveral Clerks of the Counties in this State, do immediately call upon and tender to every Judge and Juifcce of the Peace in their refpecfive Counties, not already qualified, the Oaths of Abju- ration and Allegiance, and Oath of Office, and make Return without Delay to the Governor, as well of the Names of thofe who will, as of thofe who will not qualify. I think it necdTary to recommend it to the Houfe previoufly to make Provifion for paying the faid Clerks for the above Service.
Burlington, Nov. 18, 1776. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Members withdrew to attend the Joint-Meeting, &c. And
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Tncfday, November 19, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Petition from James Drake and John Voorhees, Ferrymen at New-Brunf- nvick, repfecling the Ferriage, &c. preferred at the lafl Sitting, was read the fecond Time ; and, after fome Debate thereon, and the Queftion being put, Ordered,
That the faid Petition do lie on the Table.
The Speaker laid before the Houfe the Bond given by Richard Smith, Efquire, Treafurer of this State, with Securities in the Sum of £. 20,000 for the due Exe- cution of his Office ; which Bond having been read and taken into Confideration by this Houfe, the Houfe do approve of the faid Bond and Securities j Ordered,
That Mr. Mott and Mr. Botven do carry the faid Bond to the Council for their Concurrence. Ordered,
That Mr. Talbnan, Mr. Harris and Mr. Camp, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to appoint proper Perfons to examine thofe who offer to ferve as Surgeons or Surgeons Mates in the Army and Navy, agreeable to the Requeft of Congrefs.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Mott reported, that Mr. Boiven and himfelf delivered the MefTage with them entrufted to Mr. Scudder, one of the Members of the Council, the Council not fitting.
Refolved, That Levi Murrel be Sergeant at Arms to this Houfe during the prefent Sitting.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
IVednefday, November 20, 1776.
The Houfe met.
His Excellency the Governor's MefTage of Monday laft, was read the fecond Time ;
Ordered, That Mr. Mehelm, Mr. Woodhull and Mr. Manning, be a Committee to prepare an Anfwer to the faid Meflage.
The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efouirc, Governor. 43
The Iloule adjourned till Three, P. \\.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Mebelm, from the Committee appointed to that S , brought in .1
Draught of a Meffage to His Excellency, in an I 1 his Mcfl
lalt ; which was read, and ordered to be cngroflrd.
The Engrofied Meflage to His Excellency was read and compared, and is as follows :
Ordered, 'TpHAT Mr. Coxe and Vix.Wabcrby do wait on Hi. ! . ejlencj and inform ■*■ him, that the Houfe have taken into their Consideration Ji ;cncv's
e of the 1 8th Initaiu ; and, in anfwer thereto) beg Leave to obferve, • if thole Perfons appointed by Dedimus P.otefiatem have neglected tice required by a Law of this State to thole appointed Officers in the k\ Counties, they are no Doubt accountable for Inch Negletl j and that the I Joule cannot think it expedient at prclent, to make Provifion for paying the Expence of notifying them, especially as by the beft Information we can procure, the principal Objection to qualifying with many is, the Payment of Fees for fuch Commithons as are not lucrative ; which Grievance can be rcdrcfTed by an of the Legislature only.
A MelTage from the Council by Mr. Paterfon. Ordered, /~pvH AT Mr. Pater/en do carry the Hill, entitled, An Act to obviate Doubts ivitb *■ Rcfpcft to the Authority of CounfcUcrs, to the Houle of Ailembly lur thek Concurrence;
V Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o 'Clock.
Thurjday, November 21, 1776.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Tallman, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to appoint proper Perjbtu to examine thofe who offer to fen Surgeons or Surgeons Mates in the Army, ike. agreeable to the Requisition of Con* greis ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Two MefTages from His Excellency by the Secretary as folio-.
Gentlemen,
[ HAVE to acquaint you that Mr. Hopkinfon, who was lately appointed one of -*- the [uflices of the Supreme Court of this State, has returned me his Com* million for that Office, informing me, with Exprellions of great /.eal and Her for this State, that the Honourable the Continental ( have been pleafcd to
appoint him to an Office which will occalion his Removal from Nin 'Jerfej,
Burlington, November 21,1776. WIL. LI VI tfG STON.
Gentlemen, A DJHTAN'I' William Bott, an Ofliccr of great military Skill and real Merit, LJ -** at prclent without any Rank or Pay : I mull therefore recommend il t • to give him the Rank, and that he be allowed the Pay of, Colonel, which the Adjutants have ufually had. As an Attack upon thi^ State is daily d, this
Matter requires the greater Difpatch, fince without 1> ink be would, mould he- have the Misfortune to fall into the Enemy's Hands, be Created private
Soldier. —
44 VOTES, 8fr. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Soldier. Belldes my perlbnal Knowledge of his unwearied Zeal and Activity in
the Service, I herewith fend you a Letter from General Williamfon, in Proof of his great \3& and Importance in our Militia.
Burlington, November 11,1776. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which MeJf.iges, and alfo a Letter from General WiHiamfon, fent with the laft Melfage, were read, and referred to the Joint-Meeting.
A Petition was prefented from Robert Smith of Burlington, fetting forth, that he was appointed by an Act of the late Affembly one of the Signers of the £. 125,000, emitted by faid Acl: to be let out on Loan; that the Commiffions allowed to the Signers is inadequate to the Service, &c. and praying ajuft Allowance for the Services performed ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe again, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after ibme Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and delired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time ipent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that they had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
A Melfage from the Council by Mr. Cooper.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Nov. 11, ij"j6.
THAT Mr. Cooper do carry the Bill, entitled, An Acl to a/certain the Fees to be taken by the Governor and Secretary on Cotnmi/fwns to civil and military Officers in the State of New-Jerfey, with the Amendments thereto annexed, to the Houfe of Affembly, and defire their Concurrence in the faid Amendments.
Which Bill, with the Amendments in their Places, was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A Petition was prefented from fundry Inhabitants of the Townfhip of Loiver- Penns-Neck, in the County of Salem, praying a Law to empower the faid Townlhip to raife a Sum of Money by a Tax, &c. to rebuild and keep in Repair the Bridge over Salem Creek at Stony- //land ; and that thofe who do not otherwiie contribute to faid Bridge may be fubjed to a Toll, &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit.
Gentlemen, VHE Refolution of Congrefs, a Copy of which is hereunto annexed, is but too well founded not to merit the moft ferious Attention. Through the Creduli- ty and Inattention of fome of thofe who have hitherto been entrufted to grant PafTes to Travellers, I have the greateft Reafon to believe that many have been very improperly and imprudently granted : I therefore recommend it to your Delibera- tion, in Conjunction with the Honourable Council of this State, to confer the Authority of granting fuch PermifTions on fuch Perfons only on whofe Prudence
and
T1
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Lfquirc, Governor. 45
and Circumfpection you can rely, and to take the molt Ipccdy and effectual Mea- ling to Hop all Communication between this State and the Enemy's Quart that lhall not be directed by proper Authority.
Burlington, Nov. 21, 1776. W I L. LIVINGSTON-
Which Meflage, with the Refblution of Congrcfs fent therewith, were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Friday, November 22, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Bill, entitled, An Acl to a/certain the Fees to be taken h the Governor and Secretary on Commijjions, &.c. with the Amendments made thereto by the Council, was read the (econd Time, Ordered^
That the fame be again read and confidercd in the Afternoon.
A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Tcttit.
Gentlemen,
IEUTENANT-Colonel Jecamiah Smith having refigned his CommiiTion as Lieutenant-Colonel of the firft Regiment ot Foot Militia in the County of EJfex, whereof Edward Thomas, Efq. is Colonel, as incompatible with the Exe- cution of his Office as Sheriff of the laid County, to which he hath lately been appointed ; 1 think it my Duty to notify to you his (aid Refignation ; that you may, in Conjunction with the Council, (upply the Vacancy by the Election of another Lieutenant-Colonel to the laid Regiment, with all convenient Speed.
Burlington, Nov. 22, 1776. W 1 L. LIVINGSTON.
Which MefTage was read, and referred to the Joint-Meeting.
A Petition was prefented from Samuel Miller, jun. praying an Act of the Legif- lature to encourage him in erecting a Salt-Works at Squan or Tom's River, in the County of Monmouth ; which was read, and Ordered a fecond Reading.
A Petition wa6 prefented from Kenneth Andcrfon, Efq, Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the County of Monmouth, letting forth, that he had applied to Jofeph Leonard, late Clerk of (aid Court, for the Records and Papers belonging to the Clerk's Office, which faid Leonard had refilled to deliver, &c. and praying the Houfe would make fbme Order therein ; which was read, and ordered a lecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. Col. Dey, one of the Commiflioncrs appointed to inquire into the Condition of the Troops railed in this State, and now in Service in the northern Ai mv, nude the following Report, which was received by the Houfe, and is ab follows : /T~V H E Commiffioners appointed by the Honourable Council and General Al- "■* fembly of the State of Nciv-Jerfcy, to inquire into the Condition ot the Jerfcy Troops to the northward of Albany, and the Dilpolition of the Ollicers to engage in the Continental Service during the War, beg Leave to report :
That your Commiffioners having, with all ppulble Difpatch, repaired to Tuon- deroga, did there, as far as they were able, inquire into the Condition of the Troops of thisjStatc.
Your Commiffioners found the Soldiers deftitute of many Articles of Draft J
N Suppliej
46 VOTES, &v. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Supplies of every Kind they want ; but Shoes and Stockings they are in the laft Neecflity for, many having neither to their Feet.
Your Cummiluoners believe, that the Troops are well provided with Provifions ; and they have Plenty of Arms.
Relpecting the Diipofition of the Officers to engage in the Service, your Com- mVffioners beg Leave to fay, That it is with the greate'ft Chqerfulnels the moft of the Officers are ready, on your Appointment, to lei ve their Country during the War ; a very tew declines, as may appear from the Returns of the feveral Regi- ments, which your Commiffioners beg Leave to lay before you. The Characters of the Officers may be drawn from laid Returns, and a lew Anecdotes of fbme of the genera] Officers, which are at your Command.
John Clev'es Symmes,
Burlington, Nov. 21, ijj6. TheunisDey.
Mr. Dey alfb laid before theHoufe fundry Letters and Papers; which were read, and ordered to be referred to the Joint-Meeting.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to ajcertain the Fees to be taken by the Governor and Secretary on ComvvJJions, 8cc. was again read with the Council's Amendments in their Places ; and, on the QuefHon, the Houfe agreed to eight of the Amendments made by the Council, and reject the laft Claufe or Amendment ; Order t'd,
That Mr. Covenhoven and Mr. Cook do carry back the faid Bill to the Counc'* and acquaint them therewith.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Morning Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, November 23, 1776.
The Houfe met.
On Motion, Ordered,
That John Johnjlon, Efq. one of the Signers of the Loan-Office Money, tranfinit the Money yet in his Hands, as foon as the fame is iigned and ntu. bered, to Richard Smith, Efq. the prefent Treafurer of this State, to be figned by faid Treafurer ; and that Mr. Deare, Clerk of this Houfe, do give Mr. Johnjioti Notice thereof by Letter.
Refolved, That this Houfe will make Provifion for the neceffary Expence of keeping two Horfes in Readinefs in this Place, during the prefent Sitting of AfTembly, for the Purpofe of fending ExprefTes. Ordered, That Mr. Covenhoven do wait on the Governor and acquaint him with this Refolution.
The Petition of Samuel Miller, jun. praying an Act to encourage him in erect- ing Salt-Works at Squan or Toms River, &v. was read the fecond "Time ; Ordered,
That Mr. Camp, Mr. Combs and Mr. Price, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for the Purpofe mentioned in the Petition.
Mr- Covenhoven reported, that Mr. Cook and himfelf delivered the Bill with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia j and, after fome Time fpent
therein,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Lfquirc, Gorc^or.
therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Qmbs, Chairman ol the Com- mittee, reported, that they had made iomc further Progress in the Matters to them
referred, and deli red Leave to fit again j to which the Houfe agi
Mr. Peterfon, Mr. Bogart and Mr. Cose, have Leave ol Ablencc on particular Bulinels.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Sinnielfon.
( ::>a. I Chamber, Nov; 2 J, 1776'. 'THE Houfe, having taken into Confederation the Meflage frora the Hot |
-* Aflembly received this Morning, are of Opinion, that it is proper to ba free Conference with the Ilouie of Aflembly on the lubjcel Matter of th Meflage.
Ordered, That Mr. Fell, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Paterfon and Mr. S) mines, be a Committee to meet with ;i Committee of the Houfe of Aflembly in a free Conference on the fubjecl Matter of their Meflage reipcding the bill, entitled, An Ac! to after tain she Fees to be taken by the Governor and Secretary on CommiJJions , ckc. and that the Vice-Prelident be rcquefted to alhll in the laid Conference. Orders!, That Mr. Sinnickfon do acquaint the Houfe of Aflembly therewith, and requeft them to appoint a Committee for that Purpofe ; and that this Houfe pro] oft that the laid Conference be held in the old Meeting-Houfe at three o'clock this Afternoon.
Which Meffage having been read and confidered,
Ordered, That Mr. Mehclm, Mr. Combs, Mr. Covenboven, Mt.WoodhulI, Mr. Mac Eivern, Mr. Manning, Mr. Cook and Mr. Camp, be a Committee to meet the Committee of the Council in a free Conference on the fubject Matter of the laid Meflage; and that the Speaker be requefted to affilt in the laid Conference. Ordered, That Mr. Dey and Mr. Drake do wait on the Council and acquaint them there- with.
Mr. Dey reported, that Mr. Drake and himfelf delivered the Meflage with them cntrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Ten o'Clock.
Monday, November. 25, 1776.
The Houfe met,
And, there not being a fnfficient Number of Members to proceed on Bufinefs, adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Committee appointed to meet the Committee of the Council in a free Con- ference on the bill for afcertaining the Fees to be taken on Commiilioi. made the following Report, which was read, viz.
' I VH E Committee appointed to meet the Committee of the Council in a i'rec A Conference on the Council's laft Amendment to the Bill for afcertaining the Fees to be taken on Qpmmifljons, o c. report, that it was agreed bj (aid Commit- tees that the Secretary be paid a Sum in Grofs, to ivit, One Hundred Pounds for ifluing Gommiilions to the Judges, Julticcs of the Peace, Coroners and Militia
( )iiicers
48 VOT.ES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jtrfej.
Officers of this State, for one Year, to commence the firft Day of September
Jail.
By Order of the Committee,
John Hart, Speaker.
On the Queftion, Whether the Houfe agrees to faid Report or not I It was
carried in the Affirmative.
A Menage from his Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit. Gentle tht •:,
I HEREWITH tranfmit you a Vote of Congrefs of the 10th Inftant, urging the Neteeffity of pur/uing the moft immediate and vigorous Meafures for rur- nifhing our Quota of Troops for the new Army, and beg your fpeedy Attention to that important Matter. — Surely, Gentlemen, you will think it neceffary to poftpone every Thing of lefs Importance, and devote your Time to this effential Bufinefs.
As the Enemy will probably take the Field early in the Spring, it is certainly our Duty to be ready to meet them, and for this Purpofe to exert ourfelves the approaching Winter to complete our Complement of the Army agreeable to the new Eftablithment ; and as the Time for which the Troops now in Service is 16 near expiring, it muft be obvious that not a Moment Ihould be loft in railing the new Levies, or the Country muft be in a defencelefs Situation.
Burlington, Nov. 25, 1776. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which, with the Refolve of Congrefs therein referred to, were read, and or- dered a fecond Reading. .
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houle on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time /pent therein, Mr. Speaker re fumed the Chair, and Mr: Combs, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that the Committee had made fome further Progrefs in the Mat- ters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed. The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Tuefday, November 26, 1776.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Combs, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to empower all Conjlables tioiv in Office to execute the fame under the prefent Government, &.c. which was -read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Mehclm, with Leave, brought in a Bill, entitled, An A3, for the raiftng of four Battalions ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed'the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that the Committee had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and delired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Bill, entitled, An hCtfor the taifing of four Battalioqf, was read a fecond Time ; and, on the Queftion, ordered to be engrafted.
The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor. 4g
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
// f din-flay, November 27, 1776.
The Houfe met.
The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Act for the rai/iug of four Battalions, was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refolved, That the Bill do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Manning and Mr. Mac Ewcn do carry the (aid Bill to the Council and defire their Concurrence thereto.
Mr. Manning reported, that Mr. Mac Eiven and himfclf delivered the Bill to them entrufted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, alter lbme Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Combs, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that they had made fbme further Progrefs in the M.itters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houlc agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houie met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to empower Confl'ables now in Office to execute the fame under the prefent Government, &c. was read the fecond Time, and committed to Mr. Manning, Mr. IVoodhull and Mr. Bowcn.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Fell.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Nov. 27, 177
^THAT Mr. Fell do acquaint ^he Houfe of AlTembly that the Bill, entitled, An -*• Aczifor the raifmg oj four Battalions, is pafled by this Houfe without auy Amendments.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Thurfday, November 28, 1776.
The Houfe met. Mr. Morning, from the Committee to whom was committed the Bill, entitled, An A<fl to empower Conflables now in Office to execute the fame under the prefent Go- vernment, and for appointing others in cafe of Death, &C. reported the fame with one Amendment, which being read, on the Queflion, Ordered, That the Bill as amended be engrofled.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, 6'<\ And The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend the Joint-Meeting, c"
And the Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Friday, November 29 , 1776.
The Houle met.
O The
5o VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Nrw-J, .
The Engroffed Bill, entitled, An Act to empower Conjlables noiv in Office to <. . the fame, &c. was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refolved, That the Bill do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Woodhull and Mr, Neivbold do carry the faid Bill to the Con defire their Concurrence thereto.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend the Joint-Meeting, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, November 30, 1776.
The Houfe met.
A Petition was prefented from Mary Parent, praying Leave to go a nd her Hufband Home, who fome Time ago fled to the Enemy, 6 v. which wa and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Woodhull reported, that Mr. Neivbold and himfelf delivered the Bill - them entrusted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to appoint proper Per fans to examine ihofe ivho \ ■ fcrve as Surgeons or Surgeons Mates in the Army, &c. was read the fecond Time; and, on the Queftion, Whether the Bill be engroffed or not ? It p fed in the Negative. Ordered, That Mr. Clark, Mr. Tallman and Mr. Holmes, be a Committee to bri Bill to pardon certain Fugitives from the State of Neiv-Jerjey.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Ordered, That the 500 printed Journals of the Proceedings of the late Convention I diftributed in the feveral Counties as follows :
To Bergen County
EJfex
Middle/ex
Somerfet,
Monmouth
Morris
Suffex 20
To the Clerk of the Houfe for the Ufe of the Houfe,
Refolded, That the Treafurer do pay to Col. Richard Somers, the Sum of Tivo Hun Pounds, for the Purpofe of enlifting Men into the four Months Service, he to accountable for the fame.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <&c.
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Nine o'Clock.
MonG
|
33 |
Hunterdon |
68 |
|
37 43 AS 53 |
Burlington Gloucejier Salem Cumberland |
J -r 38 34 |
|
36 |
Cape- May |
0 0 |
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efouiic, Con,
Monday, December 2, 1776.
The Houfc met.
On Motion, and the Queftion, Whether Richard Smith, Efq. the prefent furer, be allowed the Sum of" £, 250, for executing the Office the prefent Y< in Lieu of the ufual Salary and Perquifites, except ligning Money ; lixtccu of the Members voted in the Affirmative. Refolved,
That Jojeph Smith, Efq. late Treafurer, do deliver to Richard Smith, Efq. the prefent Treafurer, the Balance of publick Money in his Hands; together with the Books and Papers belonging to the Publick ; and that thereupon the Secretary k\o deliver up the faid Jofeph Smith's Bond.
Ordered 3
That Mr. Holmes and Mr. Woodhull do requeft the Concurrence of the Coun to this Resolution.
The Houfe took into Confideration the prefent Poflure of Affairs, with an Ene- my in this State approaching towards Philadelphia, think it neceflary loon to rile and retire into their feveral Counties to provide for the Security thereof ; and nut * having Time to go through the Bill for Support of Government, providing for the feveral Officers thereof, have come to the following Refolution : Refolded,
That the Treafurer do pay unto the feveral Perfons following, to be by them accounted for when the Bill for Support of Government is palled into a Law, to wit,
To His Excellency William Lii'ingjlon, Efq. the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds.
To each of the Delegates of this State appointed in June laft, or which hare been appointed during this Sitting, Twenty Shillings per Day for each Day they have attended the Congrels from the Appointment in 'June laft.
To each Member of the Council and Alfcmbly, Eight Shillings p r Day for their Attendance at this and the late Sitting of Aflembly, the Council to he paid \\[)<>n "Warrants figned by the Governor in Council, and the Members of Aff. bly by Certificates figned by the Speaker, or any two of the Memb
To Charles Pcttit, Efq. Clerk of the Council, and to Jonathan Dearc, I -k
of this Houfe, the Sum of Thirty-one Pounds each, for Wages, Pen, Ink, I and extraordinary Services.
To the Sergeant at Anns of this Houfe the Sum of One Pound Sixteen Shilliai
To the Doorkeeper of the Council the Sum of Four Pounds.
To the Doorkeeper of the Aflembly the Sum of Seven Pounds One Shilling and Ninc-juncc, for his Attendance, fire-Wood and Candles,
To Thomas Pplgrcen flrwlings, Efq. the Sum of Nine, Pounds , for thirty Days Attendance in infpccling the Prefs when the Loan-Office Money vv.;s primed.
To Richard Smith, Efq. for thirty-four Days in the iane Service, the hum Ten Pounds Four Shillin ■ r.
To Mrs. Mecom for the Ufe of the Room for the Aflembly at thio Sitting, tl Sum of Three Pounds.
To David Olden for his Account for carting Aflembly Books at fundry Tim. and other Services, Five Pounds Fifti
To Tbcophilus Timer and Abraham Clark, Efquires, the Sum of Six P Eighteen Shillings and Five-pence, Eatpences ifl going to the Camp by (>w! ■; oi the Houfe.
To //aac Collin i, in full of his Account, the Sum of Sei-entv-:-. teen Shillings and Fivc-peme.
./
52 VOTES, S&. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Kav-Jerjh.
Ordered, That Mr. Holmes .and Mr. Wood hull carry the foregoing Refolution to the Council and defire their Concurrence therein.
The Houfe adjourned to Tut/day the 18th Day of February next, to meet at Trenton.
PITTs-TO^N, Wednefday, January 22, 1777.
Purfuant to a Notification from the Speaker, the Houfe met, but there not being a fufHcient Number of Members to proceed to Bufinefs, the Speaker adjourned the Houfe till To-morrow.
Thurfday, January 23, 1777.
The Houfe met purfuant to Adjournment, when a Number fufHcient to proceed to Bufinefs appeared.
The Houfe adjourned to meet To-morrow Morning at Nine o'Clock at the Friends Meeting-Houfe.
Friday, January 24, 1777.
The Houfe met.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Peti'il as follows:
Gentlemen,
A FTER feeling with you for the Depredations and Cruelties perpetrated by the -^* Enemy in their Incurfions into Part of this State, by taking the Advantage of the Time when fo great a Part of our Army was entitled to a Difcharge, and of the well known Defects of our Militia Law ; I embrace this Opportunity to congratulate you on the important Enterprize againft them at Trenton, and the fignal Victory obtained over them at Princetonhy the Troops under the Command of His Excellency General Wajfjington, with the repeated Succefs of the American Arms in the feveral Skirmifhes we have had with them fince thofe memorable Events. They have indeed marked their Progrefs with Devaluation and Murder ; and contaminated the Britijh Arms with Barbarities unknown to civilized Na- tions ; but fo far from any efTential Benefit redounding to them from their Ir- ruption into this State, or their having made the leaft Advances towards fub- duing the Continent of America, they are now obliged to fliut themfelyes up in a fmall Corner of a Colony, over which, but a few Days ago, they ridiculoufly arrogated univerfal Empire. As their Blunders, if poilible, are equal to their Cruelty, I am perfuaded that unlefs we are wanting to ourfelves, we have no Reafon to be difpirited in our righteous Conteft with a Prince and a People whom God Almighty, by thus infatuating, feems determined to deftroy. But it being our Duty, in an humble Reliance upon Providence, to exert our utmoft Elforts for aififting the Troops of the United States in expelling thofe refined Barbarians from our Territories ; and fully fenfible as we muft now be, how very inadequate is our Militia Law to draw out our whole Force for that Purpofe, I would moit earneftly recommend it to you not to fuffer any Bufinefs of inferior Moment to poftpone your Deliberations on that important Subject.
Pitt's-Town, Jan. 24, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquiic, Coven
The Houfe adjourned to Wednefday the 29th Inttant, to meet ;it 1L;,!.! uJidJ, in the County of Gloucejhr.
HAD DON FIELD, Wednefday, January* ^, ,777.
The Houfe met,
And, there not being a futlicient Number of Member.-, to proceed on Bull, the Sneaker adjourned the Houfe till To-morrow Ten o'clock.
Thurjday, January 30, 1777.
The Houfe met. ReJolvcJ, That Thomas Smith be Doorkeeper to this Houfe.
His Excellency's Meffage of the 24th Inftant was read the fecond Time ;
Order, d, That the Houfe do this Afternoon refolve itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia.
The Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from Abraham Clark, Efq, a Mem- ber of the Continental Congrefs; one from Samuel Tucker, Efq, re! peeling the I of the publick Money ; and one from the Commiflary of Cloathing for the north- ern Army ; and alfo fundry Refblves of the Honourable the Continental Cong, all which were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The Letter from Samuel Tucker, Efq. reflecting the Lofs of the publick Money which was in his Hands, was read the fecond Time ; whereupon Mr. Speaker < deflred to write to Mr. 'Tucker, requesting his Attendance on this lloule to give Information touching the fubject Matter of faid Letter.
Two MelTages from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pet tit, in the V. following :
Gentlemen,
TT being recommended by the Honourable the Congrefs to the refpeetive Legilla- -*■ tures of the United States to pafs fucha Law as will mod effectually prevent the counterfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery : I doubt not you will cheerfully comply with a Recommendation fl> juft and reafonable in icfelf, and fo necefTary to effectuate a Meafure of the laft Importance to fnppOft the Credit of the Continental Currency.
They have alfo tranf'mittcd to me their Resolution of the 30th of December lafl, " that no Bacon, faked Beef and Pork, Soap and Candles, except fucfa as may " be necefTary for the Crew, be exported from any of the United States after the 44 fifth Day of January now paft, until the in it Day of November next, or until 44 Congrefs fhall make further Order therein ; carneftly recommending it to the 44 executive Powers of the feveral United States to fee that the laid Refoluti " be complied with." But as I know of no Authority the executive Tower of this State has to prevent the Inhabitants from exporting the fan! Arti< les without an Act of Legiflation for that Purpofe, 1 would farther earneftlj imend
you to pafs a Bill for carrying the laid Recommendation into Effect, " M it will 11 be extremely difficult," the Congrefs juttly remarks, " if not impracticable, 44 fupply the Army of the United States with thofe Article, unlefa the Exporta- 44 tion thereof be prohibited."
Haddonfield, Jan. 30, 1777. WIL LI VINGST<
p
54 VOTES, S&. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Gentlemen,
TH E State is indebted to Richard Stockton, Efq. for his Wages in attending the Congrefs as a Delegate from this State for the Space of one Hundred and fifty Days ; and to Francis Hopkinfon, Efq. for his Attendance in the fame Capacity for the Space of fix Months ; for the Difcharge of which I hope Provi- fion will be made with all convenient Speed.
Haddonfield, Jan. 10, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had made fome Progrefs in the Mat- ters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Friday, "January 31, 1777.
The Houfe met.
A Meffage from his Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
Gentlemen,
"|WrR. Dehart having refufed to qualify as Chief-Juftice of this State, and Mr. Tucker, one of the Puifne Judges of the Supreme Court, having accepted of a Protection from the Enemy as I am credibly informed ; and Mr. Hopkinfon, the other, having declined to enter upon the Exercife of his Office, on Account of an Appointment by the Congrefs, which will require his Refidence in Philadel- phia, the State of our publick Affairs renders it indifpenfably neceffary that the above Offices (hould be immediately filled by a new Appointment.
General Williamfon and Lieutenant-Colonel Tomkin having refigned their refpec- tive Commiffions, I give you this early Notice of their Refignations to enable you to fupply thofe Vacancies, as foon as your other Bufinefs will permit.
Lieutenant-Colonel Leivis, of the Battalion of which Boives Reed, Efq. is Colonel, having a Protection f-om the Enemy ; and Major Sterling of the fame Battalion being removed out of the County of Burlington, the Colonel recommends Major Shreve to be appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain Oakey Hoogland to be appointed Major of the faid Battalion.
Haddonfeld, Jan. 31, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read,
Ordered, That the fame be referred to a Joint-Meeting.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
Gentlemen,
'TPHOUGH the Articles of War have fufficiently provided for the Punifhment x of Deferters, yet fo little Care is taken in this State to apprehend Deferters, that I conceive it a Matter well worthy the Attention of the Legiflature. And as the Defertion of Soldiers will, on the new Ellablifhment, be of greater Detriment to the United States than it was before, I would recommend it to you to pals a Bdl for the more effectual apprehending and fecuring all fuch Deferters from the Army of the United States as fhall be difcovered within the Bounds of this. Iladdonfield, Jan. 31, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efqilil*, Governor.
Which was read, and ordered a fecund Reading.
The Houfe having received Information from Col. Potter, that a Number of Men have enlifted into his Battalion, who have not furnilhed themfelves with Arms agreeable to the Acl of Allcmbly, and, in Confequence thereof, cannot be reviewed by the Commiffioners appointed lor that Purpoie ; and the Houfc being delirous to. promote the Service at this critical Juncture, do reiblve to rarniih the faid Men with Arms, and therefore delire 1 rbomai Denny, Klij. to mutter the (aid Men, that they may be immediately lent into Service ; and do alio appoint him a Commiflioner to purchale the laid Arms, and draw on the Trealurcr for Money for that Purpole. Ordered,
That Mr. Boiven and Mr. Camp do wait on the Council and defire their Concur- rence to the laid Relblution.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Boiven reported, that Mr. Camp and himfelf delivered the MeiTage with them entrulted to the Prelident in Council.
A MeiTage from the Council by Mr. Scudder.
Council-Chamber, Jan. 31, 1777.
THE Council having taken into Confederation the MeiTage received this Morning from the Houfe of Alfembly, with a Copy of their Relblution refpecling the furnilhing Col. Potters Battalion with Arms, and appointing a Comnhlfary for that Purpole ; Refolved, That this Houfe doth concur in the faid Refolution.
Ordered, That Mr. Scudder do acquaint the Houfe of AflTembly therewith.
The Petition of fundry Inhabitants of the Townfhip of Loiver-Penns-Ncch, in the County of Salem, praying a Law to empower the faid Townlhip to raife a Sum of Money by Tax, &c. to rebuild and keep in Repair the Bridge over Salem Creek, 6 c. was read the fecond Time ; on the Queftion, Ordered,
That the Petitioners have Leave to bring in a Bill.
His Excellency's MeiTage of Yefterday was read the fecond Time and confidcrcd ; Ordered,
That Mr. Holmes, Mr. Ne-wbold and Mr. Manning, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to prevent the counterfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery; and that Mr. Somers, Mr. Kid ridge and Mr. Molt, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to prohibit the Exportation of Bacon, (kited Beef and Pork, Soap and Candles, &c, *
His Excellency '^Meffage of this Day rclpecling Dcferters, being read the fecond Time, Ordered, That Mr. Harris, Mr. Price and Mr. Woodhull, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for the more effectual apprehending and fecuring Delerter s from the Army of the United States, o'C
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'clock.
«
Saturday, February 1, 1777.
The Houle met.
The
56 VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Ncw-Jerfey.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting of both Houfes, The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <&c. , The Houfe adjourned till Monday Nine o'Clock.
Monday, February 3, 1777.
The Houfe met.
A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, in the following Words :
Gentlemen, CINCE we left Pitt's-Toivn I am honoured with a Letter from His Excellency "^ General WaJJ/ington, dated at Morris-Toivn the 24th of- January laft, on the Subject of the Militia of this State. As from his Station in the Army, he mult be the beft Judge, and from his Attachment to the Liberties of America, and his particular Intereft in the Behaviour of the Troops under his Command, his Re- commendation deferves the moft ferious Attention, I doubt not you will, in your Deliberations on the Militia Bill now before your Houfe, receive it with the Re- fpect it juftly merits.
His Excellency obferves that the irregular and disjointed State of our Militia, makes it neceffary for him to inform me, that unlefs a Law is paffed by our Le- giflature to reduce them to fome Order, and oblige them to turn out in a differ- ent Manner from what they have hitherto done, we (hall bring very few into the Field, and that even thofe few will render little or no Service.
The General farther obferves that many of their Officers are of the lowed Clafs of People, and, inftead of fetting a good Example to their Men, are leading them into every Kind of Mifchief ; one Species of which is that of plundering the In- habitants under Pretence of their being Tories ; and he recommends the paffing a Law for putting a Stop to this Kind of lawlefs Rapine ; conceiving that, unlefs fomething is done to prevent it, the People will throw themfelves of Choice into the Hands of the Britijh Troops.
But our firft Object, in His Excellency's Opinion, fhould be a well regulated Militia Law. The People put under good Officers, would, he obferves, behave in quite another Manner ; and not only render real Service as Soldiers, but pro- tect, inftead of diftrefs, the Inhabitants.
What he would willi to have particularly infifted upon in the new Law is, that every Man capable of bearing Arms fhould be obliged to turn out, and not buy off his Service for a trifling Sum. We want Men, fays he, and not Money.
Thefe Obfervations are fo clearly founded in Reafon, and h?rve been fo frequent- ly verified by Experience, that they cannot fail, I fhould imagine, of gaining uni- verfal Affent on the leaft Reflection. And refpecting the Complaint of our Militia's violating private Property, that being more peculiarly in the civil Line, I had it in Contemplation to expoftulate with you to prevent this iniquitous Practice, be- fore I had the Honour of receiving His Excellency's Letter. A Practice which, however attempted to.be dignified with the Title of Patriotifm, or juftified under the Idea of inflicting condign Vengeance on the internal Enemies of our Coun- try, is not only repugnant to the Laws of the Land, whereby every Man's Pro- perty is fecured and protected, until it be declared forfeited by judicial Procefs, but has a manifeft Tendency to inflame the Minds of the Sufferers ; to excite Jealoufies and Contentions among the Inhabitants, at a Time when we ought to
be
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquhe, Governor. 57
be more efpecially ftudious of cultivating Unanimity mil Concord; to diffoft nmongft the Soldiers a Spirit of Licentioufnds and Rapine ; an. I, in i Word, to
relax all Dil'cipline in the military, as well as fubveu all Order in the civil, \ I partment.
Haddonjhld, Feb. 3, 1777. W I L. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting,
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Tuefday, February 4, 1777.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from His Excellency General Wajhingtoiiy refpe&ing the apprehending and fecuring Deierters ; which was read, and ordered a lecond Reading : He alio laid before the Houle fundry ReibWefl of Congrels relpecling the Continental Currency ; which were read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A Memorial was prefented by William HartJJjorne, fetting forth, that he has lately had a Cargo of Goods taken from him by one Charles Lovelan J, in Com- pany with fundry armed Men, who alledged he had Orders from the General, and that he the laid Memorialing was for lbme Time made a Prifoner by them, and praying Redrds ; which was read, and ordered a lecond Reading.
A Petition was prefented by Captain Robert Taylor, and Lieutenant David Paulj fetting forth, that they have enlilted a Company to ferve till the rirft of April next, purluant to Act of Aifembly, and have laid out Money lor their Sublicence, <&c. and praying to be reimburfed ; which was read, and referred to the Com- mittee on publick Accounts.
The like Petition from Captain Seth IVhUJin, praying to be reimburfed fundry Sums expended for the four Months Service ; was read, and referred to the Com- mittee on publick Accounts.
His Excellency's Meflage of Ycftcrday refpecung the Militia, was read the fecond Time ; Ordered,
That Mr. Mehelm, Mr. Dick, and Mr. Woodhull, be a Committee to prepare an Anfwer thereto.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, ov.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Mehelm, from the Committee appointed to draught an Anfwer to His Ex- cellency's Melfage of Yellerday, brought in a Draught, which was read, and 'ordered to be engrofled.
A Melfage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pcttit, as follows :
Gent htm n,
13EING advifed by the Council to fe-nd for a Number of Prifoncrs, about fifty ■L-' or fixty, who were apprehended in this State, fonie for cnhlling and caul others to enlifl in the Service of the Enemy, and fome for other Offences againit the State, and now confined in i.ancajler in the State of Pcnn/jli'ania, or in / derick-Town in Maryland, in order that they may be proceeded againfl in a due
Q^ Courfc
58 VOTES, tfc of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
Courfe of Law ; I am ready to carry the faid Advice into Execution, as foon as your Honourable Houfe mail provide the Means to defray the Charges that will necefTarily attend it.
Haddoafeld, Feb. 4, i777- WIL- LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Wednejday, February 5 , 1777.
The Houfe met. His Excellency's Menage of Yeflerday refpe&ing the Expence that may attend the fending for the Prifoners fent from this State and confined in Lancajler in the State of Pennfylvania, or in Frederick-Town in Maryland, was read a fecond Time ; on the Queflion, Refolded, That this Houfe will provide for the Payment of fuch Expence.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, <&c.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Memorial of William HartJJjorne was read the fecond Time ;
Ordered, That the fame be referred to the Governor and Council ; and that Mr. Holmes and Mr. Boiven do carry the faid Memorial, with the Affidavit to prove the Fads therein fet forth, to the Prefident of the Council.
An Engroffed MefTage to His Excellency was read and compared, as follows :
Ordered,
THAT Mr. Holmes and Mr. Boiven do wait on His Excellency, and, in Anfwer to his MefTage of the third Inftant, inform him, that this Houfe have had a Bill under their Confideration fome Time for regulating the Militia ; which, when completed, they hope will remedy one of the Evils complained of by His Ex- cellency and the General : And as to that Part of the MefTage refpecling the juftly complained of and pernicious Pra&ice of plundering, the Houfe is of Opinion that the Laws of this State are fufficient for that Purpofe, if properly executed ; and that a Proclamation from His Excellency, urging the Execution of them againft Offenders, will fully anfwer the good Purpofe intended.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Thurfday, February 6, 1777.
The Houfe met.
Mr. Harris, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Aft to prevent Defert ions from the Army of the United States of America ; which was read, and ordered a Tecond Reading.
A Petition was prefented by Captain William Kelfey, praying to be reimburfed fundry Expences in raifing Men for the publick Service ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
Gentlemen^
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Lilpiirc, Governor.
Gentlemen,
rT being of the higheft Importance that the People fliould Live the carlidl No- A tice of the Laws by which they are allected in their Lives and Property ; the Acts palled the lalt Seihon, through the Confofioo. oi the 'Inn eg, not fa ing been ordered to be printed, as I am informed, 1 would recommend it to you to direct the fame to be printed without any Lofs of Time.
Haddonfield, Feb. 6, iy77. \V 1 L. L I V 1 N ( 3 8 T O N.
Which was read,
Ordered, That Copies of the Laws of laft Seffion be lent to the Printer as foon as pofliblc, in order that the fame may be printed and difperfed.
Mr. Speaker laid before the Houfe a Letter from John Covcnhoven, F.fq. one of the Members, praying, for Reafons therein mentioned, to refign his Scat in tins Houfe ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe taking into Confideration the Situation of the Cloathing pur..! for the Continental Army by the relpedivc Members of the Legillaturc ; Refolded,
That for the better Conveniency and Safety thereof, Thomas Denny of Gloucefler County, Moore Furman of Hunterdon County, and Benjamin llalicy of Msrru County, be appointed to receive the faid Cloathing, and deliver them out as they may receive Orders from the Legiflature, or any Officer appointed for that Parpofe; and that the Receipts of the Perfons above named, or either of them, be a fuf- ficient Voucher and Difcharge to the laid Members for the Cloathing by them delivered.
Ordered,
That Mr. Wetherby and Mr. Eldridge do wait on the Council and defire their Concurrence in the above Refolution.
Mr. Manning, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to prevent the counterfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Wetherby reported, that Mr. Eldridge and himfelf delivered the McfTagc with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The feveral Petitions from infolvent Debtors in the Gaols of the different Counties in this State, were read the fecond Time ; Ordered,
That Mr. Droivn, Mr. Wetherby and* Mr. Drake, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for their Relief, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. Thp Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Friday, February y , 1777.
The Houfe met.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, c , .
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
The
60 VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
The Houfe having required the Attendance of Samuel Tucker, Efq. to give Information refpecling the Lois of the publick Money that was in his Hands ; and Mr. Tucker having by Letter informed the Speaker he could not attend at the Time appointed ; Ordered, That the Speaker do require the Attendance of Mr. Tucker before this Houfe on Thurfday next. Ordered alfo, That Mr. Samuel Abbot and Mr. Randle Mitchel do attend the Houfe at the fame Time, to give Evidence refpeding the Matter j and that they be ferved with a Copy of this Order.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Condicl.
Council-Chamber Feb. 6, 1777.
THE Houfe having taken into Confideration the Refolution of the Houfe of AiFembly of this Morning, " That for the better Conveniency and Security " of the Cloathing purchafed for the Continental Army by the Members of the V Legislature, Thomas Denny of Gloucejler County, Moore Furman of Hunterdon " County, and Benjamin Halfey of Morris County, be appointed to receive the fa id " Cloathing, and deliver them out as they may receive Orders from the Legifla- " ture, or any Officer appointed for that Purpofe ; and that the Receipts of the « Pe-fbns above named, or either of them, be a fufficient Voucher and Difcharge " to the (aid Members for the Cloathing by them delivered." Refolved, That this Houfe doth concur in the faid Refolution.
Ordered, That Mr. Condicl do acquaint the Houfe of Affembly therewith.
Mr. Somers, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to prevent the Exportation of Provifions and other Articles therein mentioned ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to prevent Defertions from the Army of the United States of America, was read the fecond Time, and committed to Mr. Coxe, Mr. Moores and Mr. Camp.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'clock.
Saturday, February 8, ! 77 7-
•
The Houfe met.
Thomas Denny, Efq. having, in Purfuance of a Refolve of this Houfe of the 31ft of laft Month, purchafed a Number of Arms ; and being defirous of an Order of the Houfe how to apply them, Refolved,
That the faid Thomas Denny, Efq. deliver the faid Arms to the Captains in Co- lonel Potters Battalion, and take their Receipts for the fame ; and that the Captains do deliver them out to their Men on Condition that they be returned to Mr. Denny, or any other Perfon that may hereafter be appointed to receive them, at the Time the faid Men are difmifled, unlefs fuch as are unavoidably loft in the Service ; and in cafe they are not returned agreeable to this Refolve, the Officers are to retain fo much of the Mens Wages as will amount to the Value of the faid Arms.
The Houfe confidering that, in order to make it more eafy and convenient for fuch of the Inhabitants of this State who may be inclinable to deliver up the
Protections
WILLIAM LIVINCSTON, Efquire, (. ior.
Protections or Certificates taken from Lord or General Howe, or ani P der their Authority, agreeable to the Proclamation lately publilhcd b) I ccllcncy General /' ton, proper Perfons (hould be appointed aud I
throughout the State to receive inch Protections or Certificates, and ten
Oaths of Allegiance to the State, (j Ordered, That Mr. Coxe, Mr. Camp and Mr. Brown, be a Committee to bring in a Bill for that Purpofe.
Ordered,
That Mr. Price, Mr. Manning and Mr. Nrwbbld, be a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for delaying the linking the refpective Quotas of the Si:. king Fund Tax, collected and collecting for the laft Year, and applying the lame tow; furnilhing Magazines of Fire Arms, fect
Ordered, That Mr. Brown, Mr. Drake, Mr. Harris, Mr. Price and Mr. Mott, or any three of them, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Council to fettle the Accounts of l'uch of the Members of the Legiflature as have purchafed Cloatl lor the Continental Army, and make Report to the I Ioule ; and that Mr. I and Mr. Board do wait on the Council and delirc them to appoint a Committee for that Purpofe.
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a 1 entitled, An Act to empower certain Perfons within the State ofN in Protections, and to adminijier the State Oaths, e<c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Heading. ,
The Houfe adjourned till Monday Nine o'Clock.
Monday, February 10, 1777.
The Houfe met,
And adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met.
A Petition was prefented by divers Perfons in Confinement in the State Prifon in Philadelphia, praying to be brought into this State for Trial ; which was 1 and ordered a fecond Reading.
Mr. Camp reported, that Mr. Board and himfelf delivered the Meflage with them entrmted to the Prefident of the Council, the Council not fitting.
Two Meffages from the Council by Mr. Condicl, Ordered, Council Chan, l\r, Feb, I , 1777.
npH AT Mr. Condicl do carry the Bill, entitled, An Act for more effectually ■*■ venting difaffecled and evil-minded Perfons defiroying the Credit and < '. of the Continental Bills of Credit, and the Bills of Credit emitted l>y the late I of this State, to the Houfe of Allembly lor Concurrence. Ordered, That Mr. Fell and Mr. Cooper, be a Committee to join a Committee of the Houle of Aflembly to fettle the Accounts of Inch of the Member! ol iL 1 lature as have purchafed Cloathing for the Continental Army; and that Condicl do acquaint the I Ionic of Aflembly therewith.
The Bill lent down by the Council, entitled, An Act for m 'unify pt
ing difaffecled and evil-minded Perfons defiroying the Credit and drcul the
Continental Bills of Credit, ixc. was read, and ordered a lecun ! Readil
11 A Memorial
62 VOTES, 8fr. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
A Memorial was prefented from Captain 'Jacob Dunn, praying an Allowance for Pay and Expences in railing a Company of Minute-men in Colonel Steivert's Battalion, agreeable to a Refolution of the late Provincial Convention ; which was read, and referred to the Committee on publick Accounts.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to e mpoiver certain Pet fons to take in Protections, &c. was read the iecond Time ; on the Queflion, Ordered, That the fame be engrofled.
On Motion, Ordered,
That the Clerks and other Perfons named in the Dedimus Potejlatem in the re- fpective Counties where it may be neceflary, do forthwith go through their Coun- ty and call on the Judges and Juftices appointed in fuch Counties, and qualify them, or iuch of them as are willing to qualify, and make Return of the Names of iuch as do qualify, and of thofe who refufe.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Tuefday, February n, 1777.
The Houfe met.
Henry Garrit/e, Efq. one of the Reprefentatives for the County of Effex, ap- pearing in the Houfe purfuant to a Notification from the Speaker, and inform- ing the Houfe that he has taken Protection from Lord and General Hoive, or under their Authority, and figned the Declaration, and that he defired Leave to refign his Seat in the Houfe ; whereupon the Houfe, having taken the fame into Consideration, do refolve, That no Member having taken iuch Protection is en- titled to a Seat in this Houfe, and therefore do vacate Mr. Garritjes Seat therein. Refolved,
That this Houfe will direct an Order for electing a Member for the faid County of EJfex, in the Room of Mr. Garrit/e, as foon as a Law is pafTed prefcribing the Mode of Election.
The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Act to e mpoiver certain Perfons ivithin the State of New-Jeriey to take in Protections, &c. was read and compared ; on the Queflion, Rejoined,
That the fame do pafs. Ordered,
That Mr. Price and Mr. Mickle carry the faid Bill to the Council for their Concurrence.
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee to whom was committed the Bill, entitled, An Act to prevent Defertionfrom the Army, &c. reported the fame with feveral Amend- ments ; which being read, with the faid Amendments in their Places j on the Queflion,
Ordered,
That the fame be engrofled.
The Bill, entitled, An Act for more effectually preventing difaffeCled and evil-minded Perfons deflroying the Credit and Circulation of the Continental Bills of Credit, &c. was read the third Time ; on the Queflion, Refolved, That the fame do pafs. Ordered,
That
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquii* Govern
That Mr. Bqffet and Mr. Eldridge do carry the Bill to the Council, and acquai
them that it has palled this Iloule.
Mr. Price reported, that Mr. Mickle and himfelf delivered the Bill to tl entrufted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
Mr. BiijJ'ct reported, that Mr. Eldridge and himfelf delivered the Bill to tl entrufted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
The Petition from fundry Perfbns confined in the State Prifbn in Philadelpi
praying to be brought into this State for Trial, was read a fecond Time, Ordered,
That the fame be referred to the Governor and Council.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. At. The Houie met.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to prohibit the counterfeiting or forging the Ticket, the United States Lottery, was read the fecond Time ; on the Queftion, Ordered,
That the fame be engrofled.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to prohibit the Exportation of Provifions, and other Articles therein mentioned, was read the fecond Time; on the Queftion, Ordered,
That the fame be engroffed.
The Engroffed Bill, entitled, An Act to prevent the counterfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery , was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Whether the fame do pafs ? It was carried in the Affirmative as follows :
Yeas. Yeas. Ye Nays.
Mr. Baud, Mr. Drown, Mr. Baff'et, Matt,
Mr. C.i"ip, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Wetherby, Mr. Mickle,
Mr. Manning, Mr. Mehilm, Mr. Harris, Mr.
Mr. Moores, Mr. Coxc, Mr. Hatbornc, Mr. Buck,
Mr. Drake, Mr. Newbold, Mr. Eldridge,
Mr. IVoodbull, Mr. Soniers, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Price,
Rcjblved,
That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Wetherby and Mr. Camp do carry the faid Bill to the Council for Concurrence.
Mr. Wetherby reported, that Mr. Camp and himfelf delivered the Bill with them entrufted to the Prefident in Council.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
H ednefclay, February 12, IJJ7-
The Houfe met. The Engrofled Bill, entitled, An Acl to prohibit the Exportation of Provifions, and other Articles therein mentioned, was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refohted, That the lame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Mehclm and Mr. IVoodhull do cany the Bill to the Council for their Concurrence.
[ft
i I ■;. 8fc. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
€
;. reported, that Mr. Woodhull and himfelf had obeyed the Order of
The i);iil entitled, An Act to obviate Doubts 'with Refpecl to the Authority of n ■..-,' was read a fecond Time, and committed to Mr. Mehelm, Mr. Price Mr. Mott. Whereas this Houfe have a Right, by the Constitution, to fit upon their own Adjournments, Rejbhied, . That if any Bill be under their Consideration and unfinished at the Time of an Adjournment for any Space more than from Day to Day, the Houle when met upon fuch Adjournment again, may negative all the Proceedings relative to fuch Bill, and take up the fubjeel Matter thereof by bringing in a new Bill, if moved for, and Leave given.
On Motion,
Ordered, That Mr. Price, Mr. Mott, Mr. Coxe, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Brown, be a Com- mittee to bring in a Bill for the Support of Government, &c.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. Mr. Price, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act for Support of Government of the State of New-Jerfey, to com- mence the twenty-feventh Day of Auguft 1776, and to end 'the fecond Tuefday in October 1777 ; and to di) charge the publick Debts and contingent Charges thereof ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The EngroiTed Bill, entitled, An Ad to prevent Defertions from the Army of the I rnited States of America, and other Purpofes therein mentioned, was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Whether the fame do pafs ? It was carried in the Affirmative as follows :
Yeas. Yeas. Yeas. Nays.
Mr Board, Mr. Brown, Mr. Wetherby, Mr. Holmes,
Mr Camp, Mr. Mebclm, Mr. Harris, Mr. Mott,
Mr Manning, Mr. Coxe, Mr. Bowen, Mr. Mickle,
Mr. Moores, Mr. Newbold, Mr. Buck, Mr. Hathorne.
Mr! Drake, Mr. Somers, Mr. Eldridge,
Mr. Woodhull, Mr. Price, Mr, Speaker.
Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Bajfet,
Rejblved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Bo-wen and Mr. Newbold carry the Bill to the Councd for their
Concurrence.
Mr. Bow en reported, that Mr. Newbold and himfelf had obeyed the Order of
the Houfe.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Scudder.
Ordered Council-Chamber, Feb. 12, 1777.
THAT Mr. Scudder do carry the Bill, entitled, An A& to prevent the coun- terfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery, to the Houfe of AfTembiy, and defire their Concurrence in the Amendments thereto annexed.
Whereupon the faid Bill being read, with the Amendments in their Places ; on
the QuelVion, the Houfe agrees to the faid Amendments ;
^ Ordered,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, EfquilC, Governor. 65
Ordered, Tliat the 15 ill as amended be re-engrofied. On Motion,
Ordered, That Mr. Price, Mr. Coxt and Mr. Holmes, he a Committee to confer with the Governor concerning the lending for the Prifoners at Fredt r'u 'Town in Ma and fettle the Wages and Terms on which the Guard is to go, foe. and w Report to the Houle.
Tlie Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'clock.
Thursday, February 13, 1777.
The Houfe met. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting
The Houle adjourned till Three, P. AC
The Houle met.
Ordered, That Mr. Price, Mr. Holmes and Mr. lYoodhull, be a Committee to join a Com- mittee of the Council in a Conference respecting the fending for the Prifoners
confined at Frederick-Totvn in Maryland, and conveying them into this State tor Trial ; and that Mr. t/Lebelm and Mr. Hithorne do wait on the Council and defire they will appoint a Committee for that Purpole, with lime and IMacc ot .Meeting.
Mr. Mehelm, from the Committee to whom was committed the Bill fen: the Council, entitled, An Act to obviate Doubts ivitb Re/peel to the Authority Counfellors, reported the lame with leveral Amendments ; whereupon the !
Bill being read, with the Amendments in their Places ; on the Qu< (lion, Whether the Houle agrees thereto or not ? It palled in the Affirmative, as tollows :
|
Yeas. |
Yeas. |
"i 1 as. |
N.r |
|||
|
Mr. Board, |
Mr. Brown, |
Mr. B, iffet, |
Mr. Holmes, |
|||
|
Mr. Camp, |
Mr. Mebetm, |
Mr. Wetberby, |
Mr. Mott, |
|||
|
Mr. M |
Mr. Coxe, |
Mr. Bowen, |
Mr. Harris, |
|||
|
Mr. Moorcs, |
Mr. Nezvbold, |
Mr. Hat borne, |
Mr. Buck, |
|||
|
Mr. Drake, |
Mr. Somen, |
Mr. 1'idri,'. . |
||||
|
Mr. Wood bull, |
Mr. Price, |
Mr. Speaker. |
||||
|
Mr. Shaffer, |
Mr. Micklc, |
|||||
|
Rejblved, |
||||||
|
That the lame |
do pafs. |
|||||
|
Ordered, |
||||||
|
That Mr. Hithorne and Mr. |
M helm |
do carry the |
Bill |
with the Amendments |
||
|
thereto annexed |
to the Council, |
and |
defire their Concurrence therein. |
The Bill rc-cngrolled with the Council's Amendments, entitled, An A 9 to pre- vent the Counterfeiting or forging the Tickets of the United States Lottery, was read and compared ; on the Queftion, Refolvi d. That the lame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Hatborne and Mr. Mehelm do carry the Bill to the Council. On Motion, Ordered,
s Thai
66 VOTES, Qfcr. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New- Jerfy.
That Mr. Mehelm, Mv.'Woodhull and Mr. Camp, be a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for regulating the imprcfling of Horfes, Carriages, and other nc- < diaries for the Ufc of the Army within this State.
Mr. Mehelm reported, that Mr. Hathorne and himfelf had obeyed the Orders of the Houfe.
There being Bufinefs of great Importance before the Houfe, and feveral Mem- bers being abfent ; Re/blved, That the Sergeant at Arms do forthwith caufe John Combs, Reoloff Vandike, Jacob Bogavt, Peter Zabrijkie and "John Covenhoven, Efquires, to give their imme- diate Attendance on the Bufinefs of the Houfe.
A Mefiage from the Council by Mr. Condicl. Ordered, Council-Chamber, 'Feb. 13, 1777.
THAT Mr. Elmer and Mr. Hand be a Committee to meet a Committee of the Houle of Affembly in a Conference refpecling the fending for the Pnfoners confined at Frederick-Town in Maryland, and conveying them into this State for Trial ; and that the faid Committees meet at the Houle of Mr. Kinuard To-mor- row Morning at eight o'Clock. Ordered, That Mr. Condicl do acquaint the Houfe of Affembly therewith.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Friday, February 14, 1777.
The Houfe met.
A Petition was prefented by Samuel Henry, fetting forth, that he was, by the late Convention, confined to his Farm and within two Miles around it, and praying to be permitted to go about to tranfact his Bufinefs, &c. which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
Samuel Tucker, Efq. appeared before the Houfe agreeable to Order, and was examined refpecling the Lofs of the publick Money that was in his Hands. Handle Mitchcl alfb appearing as a Witneis, was examined on Oath touching the
lame.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M.
The Houfe met. Samuel Abbot appeared in the Houfe according to Order, and was examined as a Witneis on his Affirmation, being one of the People called Quakers, touching what he knew relpecling the Lofs of the publick Money which was in the Hands of Samuel Tucker, Efq. (For the Affidavits fee Page 68, &cj A Meffage from the Council by Mr. Paterfon. Ordered Council-Chamber, Feb. 14, 1777.
THAT Mr. Paterfon do carry the Bill, entitled, An Acl to obviate Doubts with RefpeSi to the Authprity of Counfellors, with the Amendments thereto annexed, to the Honfc of Aflembly, and acquaint them that this Houfe agrees to the firfl and fecond of the laid Amendments ; and as to the third and laft of the faid Amendments the Houle does not agree thereto, but in that Part adheres to their Bill.
Which Mefiage being read, and the Queftion put, Whether this Houfe will recede from the laid third and laft Amendments ? It puffed in the Negative.
Ordered,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquire, Governor. 6
Ordered,
That Mr. Baft and Mr. NetvboU do carry the laid Bill to the Council, acquaint them that this Houfe do adhere to all the Amendments made thereto by this Houfe.
The Houfe rcfolved itfclf into a Committee of the wnole Houfe on the Evidence
offered by Samuel Tucker, Elq. refpe&ing the Lois of the publick Money thai
in his Care; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mi. Speaker relumed the
Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee
had made fome Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to lit again ; to which the Houle agreed.
Mr. Neivbold reported, that Mr. Baffct and himfelf delivered the Bill to them entrulted to the Vice-Prefident in Council.
The Houle adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, February 15, 1777.
The Houle met. A Petition was prefented from John Johnjlon and 'Jonathan Deare, Efquires, fetting forth, that they were with others appointed by the late Act of Aflembly, Signers of the £. 1 25,000 emitted by faid Act to be let out on Loan; chat they conceive the Commilhons allowed to the Signers is inadequate to the Sei &c. and praying a juft Allowance for the Services performed j which was n ', and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Petition of Richard Brown and Company, praying an Exemption forfift Men from Service in the Militia, to be employed in curving on the Whale Fill from this State, was read a fecond Time ; on the Queition, Whether the Huiilc will grant the Prayer of the Petition ! It was carried in the Negative. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, or.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houle met, And The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting, fat.
The Lloufe adjourned till Monday Ten o'Clock.
Monday, February ij, lyjj.
The Houfe met. A Petition was prefented from Jejfe Hart and others, praying the Encourage- ment of the Legillaturc in erecting a Salt-Works, c/r. in this State* which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe, according to Order, refolved itfclf into a Committee of the whole Houle on the P.ill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after loine Time (pent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Com- mittee, reported, that they had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to lit again ; to which the Houle agreed.
Two MelTages from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pitta, as follows :
Gentlemen,
XT having been the confLmt Practice of the Houfe of Reprefentatives to rurnifh A the Governor, from Day to Day, with a Copy of the Minute,
cccdmgs,
68 VOTES, 8fa. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jar fey.
ceedings, I could wifh the Cuftom was continued ; as the Governor could doubt- Ids be the better enabled to difcharge his Duty to the Publick for knowing what Uuli'.iels v. as depending before the Houie.
Raddonjuld, Feb. 17, 1777- WIL- LIVINGSTON.
Gentlemen,
AS an accurate Map of this State, with the Delineation of the different Coun- ties, Townlhips, Diitricts, Roads and Rivers, would doubtlefs be of publick Utility, I lubmit it to your Confideration to provide for making an actual Sur- vey of it (except a: to luch Parts as can be protracted from Surveys already m;idc, which being the Cafe of great Part, will confiderably leffen the Expeuce of the Chart propofed.
Iladdmfeld, Feb. 17, 1777- WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which Meffages were read, and ordered a fecond Reading. The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houle met. Ordered, That Mr. Coxe, Mr. Price and Mr. Camp, be a Committee to bring in a Bill to repeal Part of the Bill, entitled, An A&for the raifing of four Battalions.
His Excellency's Meffage of this Morning, defiring that the Houfe would fur- nilh him from Day to Day with a Copy of the Minutes, was read the fecond Time,
Ordered,
That his Requcft be complied with.
The Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Evi- dence offered by Samuel Tucker, Efq. reflecting the Lofs of the publick Money that was in his Hands ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker rufum- ed the Chair, and Mr. Harris reported from the Committee, that they had come to two Refolutions, which, with Leave of the Houfe he reported as follows :
1. Refolved,
That the Affidavit of the faid Samuel Tucker, Efq. and alfo thofe of Randle Mitchel and Samuel Abbott, relative to the Lois of faid Money, be entered on the Journals of this Houfe.
2. Refolved,
That the Publick be cautioned by Advertifement in the publick News-Papers againft taking any of laid Money.
And that the Committee defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
SAMUEL TUCKER, Efq. one of the late Treafurers of the Provincial Congrefs of the Colony of New-Jerfy, being duly fwom on the Holy Evangelifts of Almighty God, depofeth and faith, That on being informed the Britifh Army under General Howe was on their March through this Province, and that their Dcfj^n was to be at Trenton, where the Deponent lives, thought it moft prudent to remove all his Papers, with fome of his moft valuable Effects, out or Trenton, together with the unfigned publick Money ; that he did accordingly, on or about the 30th Day of November 1776, remove all his Bonds, Deeds, Books of Accounts, together with thofe belonging to Anderfon and others Eftates, in his Hands as arf Executor, with all his Plate, his and his Wife's Cloaths, with fundry other valuable Effects, one Horfe and Pheaton, fome Maryland and Ne-w-ferjey Loan- Office Money, to the Houfe of Mr. John Abbott, about five Miles from Trenton, in the County of Burlington, with about £. 5818:16:3 unfigned Congrefs Money, under the Care of John and Samuel Abbott ; that General Howe and his
Army
ILL1AM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, r.
Army arrived at Trenton on Sunday the 8th of j laft pufl ; tl
the oth December one Lieutenant // ■, with a Deta< ament
by order or' Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Abcrcromby, came to I
John Abbott, in Company with Mrs. .!/.;>;;■ Pointing, an Inhabitant
as this Deponent is informed and verily believe
Mr. Abb it's the Property of this Deponent, with th fc in Trufl in his I
together with the unGgned publick Money, and carried the fame to the II
of Mr. Rtindlc Mitchell and (hewed the Money to Mr, Mitchel as this
believes and is informed, afterwards carried the fame or Part thereol to Pi
and from thence to Neiv-Brut :it i- info;
believes his Effects or Part thereof now remains, ab Part of the CI laths and Li
was lent Home, and his Wile's Watch delivered her !,\ Lieutenant-
crontby \ that this Deponent left Trenton the 8th .' laft, and
the figned publick Money, amounting to £. 1504 = 4:0 with
in Truft in hU Hands as an Executor ; that he paid the publick Mr.
Treafurer Smith ; that he lodged the other Money in fuch feci
in his Power, none of which his been loll as tl onent beli
Saturday the 14th December on hearing that 1 1 i s Wife and I amity was in 1
diftrefled Condition with Sicknefs, and that his Wile fent him Word !■
would return Home, he let off Home ; that about one Mile
Bridge he was met by John Leonard, Anthony Woodward, and 1
believes upwards of twenty, on Horfeback; L pre fen 1
Deponent's Bread, laid he bad General //. >rder to take the I nt Pri-
foner, and tiled him with very ill Language] detained him till Mr. Robert J
his Parole the Deponent lhould remain on Ins Farm until thej ther Oi lers ; remained at Mr. Pear/bn's' until ordered Home K one a Hefftan Lieutenant on Monday] that he applied for .1 P >n, whi
ed by Colonel Rail the 17th December lalt ; that he then enqul per-, found Part left in Colonel Abercromiy's Lodgings in Pi received a Part found by one Mr. J.e/j/er and carried to Phil 1 ; that he
fince fent a Letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Abcrcromby, which was delivered b Neice Eliz ibeth G. White, requesting he would return his Property and I particularly thofc belonging to Ander/bn's and others Eftates in 'fruit in the 1 nent's Hands, and got for Anl'wer, that they could not be delivered with ; pricty until they knew the Part the Deponent would take or ad ; among the pers already received by the Deponent, not one reining to any or th I I
Truft as he remembers or believes, this Deponent having good Grounds to K that Mrs. Mary Pointing had informed the Briti/h Officers that the D ;■■ Goods, jyc. was at John Abbott's ; and hearing that one John 1
them from Mr. Ifaac Pearjbn's, was informed by Jolly* V> Queftions they alked him was, Did he know the Way to John ■ -
fwered he did ; they then prefled him along to (how the W fan's to Mr. Abbott's ; and that, Mrs. Jolly i. . I the Deponent, laid to her Hufband, as he informed her, . . I ; irther faith not.
Sworn before me this l\th~) .. t* - ......
,, , J S- Samuel 1
February 1777, *>
Ephraim Harris. T) ANDLK MITCHEL being examined, depofeth «nd faith, that ■^ cromby with 500 Men as was laid, came to his H h oi
December laft, and ltaid there till the Sfltui , and he thinks
cither Tuefday or JVednefday after they firlfcame, fbme ' in the Room wher
was (hewed him •ibme Letters directed to Mr. Tucker; he alked them where they
T
7o VOTES, &c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfey.
got the Letters ? They told him they had Information of Mr. Tuckers Goods, and that they were concealed in Trenton ; that the fame Evening he was called into Colonel Abcrcrombys Room, who afked him if he knew one Samuel Tucker ? he anfwered he did ; the Colonel then afked him about the Character and Sitiw ation of Mr. Tucker, and whether he was not a violent Rebel ? he anfwered that Mr. Tucker was a Man of Character and confiderable Fortune as he underftood ; that he was a Member of the Provincial Congrefs, and had been Prefident there- of; that he had formerly been Sheriff of Hunterdon County, and a Member of Affembly, but believed he had never been a violent Rebel, for he underftood he, Mr. Tucker, had been the chief Caufe of the laft Claufe being inserted in the Conftitution of Neiv-Jerfey. The Colonel then fhewed him a fquare black Trunk, with a great Number of Papers and Parchment Deeds, and laid he mull have been a Man of confiderable Confequence ; that they afked him to look at fome of the Deeds, <&c. he told them there was no Ufe in his looking at them ; they then pointed at a large Parcel of printed Paper on the Floor, and told him to look what a fine Parcel of Money they had got ; it appeared to this Depooent to be about a Ream of Paper ; they then took up fome half Sheets and counted how much a Sheet amounted to ; he thinks they contained £. 20 : 2:0 each ; they then gave him fome of the Money and defired him to look at it, which he did, and found it figned by only two Signers, and did not know it ought to be hgned by more ; they afked him what he would give for it, he faid he would not give any Thing for it, and looked on it not worth any Thing ; he afked what they intended to do with Mr. Tuckers Papers and Money ? the Colonel anfwered he would pack them in the Trunk again and fend them to General Hoive ; he then left the Room and heard no more of it, but feen the Officers reading Letters directed to Mr. Tucker, and further faith not.
S-worn the 14th Day of February 1777,? Randle Mitchel.
before me Ephraim Harris. 3
AMUEL ABBOTT, one of the People called Quakers, being duly affirmed, faith, that about ten Days before the Enemy came to Trenton, Samuel Tucker, Efq. came to his Houfe and brought with him fundry Chefts and Boxes ; that among them was the Box of his Pheaton, in which faid Tucker informed him was the publick Money, which was put in his Lodging Room in the upper Part of the Houfe ; that it remained there till the Day after the Enemy came to Trenton ; that on that Day about twelve o'Clock one Lieutenant Hackf/jaiv, with about twenty Soldiers came to his Houfe and enquired for Mr. Tuckers Goods (at which Time Mrs. Pointing was there with a Waggon to bring off fome Goods fhe had at the Affirmant's Houfe j) that they prefTed his Waggon and therein carried off from his Houfe all the Goods Mr. Tucker had there, except one Cheft belonging to Mr. Tuckers Negro ; that Mr. Tucker came to the Affirmant's Houfe afterwards and inquired for his Goods and found only the Negro's Cheft left ; that the Enemy alfo took a Pheaton and one Horfe which he had in keeping for Mr. Tucker, and further faith not.
Affirmed the 14th Day of February 1777O Samuel Abbott>
before me Ephraim Harris. 3
Mr. Coxe, from the Committee appointed to that Service, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Ac! to repeal the eighth Seclion of an Acl, entitled, An Act for the raifing of four Battalions ; which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Petition of Jeffe Hart and others, praying the Encouragement of the Le- giflature in erecting a Salt- Works in this State, was read the fecond Time ; on the Queftion,
Ordered,
S
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor. 71
Ordered, That they have Leave to bring in a Bill for the Purpofe mentioned in their Petition.
The Bill, entitled, An Act to repeal the eighth Seel ion of an A /, entitled, .In h&.for the raifing of four Battalions, was read the fecond Tune ; on the CHieUion, Ordered, That the lame be engrofled.
The Petitions of Robert Smith, Efq. and others, Signers of the Loan-OlTice Money, was read the fecond Time ; and, on the Queltioa, Whether they be al- lowed for their Services any more than is directed by the Act of Ailembly? It palled in the Negative.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Tuefc/ay, February 18, f 777-
The Houfe met.
The EngrofTed Bill, entitled, An Act to repeal the- eighth Seclion of an A.l, entit- led, An Act for the raiftng of four Battalions, was read and compared ; on the Queftion,
Refolved, That the fame do pafs.
Ordered, That Mr. Mehelm and Mr. Drake do carry the Bill to the Council for Con- currence.
The Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met, And
Refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regu- lating the Militia; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Com- mittee had made fome further Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, ami defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houfe agreed.
Refolved)
That Ifaac Collins be Printer to this State, and that he forthwith print 600 Copies of the Laws palfed the laft Sittings of Alfembly, and that the fame be fent to the different Counties in the like Proportion that the Journals of the late Convention were diftributed.
The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
IVednefday, February 19, 1777.
The Houfe met.
A MefTagc from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
(.'. i:tle>neti}
72 VOTES, &c of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfej.
Gentlemen,
AS icveral PcHbns who had entered into Bond to the Ufe of this State for their good Behaviour, and to keep within the Limits therein mentioned, and not to give any Alfdtance to, or cany on any Correfpondence with, the Enemy, have lince departed this State, and thereby forfeited their refpeclive Bonds : And it being impracticable in Actions commenced on thole Bonds to ferve the Procefs on the Perions of the Obligors ; nor, as the Law now ftands, to attach their Eftates : I would therefore recommend it to the Houfe to pafs an Act enabling the Attorney-General to file Declarations againfl them on their refpeclive Bonds, and the lame being advertifed in the publick Papers, a reafonable Time be allow- ed them to enter their Appearances and plead to fuch Declarations ; and on fuch Plea being put in, that a Trial be had after due Notice given in like Manner of the Time and Place; but on Failure of entering their Appearances and putting in their Plea, that the Court be authorized to pafs Judgment againft them by Default (as if mefne Procefs had been regularly ferved upon them, or they had duly appeared to the Suit) and Execution be awarded againft and levied upon their Eftates and Effects within our Dominion, that the State may not be defraud- ed of its jurt Debts by their Departure out of it, that being the very Offence by which the Forfeiture accrued.
Haddonfield, Feb. 19, 1777, WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for better regulating the Militia ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that they had gone through the faid Bill and made feveral Amendments thereto, which
was ready to report whenever the Houfe would pleafe to receive the fame; Ordered,
That the Report be made in the Afternoon.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pet tit.
Gentlemen,
IT is reprefented to me by Colonel Shreve that our Troops fuffer much at Bur- lington for Want of proper Regulations, having neither Commiffary nor Bar- rack-Mafter, and recommends Mr. Ellis Wright, who, he informs me, has acted as Commiffary to great Satisfaaion, to be appointed Deputy-Commiffary for that Place ; and Jqfeph Hollin/Jjead, Efq. for Barrack-Mafter, the Barracks he repre- fents as wanting fome (mall Repairs ; and that there ought to be a Provifion of Straw and Wood for the Troops.
Iluhlonf.eld, Feb. 19, i777- WIL- LIVINGSTON.
Which Meffage having been read and confidered, Ordered,
That Mr. Mott and Mr. Drake do wait on His Excellency, and in anfwer to faid Meffage, inform him, that as Colonel Shreve 's Regiment will probably con- tinue but a fhort Time at Burlington, it will be improper for this Hotife to go into the Appointment of a Commiffary, and more efpecially as they think it is the Right of the Commiffary-General, to whom they would direct Colonel Shreve to apply, if he finds his Continuance at that Place mould make it neceffary: That Barrack-Mailers have been appointed by the Convention ; and that they
are
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor. 73
are informed it is the Bufmefs of the Quarter-Mailer to furnilh Wood and Straw.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Elmer.
Ordered, Council-Chamber, Feb. 10, 1777.
/_TAHAT Mr. Elmer do acquaint the Houle of Aliembly that the Bill, entitled, -*■ An Act to repeal the eighth Sett ion of an Act, entitled, An Acl for the rat/tug of four Battalions, is palled by this Houle without any Amendment.
Mr. Harris, according to Order, reported the Bill for better regulating the Mi- litia, with the leveral Amendments made thereto by the Committee of the whole Houle ; which being read with the Amendments in their Places, Ordered,
That the lame be again read and debated To-morrow.
The Houle adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Cloclc.
Thursday, February 20, 1777.
The Houfe met. A MefTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit. Gentlemen,
SEVERAL of our Bridges, particularly that of PenJJjaukin, and the new Bridge near Mount holly, want, as I am informed, to be repaired; the Number of Troops and of (.'ittle conlfantly paffing, render it at this Time more peculiarly inconve- nient, as well as of dangerous Tendency, to be obliged to take a tedious, circuitous Rout ; I would therefore fubmit the Matter to your Confideration, as I apprehend the Laws now in Force reflecting Bridges, are inadequate to the prefent Exigency. Haddonfeld, Feb. 20, 1 7 7 7 . Wl L. LI VINGSTON.
Which Meffage being read, Ordered,
That Mr. Combs, Mr. Tollman and Mr. Vandike, be a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for repairing fuch Bridges as have been lately taken up to pre- vent the Enemy's March through this State.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Symmes. Ordered, Council-Chamber, Feb. 20, 1777.
npHAT Mr. Symmes do acquaint the Houfe of AfTembly that the Bill, entitled, A An Ad to prohibit the Exportation of Provifions and other Articles therein men- tioned, is paffed this Houfe without any Amendment.
Mr. Camp, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act to regulate the impreffing Carriages, Horfes, and other NcceJJancs for the Ufe of the Army -within this State ; which was read, and ordered a lecond Reading.
Mr. Manning, from the Committee appointed for that Purpofe, brought in a Bill, entitled, An Act for delaying the Jinking the rcfpeclivc Quotas of the Sinking Fund Tax collected and collecting, and applying the fame towards furnijhnig Magazine* of Arms and warlike Stores ; which was read, and ordered a lecond Reading.
A MefTage from the Council by Mr. Conditl. Ordered, Council-Chamb, r, Feb. 20, 17-
npHAT Mr. Conditl do carry the Bill, entitled, An Act for regulating Eletluns, x to the Houfe of Aliembly, and dellre their Concurrence therein.
U Which
74 VOTES, <&c. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of New-Jerfcy.
Which Bill was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houfe met. The Houfe being informed that Thomas Denny, Efq. has a Quantity of Cloath- ing in his Hands, and that Colonel Shrews Battalion now at Burlington arc not all furniihed ;
Refolded,
That Mr. Denny deliver what Cloathing may be neceffary for the faid Troops at Burlington to the Commanding Officer there, and take his Receipt for the fame.
According to Order Mr. Harris, from the Committee of the whole Houfe, made report of the Bill for better regulating the Militia, together with the Amend- ments made to the fame ; whereupon the Bill was read Paragraph by Paragraph, with the Amendments in their Places ; and the Bill being further amended in the Houie, the fame as amended was agreed to, and ordered to be engrofled. The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Friday, February 21 , J 7 77-
The Houfe met.
The Bill for Support of Government, &c. was read the fecond Time ; where- upon the Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the faid Bill 5 and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker refumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that they had made fome Progrefs in the Matters to them referred, and defired Leave to fit again ; to which the Houie agreed.
A Meffage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit. Gentlemen,
CONCEIVING it a Matter of publick Utility for the Legiflatures of each of the United States to have the fpeedieft Accefs to the Laws pafTed by the reft, as their Circumftances are in a great Meafure fimilar, and many ufeful Hints might by thofe Means be mutually fuggefted, as well as all neceffary Uniformity obierved, I fubmit to your Honourable Houfe the Propriety of applying to each of our Sifter States to be furniihed as foon as conveniently may be after the End of every Seflion, with a Copy of the Acts paffed by them during that Seflion, engaging in Return to provide them with an Imprelfion of ours in like Manner. Haddonfield, Feb. 21, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading. The Members withdrew to attend a Joint-Meeting : Being returned, The Houfe adjourned till Three, P. M. The Houie met, And the Speaker took the Chair.
The Houfe refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole Houfe on the Bill for Support of Government ; and, after fome Time fpent therein, Mr. Speaker relumed the Chair, and Mr. Harris, Chairman of the Committee, reported, that the Committee had gone through the faid Bill, and had come to feveral Relolu- tions, which he was ready to report whenever the Houfe would pleafe to receive
the fame ;
Ordered,
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Efquirc, Governor. 75
Ordered, That the Report be made To-morrow Morning.
The Houfe adjourned till To-morrow Nine o'Clock.
Saturday, February 22, 1777*
The Houfe met.
A MelTage from His Excellency by Mr. Secretary Pettit, as follows :
Gentlemen,
ENERAL Putnam acquaints me, that among other Articles taken from Stocktons Party, there were fixty-three excellent Mufkets, which are now in the Hands of our Militia, and that (with General JVaJJjingtons Permiilion) he would adviie that they be purchased by this State for their Ule : As we are in Want of Arms, I could wiih that Meafures were immediately adopted to make them the Property of this State — I could alfo wilh that Major Dehart was re- folved without Delay reflecting the Arms purchaied by him.
I tranfmit to you a Letter from George Meafam, Efq. CommifTary for Cloathing for the northern Army ; with a Return of Cloathing for the regular Troops of the United States at Ticonderoga, and the Ports depending thereon, to enable this State feafbnably to provide the Cloathing of our Troops to be ordered to the northern Department, and to regulate the fame with regard to Numbers, agreeable to the faid Return.
Haddonjield, Feb. 22, 1777. WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Which was read, and ordered a fecond Reading.
According to Order Mr. Harris, from the Committee of the whole Houfe, re- ported the Refolutions of the Committee on the Bill for Support of Government, as follows :
1. Rcjbhcd,
That in and by the faid Bill, when pafTcd into a Law, there be paid to His Excellency William Livingston, Efq. Governor and Commander in Chief of this State, at the Rate of Six Hundred Pounds per Annum ; to commence the 27 th Day of Augujl 1776, and to end the fecond Tuefday of Oclober 1777.
2. To the Chief-Juftice of this State for the Time being, at the Rate of Three Hundred Pounds per Annum.
3. To the Second Juftice of the Supreme Court of this State for the Time being, at the Rate of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds per Annum.
4. To the Third Juftice of the Supreme Court of this State for the Time being, at the Rate of Two Hundred Pounds per Annum.
5. To the Attorney-General of this State for the Time being, at the Rate of Forty Pounds per Annum.
6. To the Treafurer of this State for the Time being, at the Rate of Fighty Pounds per Annum.
7. To the Clerk of the Circuits for the Time being, at the Rate of Fifty Pounds per Annum.
8. To the Clerk of the Council for the Time being, the Sum of Fourteen Shil- lings per Diem ; and alfo the Sum of Four-pence per Sheet, reckoning ninety Words to the Sheet, for entering the Minutes of the Council, and of the Joint- Meeting, fair in the Journals ; and at the fame Rate for a Copy thereof for the Printer.
9. To the Clerk of the Houfe of Aflcmbly for the Time being, the Sum of Fourteen Shillings per Diem; and alfo Four-pence per Sheet, reckoning ninety
Words
76 VOTES, &V. of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of N#h-Jerfey.
Words to the Sheet, for entering the Votes or Minutes of the Houfe fair in the journals ; and at the fame Rate for a Copy thereof, and of the Laws, for the Printer.
10. Tb the Doorkeeper of the Council the Sum of Five Shillings per Diem.
ii. To the Sergeant at Arms of the Affembly, the Sum of Three Shillings per Diem ; and to the Doorkeeper the Sum of Five Shillings per Diem.
12. To any of the Juftices of the Supreme Court for attending Circuit Courts and Courts of Oyer and Terminer, &c. if but one attends, the Sum of Ten Founds for each Time he fhall attend ; and, if two or more of the faid Juftices at- tend, the Sum of Five Founds to each of them who fhall attend, in Manner pre- fcribed by laid Act, &c.
13. To each of the Delegates who now are, or hereafter fhall be appointed, the Sum of Tiventy Shillings a Day for his Attendance in Congrefs.
14. To each of the Members of the Council for the Time they attended at the former Sittings at Princeton and Burlington, Eight Shillings per Diem ; and for the Time they Jhall attend at this or any Sitting of Affembly during the Con-