mit him (the master) to look elsewhere for satisfaction." And why not? The common sailor has various remedies; he may sue the owner, or he may sue the master; or he may libel the ship. If the existence of a formal contract precluded, in reason, a resort to the vessel, why are other resources open to every marine workman except to the highest and best. In truth, the contract is one thing, and the security for its performance another.The sailor's bargain is, in its nature and terms and forms, precisely as personal as that of the master; and yet he is empowered to look in all directions, while his officer is restricted to one only "for satisfaction." Where every thing else is similar, ought not the securities be so likewise? Your Memorialists have fruitlessly attempted to discover other reasons than the ones thus noticed for what they cannot but consider an unjust discrimination to their prejudice: and having curiously combatted these reasons, they confidently conclude in the words of an eminent civilian, Arthur Brown, whose views agree with theirs, that as no "stable distinction can ever be found, but in the internal nature of the agreement to be enforced, the master mariner should have the ship for his security as well as the common sailor." Conscious of desiring nothing incompatible with freedom, safety, and energy of commercial business, your Memorialists anticipate, for this appeal to your legislative interference, the cordial co-operation and sanction of every just and generous merchant or ship-owner in their country. They therefore, respectfully pray that an act of congress may be passed giving to masters a lien upon the vessel they navigate for their wages, an alogous in principle and effect to the sixth section of the act passed on the 20th July, 1790, entitled "An Act for the Government and Regulation of Seamen in the Merchant's service," with such amendments and modifications as to the wisdom of your honorable bodies may seem necessary and proper. And they will ever pray, &c. The following resolutions were then offered and adopted unanimously: Resolved, That this meeting approve of the memorial, and that a committee of three be named to procure signatures to it, and hand it over to one of the members of Congress from this place. Whereupon, Captains P. Hays, S. Toby, and Andrew D. Crosby, were appointed. Resolved, That the committee forward copies of said memorial, together with the minutes of this meeting, to the principal sea ports of the U. States, with a circular requesting the master mariners to call meetings for the purpose of co-operating in this undertaking. Ordered, that the proceedings of this meeting be published. Adjourned. [Signed] JOSEPH REYNOLDS, Chairman. E. M. DONNALDSON, ANDREW D. CROSBY, Secretaries. THE WEST BRANCH. It has ever been a subject of astonishment and regret to the inhabitants of the West Branch, that the only division of the Pennsylvania Canal, which, if completed, would with absolute certainty, yield an immediate revenue to the commonwealth, has been the most neglected. The revenue of the West Branch will be permanent, supplied from the interminable mineral resources with which our hills and valleys are so richly stored, and not subject to fluctuations incident to an agricultural trade. When we say that the West Branch canal will yield an immediate and permanent revenue, we do not reckon without our host,' our asssertion is supported by incontrovertible facts. The mineral wealth of our country is daily developing, and that which was merely speculation yesterday, is amply demonstrated to-day. Upwards of twenty different coal mines have been opened, and are at present opening, in Clearfield county In Lycoming there are several coal mines now in active operation, and iron manufactories are springing up upon almost every stream that has a sufficient power to propel the machinery. In Centre more than a thousand tons are annually manufactured and sent to a market by the Susquehanna, and the coal of Clearfield is used in Centre to a considerable extent. Many of the Clearfield coal mines have been opened for years, and, notwithstanding the great expense and danger incident to the river transportation; a vast quantity is annually sent to a sea board market. We have been credibly informed that a single individual, Peter A. Karthaus, Esq. during the last spring freshets, transported one hundred thousand bushels from his own mines to the Baltimore market. And that if a constant communication was afforded by canal or rail road, he would be able to send a million of bushels to the Atlantic market. We will here take the opportunity of remarking that much credit is due Mr. Karthaus for the zeal in the cause of internal improvement, and his untiring exertions to promote West Branch interest, by developing her mineral resourses, and other natural advantages. The coal mines upon the Lycoming creek will also yield abundantly; and a company of enterprising men are at present engaged in opening an extensive mine of superior coal upon the Tango Scootack. And what adds materially to the advantages of the West Branch coal, the fact that it is the only coal yet discovered in the commonwealth that is perfectly bituminous. The coal found upon the Lehigh, and Schuylkill, the Mahonoy, the Shamokin, and the Wyoming, and hence cannot compete with the bituminous; because it cannot be applied to manufacturing purposes. Then suppose we send two millions of bushels of coal per annum, from the various mines upon the West Branch as soon as the canal is completed, we assert, and do so with confidence, that it will yield, independent of the iron trade, and the products of the husbandman, more revenue to the commonwealth than any other collateral branch of the Pennsylvania canal. The weight of 2,000,000 bushels of coal is near 70,000 tons. The toll upon which, from the mines to Northumberland point, will be about one dollar per ton, and from thence to a market, perhaps another dollar; which would make 70,000 to Northumberland, and double that sum to its destination. Then, it may be asked, with all the inducements to prosecute the West Branch improvements to a speedy completion, why is it that they are treated with "cold neglect?" Why is it that forty miles on the North Branch, and but twenty on the West Branch have been put under contract? and we verily believe "there has been something rotten in the state of Denmark." It cannot be because our advantages, and our claims upon the state, were not laid before the legislature. Our representatives ably and faithfully performed their duty, they again and again impressed upon that body the im portance of an uninterrupted water communication upon the West Branch; and had it at length granted to them, under many limitations as a matter of courtesy.Under the act, moreover, which they did finally obtain, the canal is only authorised to be constructed to the mouth of Bald Eagle! whereas it ought to be continued at least eighty miles further; and unless provision is hereafter made for connecting it with the coal region of Clearfield county, either by slack water navigation or rail road, it will never benefit that country.-Lycom ing Gazette. A brilliant meteor was observed in the sky over this place, after eight o'clock on last Tuesday evening, passing in a south-westerly direction. It illuminated our streets so as to make objects distinctly visible; and the streak which designated its course was perceptible during several minutes. We presume it was the same meteor that was seen, about the same hour, at Carlisle and at Mount Carbon.-Harrisburg Chron,` THE SCHWENCKFELDIANS OF MONTGO- We received the Edict inserted below from a friend in Easton, Pennsylvania, and give it publicity, together with the few notes subjoined, as a curious document which deserves to be recorded as further illustrating a portion of the history of our country. The Edict, we believe, has never before been published. The copy from which this is transcribed is in the possession of Daniel Wagener, of Easton. The translation is supposed to have been made by Melchior Wagener, of Montgomery county, who died many years ago, and who was himself one of the emigrants to whom the paper refers. We, Frederick, by the Grace of God, King of Prus. sia, Margrave of Brandenberg, Arch-Chamberlain and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c. &c. 127 of a prohibitory edict preventing sale, or confiscating in case of emigration. Having determined to depart for America, they proceeded to Amsterdam, where, meeting with friends who commiserated their condition, and supplied them with what was necessary to render their voyage as comfortable as possible, they embarked for Philadelphia. It deserves to be mentioned, that a mer cant le house in Amsterdam furnished, without charge, the ship that conveyed them hither. After a favourable voyage they arrived safely in Philadelphia, and immediately settled in Montgomery, at that time a part of the county of Philadelphia. Industrious and economical, they soon enjoyed the respect of their neighbours, and at an early period acquiring farms, in the vicinity of Skippack, Flour Town, Kusher upper, and other places, There are, at this time, several churches belonging to these people in Montgomery county. The Edict was issued about three years after their landing in this country, and notwithstanding its promises of aid and protection, not one Schwenckfeldian returned. in Amsterdam, which generously furnished the ship, or It is worthy of being recorded, that when the house stances in the year 1790, the Schwenckfeldians in their descendants, were reduced to difficult circumPennsylvania, in remembrance of past kindness, promptly advanced a considerable sum* for their relief.--ED.† Phil. Monthly Mag. Seven hundred pounds, or about 3000 dollars. It is probable that some details in relation to these people might prove interesting; we request any one who may possess such information to communicate it. TRAVELLING. Be it known to all to whom these presents may come, Whereas we do hold nothing to be more contrary to Nature, Reason, and the Principles of the Christian Religion, as the forcing of the subjects' conciences, and to persecute them about any erroneous doctrines which do not concern the fundamental principles of the Christian Religion; so have we most graciously resolved that the so called Schwenckfeldians who were exiled, through an imprudent zeal for Religion, to the irreparable damage of commerce and the country, be recalled into our Sovereing Duchy of Nether-Silesia. We have, therefore, thought fit by these presents to assure all those who profess the said doctrine, upon our Royal the city are not aware of the facility of travelling in this Sunbury, Penn. August 10.-Many of our friends in word, that they shall and may safely return not only section of country, thinking this part of the state too far into our Sovereign Duchy of the Nether-Silesia, but back to have good roads, horses, and coaches, and on also into all our provinces, peaceably to live and trade that account do not visit the beautiful vallies of the Sus there; since we not only do receive them into our spe- quehanna. But we can boast of as rapid and cheap cial protection, but also will give them all necessary supplies for the promotion of their commerce. And all travelling as any of our neighbours. those who, several years ago, were deprived of their daily stages passing through this place twice every day, habitations and estates in our country of Silesia, in case (Sundays excepted, on which day there is but one,)— those estates are not paid for by the new possessors, one by the way of Pottsville to Philadelphia-the other shall be reinstated without any compensation. Such as by the way of Harrisburg to Philadelphia, Baltimore, will settle in our villages shall have farms assigned them, o'clock in the afternoon, to meet the North and West &c. the return stages passing through about three and care shall be taken to provide them employment--Branch stages at Northumberland.-Persons leaving and those who choose to live in towns, shall, besides several ordinary Free years, have places assigned them gratis, for the building of their houses, for which purposes they need only apply to our Military and [Do mainen] Chambers. * We do therefore command our superior Colleges of Justice and Finance, as also all mediate Princes, Lords, Magistrates, &c, carefully to observe the same. In witness whereof we have signed this present Edict with our own hand, and caused our Royal Seal to be affixed. Done at Selowitz, March 8th, 1742. FREDERICK of Coccey, [SEAL.] The emigrants here referred to, were originally inhabitants of Silesia, and, as we learn from our correpondent, did not exceed one hundred in number. They were distinguished at home, for honesty, sobriety, and industry; and had, by the many excellent traits in their character, attached to them the good wishes and kind offices of those with whom they associated. On hearing of the decree by which their opinions were denounced, they commenced their journey in the beginning of the year 1739, with very little money, and travelled on foot to the Rhine. They were prevented from disposing of their property, chiefly, it is believed, in consequence We presume this phrase implies immunity from taxation. We have two Sunbury at nine o'clock in the morning, get into PhilaPottsville, Orwigsburg, Reading, Pottstown Norristown, & delphia in the afternoon of the next day-passing thro' Germantown. To the eye of the painter or the poet, the country is romantic,being interspersed with hills & dales they wind their way down the sides of the mountains, -little rivulets flowing here and there, undisturbed, as seeking the "wide abyss of the ocean." To the capitalist it presents many inducements-abounding with ore, coal, and other minerals, which, when worked, wilk richly pay the proprietor for his trouble. To the man' of pleasure this route also holds forth objects worthy big attention. Accommodations are good; the roads fine, the country picturesque. Many gentlemen, this summer, have taken this route, and express themselves as being highly pleased. Travelling to the Susquehanna, and along its banks, is becoming more general every year, and we are not at all surprised to see the stages frequently filled with passengers, seeking various amusements or business, to employ their time. The route passing through Harrisburg and Lancaster is pleasant and expeditious-the country, one of the richest in the Union-the roads good and accommodations excellent. You have the Susquehanna gliding along near the road, the whole distance to Harrisburg. There you take the celebrated Lancaster turnpike, and pass over the ground at a very rapid rate, arriving at Philadelphia in about two days. Gentlemen visiting this country generally take one line coming, and the Making the real value of Quarters about other going, so as to give both a fair trial. Carriages, gigs, &c. have been passing through here in more abundance tan during any preceding season, and we have the prospect of seeing the Susquehanna country, in this d rection, one of the fashionable resorts of the citizens of our metropolis.-Susquehanna Empo i um. YORK, Aug. 11. We have understood that the premium was awarded to Mr. Charles Nes, of this borough, for the best specimen of domestic wine exhibited to the "Wine Convention" which met on the 1st inst. at Mr. Upp's vineyard. Wines from many of the vineyards in this county, and of various kinds of grape, were exhibited, but no report of the examinations, save of the general result, has reached us. Those who were present at the exhibition express themselves decidedly well pleased with the progress made in the culture of the grape, and the promise thus given that wine will be speedily and permanently added to the staple products of our country. Recorder. Pennsylvania Canal.--In the course of the last week, three feet of water was let into the Canal opposite Duncan's Island, and the work at the Red Hill and Hunter's Falls tested. At both places, it was perfectly water tight. A little more repairing will render the canal fit for navigation from Duncan's Island to Harrisburg. Between Harrisburg and Middletown some repairing is also to be done, but it is not expected that many days will be required to do it. The only heavy work is the raising of the dain at Duncan's Island, which is in competent hands. Altogether, we feel confident that this twenty. four miles of Canal will be navigable in September. Persons intimately acquainted with the state of the Juniata division of the canal, say it will be fit for navigation from Duncan's Island to Lewistown, in September, with the exception of the aqueduct at the mouth of the Juniata, which cannot be completed this season. Harrisburg Chron. Iron Manufacture in Venango County.-Extract from a letter received from a highly respectable gentleman at Franklin, Venango County. The quantity of pig metal manufactured in this county, in the year 1828, was about 1600 tons, of bloom 200 tons, of bar iron 100 tons.—The pig metal, except what was used for making iron, was sold at Pittsburg, Steubenville, and Wheeling, at from 35 to $40 per ton; the blooms at Pittsburg, for $100 per ton, and the bar iron here, at 125 to 140 per ton. "Several new furnaces are erecting; the demand is rapidly increasing. None of the furnaces were properly pushed last year, except one. "With proper management, a furnace will make from 800 to 1000 tons per annum, which can be made at an expense of from 22 to 24 dollars per ton, according to the price of provisions; and with ore, timber, &c. convenient and good, at about 18 to 20 dollars. Under proper management and good materials, a furnace will clear, at present prices, ten thousand dollars per an num." Do. Do. 23 cents. do. 5 do. Elevenpenny bitts, 11 Fivepenny bits, Mint of the United States, } August 19, 1829. Certain paragraphs relative to the parts of the Spanish dollar, having recently appeared in the public prints, tending to introduce a disturbance into our currency, not warranted by a full view of the facts, some notice of the subject is considered due to the public. The Spanish silver coins now in the United States, taken together, are of an intrinsic value, equal to that at which they pass in ordinary circulation. If a deposite were made for coinage, consisting of Spanish dollars and the severa! parts thereof, in that proportion of each, which actually prevails, the operation, it is confidently believed, would incur no loss to the depositor. The parts of the Spanish dollar, considered alone, are of less than their nominal value. The quarters may, however, be estimated as intrinsically worth twenty-four cents, within a minute fraction, and the subordinate parts nearly in that proportion. They are diminished in value by use, more conspicuously than coins of a higher denomination, from being more constantly in service, and exposing a much larger surface in propor tion to their weight. To this disproportionate reduc tion, small coins are unavoidably liable. Our own are not exempt from it. Nor does it appear in what manner the purposes of change are to be accomplished, with the desirable uniformity, by metallic money, except on the condition, that the public, for the common benefit, shall acquiesce in the circulation of small coins, at their nominal value, although reduced somewhat below it by the effects of use. The subject, it is known, is now undergoing an investigation, which will probably, at no distant period, result in the adjustment of it on general principles, by the only authority competent to adopt measures, for introducing into the currency, a copious supply of the smaller denominations of our own coin, and to determine the time and manner of withdrawing from circulation, all others which have been made a legal tender. Partial and local proceedings in relation to it, would therefore seem inexpedient at this time. Under present circumstances, they would probably have no other resul's than to accumulate the coins alluded to, in the hands of individuals, at depressed rates, to be returned upon the community, after a short interval, at their nominal value.--Phil. Gaz. PITTSBURG, August 11. The Canal.-The Packet Boat General Lacock, and the Pittsburg and Blairsville Packet, passed through the river locks,-the former descending and the latter ascending,-on the 9th. Yesterday the navigation of the canal may be said to have been formally commenced, though some parts of it have been in profitable use for a considerable time past. A canal boat, ladened with 130 bushels of salt, arrived yesterday from the Kiskeminetas works. Mr. Samuel Marshall, of this city, has obtained a patent for a new method of cutting leather, &c. to be made into boots, whereby those important articles of By an ASSAY of parts of a Spanish dollar made at the dress may be fitted to the human foot with the greatest Mint, it appears that 100 dollars in quarters of the ordinary circula tion, are worth only 100 dollars in eighths, 10 dollars in sixteenths, Loss on $210, $94 44 90 52 8 94 193 90 16 10 precision. Appointment by the Governor, Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable $210 00 annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. IV.-NO. 9. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. [From the Casket.] (Continued from page 19.) NO. 87. enclosed is the only one which I possess; I have taken ANTHONY WAYNE. combined attack would probably be made on him at Sir Henry, still labouring under an apprehension that York Island, and being desirous to guard against the evil consequences of such an event, as far as practicable, called the aid of the garrison of Stony and Ver. plank's Points to his fortifications about New York. On the 21st October, General Wayne addressed the Com Notwithstanding the arrival of reinforcements from England, Sir Henry did not make any grand attempt on the army of Washington, posted on each side of the Hudson; indeed, he durst not venture to attack him whilst in possession of his strong positions on the High-a lands. He, therefore, resolved to concentrate the greater part of the troops on York Island, for the purpose of placing the works at that place in such a condition as to resist the American army, in case it should attack them in the absence of the detachments which he had contemplated to send southwardly, in aid of his troops, then carrying on the war in South Carolina and Georgia. With this latter view, Cornwallis was actually embarked with a strong reinforcement, but he was or dered to debark as soon as Sir Henry was apprised that a powerful fleet, under Count D'Estaing, with 7000 land troops, was on the American coast. This fact also being known to the American commander-in-chief, induced him to relinquish, at least for the time, his intention of laying siege to Stony Point, as will be discovered from the following letter:- Head Quarters, West Point. Dear Sir,--I have your favour of yesterday, enclosing a sketch of the bearings and distance of the grounds contiguous to Stony Point. It is not to our interest to disturb the enemy at that, or any other detached post, just now. Under present circumstances, we should endeavour to keep them as much separated as possible, for if part of my plan, recommended to the Count, can be carried into execution, we shall put it out of the power of the detachments to join the main body. I would, therefore, wish that the enemy may be lulled into security, rather than alarmed. A small time will determine whether those posts, or a greater object, shall engage our attention. I am, with great regard, dear Sir, General WAINE. Heights of Haverstraw, 14th October, 1779. Dear General,-The appearance of the number of vessels in Haverstraw Bay was a little exaggerated.-There is not the least sign of an alteration in the garrison, except that they are employed in erecting a maga zine. Had not your Excellency given a hint, a few days since, that you wished to lull, rather than alarm the enemy, I should have been tempted, since the arrival of the Virginia line, to have asked for the artillery I mentioned, which I have ground to believe we should have used with effect, or obliged the enemy to move up in force, and relinquish every other operation, without much injuring us. General Woodford has taken post near Smith's tavern, about three miles on my right, and one mile in the rear of the meeting-house. Our present position gives us perfect security, excepting against very superior numbers, and in that case we have a safe retreat. You request a sketch of Stony PointVoz. IV. 17 mander-in-chief. Light Infantry Camp, 21st October, } 1779, Half past one, About 10 o'clock last evening, I received intelligence that a number of flat-bottomed boats and several vessels were moving up Haverstraw bay. The troops were ordered to lay on their arms, and several patroles were detached towards the enemy's lines to observe their motion, the whole concurring that some capital move was in agitation, but we could not discover whether it was an embarkation or debarkation. At twelve o'clock, A. M., I put the troops in motion, in order to strike the enemy in flank the moment they should pass the morass, and endeavour to enter with them; but all continued very quiet until daylight, when I observed them busily employed in embarking their cannon and baggage. About 10 o'clock they began to demolish the parapets and fraising on Verplanks, but they had not attempted any thing of that sort at Stony Point; they appeared to be waiting for the tide of ebb. I have sent for General Woodford's artillery, and I am determined to prevent them from destroying the face of their works at Stony Point. They will, probably, burn and blow up the block-houses. I shall only keep a Captain's guard at Stony Point until I hear further from your Excellency, for be assured the works will be in our possession this night. The moment we enter them, I shall announce it to you by the firing of five cannon, observing the time of half a minute between each gun. Interim, I am your Excellency's Most obdt. and very humble serv't, Light Infantry Camp, 22d October, 1779. Dear General,--I received your two favours of the 21st, by Dr. Johnston and the express--the first at four in the afternoon, the latter at 11 o'clock last evening. I did myself the honour to announce to you yesterday, the evacuation of Stony and Verplank's Points-on which occasion I met your idea of caution in taking possession of that post, as I apprehended more danger from the enemy after the evacuation, than from any enterprise whilst they held those works. At present all is quiet, and their shipping out of view. Colonel Johnson will inform your Excellency of the state of the works; all the blockhouses are destroyed, with some of the sing and parapets, but the far greater part is perfect, and very little of the abbatis injured. I only keep a Captain's guard at Stony Point in the day time, and withdraw him at night.-As the object which drew us to this position is now removed, and the forage chiefly consumed, I shall expect your Excellency's orders to take some other post--perhaps the vicinity of Hackensack or Acquahenunk bridge may be the most proper at present, for unless we forage in that quarter, the enemy certainly will do so. I am, your Excellency's obedient, His Excellency, General WASHINGTON. ANTHONY WAYNE. HEAD QUARTERS, Dear Sir,-Yours, dated one o'clock this morning, reached me at 7. You will probably be soon informed more certainly of the real strength of the enemy, and what seems to be their intention. Should you find it more than a forage, you will endeavour to collect the militia lately ordered out, some of whom are, I suppose, by this time at their rendezvous at Pomptown,, and many more undoubtedly at their place of battalion rendezvous. I have sent an express to General Sullivan, and have directed him to bend his march towards Morristown, and to send forward some officers to you, to know your situation, and that of the enemy, that he may, should there be occasion, fall lower down than Morristown. There is a considerable quantity of forage along the mountain, and probably a good many cattle; the destruction of the former and the capture of the latter, may perhaps be the intention of the enemy. We have, like. wise, a number of flat boats at Middlebrooke. You will attend to those several matters, as being, in my opinion, most material, and be pleased to keep me constantly advised of all occurrences. I am, dear Sir, yonr most obedient servant, GEO. WASHINGTON. P. S. You will make use of Baylor's dragoons, if you have not already taken them with you. New Bridge, 4th Nov. 1779. Z Dear General,--We marched in force to the English neighbourhood, on Tuesday morning, for the purpose of making a grand forage between this place and Bergentown, which we have effected without opposition. The troops will return to their camp near Paramus this evening. We found at, and brought off from Winhook and Bergen, upwards of one hundred head of fat cattle, and a considerable quantity of grain, for which I have directed certificates to be given, although I have some suspicions that the greater part was designed for the enemy, who, from every observation I could make, and I reconnoitred them very minutely, I am of an opinion that they are preparing for an evacuation; in this idea I am joined by most of the field officers. A great number of their shipping was at the watering place, and others falling down, At 12 o'clock, yesterday, being young flood, a signal was fixed at that place, when they began to unfurl their topsails in order to make room for others to water. The person at whose house I was, says, they water in rotation, being space sufficient for only a part to water at the same time; what corroborates the idea of an evacuation, is, that they had intelligence of our being out two days, and, although there are three large encampments at and near Fort Washington, from which they might, with great ease, have thrown over a sufficient number of troops to oblige us to repass this bridge, yet they looked on coolly, and suffered us to carry off the forage and cattle, which, heretofore, they used to count upon as their own. Whilst I was at Winhook, a Captain of a vessel, who had made his escape from a prison ship the night before last, informed Captain Bowman, who had charge of a piquet, that the enemy had embarked 12,000 men, said to be destined for Georgia, but that the inhabitants were greatly apprehensive that a total evacuation was about to take place. However, he says that he is confident a very great proportion of their troops are about to embark; but this I only give as his report. I have procured some people who reside in full view of New York and Fort Washington, to watch their motions, so that if any more should take place, you may expect the earliest intelligence. Your Excellency's most obdt. servant, ANTHONY WAYNE. Camp at Acquakenunk Bridge, 18th November, 1779. Dear General,-The false alarm the other day prevented Colonel Putnam from executing the business upon which he went, and the rascally inhabitants have since driven in their cattle to Powles Hook, except about forty head, which were brought off yesterday by Captain Bowman, whilst part of the field officers and myself were reconnoitring the enemy in the vicinity of Fort Washington. We had an idea of striking those on the north side of King's Bridge, by taking the advantage of a stormy night, and embarking on board boats at Chester, falling down with the tide, and landing in the rear of their works, and entering their encampment, which was of considerable extent, with fixed bayonets, and after settling the business there, to carry the works, if practicable; otherwise to pass them, and retire by Phillips' and over Croten bridge: but the enemy have foreclosed us in this manœuvre, by withdrawing their troops and demolishing Fort Independence, and every other work on the main, except a redoubt on the ground, known by the name of the "Three Trees;"-facts of which your Excellency must have received intelligence before this time. They have thrown up four rebutments between Laurel Hill and the North River, in front of Fort Washington, and which they have joined together by a strong stockade and abbatis. I have received intelligence of an intended forage by the enemy in the English neighbourhood, and that it is to take place about the full of the moon. I expect to hear more of the matter, of which you shall have the earliest notice. Interim, your Excellency's Very obedient servant, ANTHONY WAYNE, HEAD QUARTERS, West Point, 20th Nov. 1779. Dear Sir,--I was yesterday favoured with yours of the 18th. It would have been a very desirable thing to have wound up the campaign by a successful strike upon the enemy before they retire within King's Bridge. I have no doubt but if, in the course of your enquiries into their situation, the enterprise had been found warrantable, you would have given me information before any movements would have been made. This, when the execution of a measure of any consequence does not depend upon the movement, is absolutely necessary, and would probably have been evidenced in the matter you had in contemplation, had it gone on, for I had resolved to attempt the same enterprise, to be executed in the same manner you mention, by water, by the troops at Verplank's Point and its vicinity. General Howe was down, and sent persons into the enemy's camp, to obtain the necessary information, just as they went within the bridge. I have been thus full to show how much depends upon communication, and how far two well meant and well concerted plans might have defeated each, had we have been ignorant of each other's designs. |