Union County: History: Annals of the Buffalo Valley by John Blair Lynn: Pages 89 thru 126 Contributed for use in USGenWeb by Tony Rebuck USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is Encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitter PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to state and county table of contents. 1776 WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP ERECTED - ASSOCIATORS - SECOND BATTALION - COLONEL POTTER - INHABITANTS OF PENN'S - CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY - CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION - INCIDENT AT DEER'S TRADING - HOUSE - MINUTES OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE - ROLL or CAPTAIN WEITZEL's COMPANY - FOURTH BATTALION OF ASSOCIATORS - ROLL OF CAPTAIN JOHN CLARKE'S COMPANY - ROSTER OF TWELFTH PENNSYLVANIA. JOHN PENN, Governor, until September 28, when the New Constitution went into effect. The surveys, made under John Penn's warrants, until December of this year, were afterwards legalized. James Potter, additional Member of Assembly. Colonel Samuel Hunter, member of the Committee of Safety, at Philadelphia. William Maclay, Prothonotary; William Scull, Sheriff; County Commissioners, Thomas Hewitt, William Gray. 22d January, John Weitzel sworn in as County Commissioner. Attorneys admitted, William Price Gibbs, and William Lawrence Blair. Officers of Buffalo township: Constable, Christian Storms; Overseers, John Clarke and John Pontius; Supervisors, Joseph Green and Jacob Fought. At February sessions, White Deer township was set off from Buffalo, by a line beginning at the upper side of Buffalo creek, at its mouth; thence up the same to the mouth of Spruce run; thence up the same to the forks thereof; thence up the north-east branch to the head thereof; thence by a straight line to the four-mile tree, on Reuben Haines' road, on the line of Potter township. Its first officers were: Peter Swartz, constable; Walter Clark and Matthew 90 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. Brown, overseers; Hugh Caldwell and Robert Fruit, supervisors. Henry Iddings bought the Parsons' place, adjoining Colonel Kelly's, and moved into the Valley. During the summer of this year Widow Smith added a boring-mill to her other mills, near the mouth of White Deer creek. Here a great number of gun- barrels were bored for the Continental army. NORTHUMBERLAND, January 24, 1776. I do hereby certify that at an election for field officers, held at Ludwig Derr's, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, on Tuesday, the 12th day of September last, the following gentlemen were regularly chosen for the upper division, of the county of Northumberland, viz: James Potter, Esquire, colonel; Robert Moodie, Esquire, lieutenant colonel; Mr. John Kelly, first major; Mr. John Brady, second major. WILLIAM SCULL, Chairman of the Committee. A Return of the Names of the Captains and other Officers of the several Companies, in the Upper Division of the County of Northumberland, with the Ranks of said Companies and number of men. Arthur Taggart, first captain, Cornelius Atkinson, first lieutenant | James McClung, second lieutenant, | 85 privates. James Wilson, ensign. | William Gray, second captain, William Clark, first lieutenant, | James Murdoch, second lieutenant, | 90 privates. William Thompson, ensign. | David Berry, third captain, William Hammond, first lieutenant, | Erael Parsels, second lieutenant, | 45 privates. Benjamin Burt, ensign. | Samuel Dale, fourth captain William Bennet, first lieutenant, | Hawkins Boone, second lieutenant, | 67 privates. Jesse Weeks, ensign. | 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 91 Cookson Long, fifth captain, William Mucklehatton, first lieutenant, | Robert Fleming, second lieutenant, | 59 privates. Robert Fleming, junior, ensign. | Samuel Wallis, sixth captain, John Scudder, first lieutenant, | Peter Jones, second lieutenant, | 91 privates. James Hampton, ensign. | James Murray, seventh captain, William Murray, first lieutenant, | Thomas Plunket, second lieutenant, | 60 privates. Andrew Robinson, ensign. | Henry Antes, eighth captain, Thomas Brandon, first lieutenant, | Alexander Hamilton, second lieutenant, | 58 privates. Simon Cole, ensign. | John McMillan, ninth captain, John McConnol, first lieutenant, | John McCormick, second lieutenant, | 43 privates. Charles Wilson, ensign. | David Hayes, tenth captain, Charles Clark, first lieutenant, | 41 privates. Thomas Gray, ensign. | Philip Davis, eleventh captain, James Aspey, first lieutenant, | John Nelson, second lieutenant, | 74 privates. Jacob Fulmore, ensign. | NORTHUMBERLAND, 24th January, 1776. I do hereby certify the above to be a true return, of the several companies, which, form the battalion in the upper division of the county of Northumberland, as delivered in to me. WILLIAM SCULL, Chairman of the Committee. To the COMMITTEE OF SAFETY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA. The following imperfect list of the inhabitants of Penn's town- ship is taken from the duplicate of Christian Seecrist, collector for this year, duplicate being mutilated: Adams, George; Albright, 92 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. Jacob; Albright, Frederick; Arnold, Casper; Arnold, Lawrence; Augustine, Hieronimus; Ault, Michael; Balt, Adam; Bander, Adam; Baker, William; Berst, Peter; Bear, Jacob; Bickel, Tobias; Bomberger, John; Bower, Peter; Bower, Henry; Bright, John; Bressler, Nicholas; Brouse, John; Brau, Martin; Bombach, George; Crean, John; Hassinger, Jacob; Hosterman, Peter; Hosterman, Jacob, junior; Jacobs, Joseph; Jorday, Peter; Jordan, Philip; Jost, Casper; Kerstetter, Michael; Kerstetter, Bastian; Keller, Michael; Kebler, John; Kline, Andrew; Kline, Jacob; Kline, George; Kline, Stophel; Kroo, Godfrey; Kremer, Peter; Kremer, Daniel; Graybill, (Krebill,) John; Kreger, Henry; Krail, Michael; Laudenslager, George; Seiver, Adam, inmate; Lewis, John, inmate; Lepley, Michael; Leist, David; Lemley, Leonard; Livingood, Jacob; Lively, John; Livengood, F.; Lively, Peter; Lowrey, George; Long, Christian; Livengood, George; Maurer, Lawrence; Maurer, Peter; Manning Richard; Markley, Peter; Markley, Simeon; Martin, Frederick; Mensch, Charles; Menich, Simeon; Meiser, Michael; Meiser, John; Meiser, John; Meese, Thomas; Miser, Henry; Miller, Henry; Miller, Christian Miller, Frederick; Miller, Dewalt; Miller, George; Moon, William; Moon, Casper, junior; Motz, George, inmate; Motz, John Moore, Andrew; Moon, Casper, senior; Motz, Michael; Mull, Anthony; Murray, Alexander; Myer, Charles; Myer, Jacob, junior; Myer, Jacob, senior; Myer, Alexander; Myer, Stophel; McQueen, John; McKean, William; Newcomer, Francis; Nees, William; Newman, Jacob Neff, Jacob; O'Brien, Patrick; Puff, Dewall; Pyle, Peter; Reger, Michael; Reed, John; Reager, Adam, junior; Reichenbach, John, senior; Reichenbach, John, junior; Reed, Casper; Ream, John; Riddle, Yost; Richart, Henry; Righter, Christian Right, Ellis; Row, George; Row, George, junior; Row, John; Row, Martin; Roush, Casper; Roush, George; Robert, John; Rush, John; Ryne, Henry; Sense, Frederick; Seecrist, Christian; Schrock, John; Schrock, George; Shaffer, Peter; Shaffer, Andrew; Shaffer, Ludwig; Sharrett, Jacob; Sherrick, John; Shedderly, Andrew; Shallenberger, Lawrence; Shock, Mathias; Simeon, Joseph; Smith, John; Smith, Nicholas; Snyder, Harman; Snyder. Simon; Snyder, Anthony; Snider, John; Snevely, Abraham Swift, John; Spayd, Jacob; Spees, Jacob; Stees, Jacob; Steel, 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY 93 John; Stephen, Adam; Stinley, Daniel; Stigleman, Jacob; Straup, Peter; Strayer, Mathias; Strump, Casper; Stroam, Christian Stock, Melchior; Summerouser, Henry; Sutton, Stephen; Swengle, Michael; Swartz, John; Swift, John; Swoab, George; Trester, Martin, junior; Trester, Michael; Truckenmiller, Peter; Trout- ner, George; Ulrich, George; Wales, John; Wallace, Samuel; Walter, Ludwig; Walter, Jacob; Warfel, Henry; Weaver, Michael; Weiser, Peter, senior; Weiser, Benjamin, Esquire; Weirich, Peter; Weirich, William; Whitmer, Peter; Whitmore, Michael; Wittenmyer, Andrew; Wittenmyer, Ludwig; Wing, Hugh; Wise, George; Worrah, or Woodrow, Ludwig; Zellar, John; Zerbach, Bartel; Zimmerman, Stophel; Zanzinger, Adam. Single men - Bickle, Simon; Dellman, Andrew; Dill, Leonard; Dunkle, Charles; Garret, Henry; Havelock, Jacob; Isenhower, Frederick; Kremer, Daniel; Kerstetter, Martin; List, Andrew; Maxwell, James; Meshall, Daniel; Miller, Conrad; Myst, John; Rickert, John; Stroup, John; Snider, Stophel; Stock, Peter; Weaver, John; Zeller, Henry. The churches in what was called in general Shamokin, on both sides of the Susquehanna, about the junction of the North and West Branches, namely, Mahony, Sunbury, Middle Creek and Buffalo Valley, were in existence as early as 1776. In the minutes of Coetus, held in Lancaster, May 1, is a minute "that different congregations in Shamokin having asked for such an arrangement as to have ministers visit them, it was resolved that ministers should visit them occasionally during this year, and preach to them," &c. Harbaugh's Fathers of the German Reformed Church, 3d vol., 34th page. The German Reformed Church was under the supervision of the church in Holland until about the year 1791, and only such ministers were received by the church as were either sent over by the Fathers in Holland, or had their indorsement. Ibid., 2d vol. Convention of 7776. In consequence of a circular letter from the Committee of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, inclosing the resolution of the Continental Congress of the 15th of May, recommending the adoption of the State Government in each of the Colonies, a provincial con- 94 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY, [1776. ference was held at Philadelphia, on Tuesday, June 18. For the committee of Northumberland county appeared Colonel William Cooke, Alexander Hunter, Esquire, John Weitzel, Robert Martin and Matthew Brown. This conference met at Carpenters' Hall, and chose Colonel Thomas McKean, President. It was resolved unanimously that a convention should be called to form a new Government. Qualifications of an elector were fixed as follows: He must be twenty-one years of age, have lived one year in the Province, and paid either a provincial or county tax, and further, swear that he would no longer bear allegiance to George III. To be a member of the convention required like qualifications, and further, that he must swear that he would oppose any measure that would interfere with or obstruct the religious principles or practices of any of the good people of the Province; and still further, sign a declaration of faith in the Trinity and in the Divine inspiration of the Old and New Testament. It was determined that each county should have eight Represent- atives or members, the election for whom should be held on Monday, the 8th of July, and it passed resolutions to raise four thousand five hundred militia, to join a flying camp to consist of ten thousand men in the middle Colonies, &c. The election for Northumberland county was held at George McCandlish's,* (Turbutt.) Thomas Hewitt, William Shaw and Joseph Green were the judges. The members elected were: William Cooke, James Potter, Robert Martin, Matthew Brown, Walter Clark, John Kelly, James Crawford, John Weitzel. The convention met on Monday, the 15th of July, in Philadelphia, and Doctor Franklin was chosen President. It continued, by adjournments, until the 28th of September, when the Constitution was adopted and signed. A short statement of its salient points will be of interest, and serve to explain the political statistics of these Annals. The law-making power was vested in a House of Representatives, the members of which were to be chosen annually, by ballot, on the second Tuesday of October, to meet on the fourth Monday of the same month. No member could serve more than four years. It was to choose the *McCadlish lived in a log house just back of Milton, on the late Samuel Hepburn, Esquire's, farm. In July, 1779, Marcus Hullings sold him his tavern stand on the river, at the end of Broadway Street, Milton, Hulings returning to his old home, Duncan's Island. - J. F. Wolfinger, Esquire. 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 95 State Treasurer and Delegates to Congress annually, of which no one could be a member more than two years successively, nor be capable of re-election for three years afterward. Each county was to be entitled to six members until a proper apportionment could be made. There was also a provision for the election of a council of censors in 1783, and every seven years thereafter, two persons from each city and county, whose duty it was to inquire whether the Constitution had been violated. The execution of the laws devolved upon the President and Supreme Executive Council. This consisted of twelve persons, one for the city of Philadelphia, and one from each of the eleven counties into which the Province was then divided. They were, however, chosen by districts. Northampton, Bedford, Northumberland and Westmoreland constituting one district, the embryo of the present senatorial representation. Every member of Council was a justice of the peace for the whole State. The President and Vice President of the State were chosen of members of the Council in joint convention of the Assembly and Council. The President had the power of appointing and commissioning judges, &c., and of sitting as judge in impeachment cases, and could grant pardons, &c. The judges of the Supreme Court held office for seven years. Two or more persons were chosen in each township as justices, and the Council commissioned one or more of them for seven years. These justices held the several courts. It did not follow, as remarked by Judge Duncan, in Albright's case, who was both associate and justice in 1813, the legality of holding both offices at the same time being then tested and affirmed, that the Council should appoint the justices of the sessions from the justices elect, though they generally did. Two persons were to be voted for for sheriff, one of whom was commissioned by the Council. The county commissioners and assessors of taxes were to be elected by the people, thus embodying in the Constitution the principles for which the Revolution was inaugurated, the right of the people to tax themselves. The convention, by an ordinance dated September 3, created a new Council of Safety, of which Samuel Hunter and John Weitzel were the members for Northumberland county. It also appointed the following justices: Samuel Hunter, James Potter, William Maclay, Robert Moodie, John Lowdon, Benjamin Weiser, Henry Antes, and John Simpson. 96 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. John Lowdon, of Silver Spring, near Mifflinburg, became member of the Supreme Executive Council by choice of the Delegates from the district of Northampton, Bedford, Westmoreland, and Nor- thumberland counties. Buffalo, White Deer, and Potter were in the third election district; and the first election under the constitution was held at Fought's mill, (near Mifflinburg,) on 3d of November. The Assembly met in Philadelphia on the 28th of November, when Thomas Wharton, junior, was elected President of the Council and State; John Jacobs Speaker of the House. Copy of Certificate on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, November 7, 1776. Agreable to an ordinance in Convention for the State or Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, this is to certify that the following persons were duly elected for the respective offices annexed to their names for the county aforesaid: Council, John Lowdon; Assembly, Thomas Hewitt, Samuel Dale, Jacob Fulmer, Robert Fruit, David Robb, and Samuel Wallis; Sheriff, Jonathan Lodge and James Murray; Coroner, James Mc- Mahan, John Murray; Commissioners, William Gray, Philip Cole, Joseph Wallis; Assessors, David Mead, Andrew Moore, James Thompson, James McClure, William Watson, and William Shaw. (Signed) JOHN BRADY, JAMES McCLENACHAN, JOHN GRAY, THOMAS ROBINSON, Judges of the Different Districts. Incident at Derr's Trading-House. It is singular, after a careful search of contemporary documents, I can find no allusion to the treaty, said to have been held at Fort Augusta, at the time this incident occurred. It appears by contemporary evidence, that the Indians cut down their corn, and moved off their families and effects, on the 1st of July. Two Seneca In- 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 97 dians came to the Great Island, (just below Lock Haven,) the day before, and the whole party moved off suddenly, to join the Six Nations in the war. That is the last we know of them as residents of the West Branch valley, and our troubles with them then began. In a letter, dated Paxton, August 27, 1776, John Harris says: "The Indians, to the northward, southward, and westward, are for war against us, as I am informed by a letter from Northumberland county, by their post, two days ago. The Susquehanna Indians are only for peace with us. About twenty Indians, (enemies,) men, women, and children, have been many days past at Sunbury, and make said report." In all probability this was the party that stopped at Derr's trading-house, and the date of the incident, therefore, August, 1776. Christian Van Gundy (father of Captain Jacob Gundy, who is my authority,) often related the incident. He said, his father, Christian Van Gundy, senior, lived between John Strohecker's and the late Jacob Spidler's, and kept the ferry there. He thought he was about thirteen years old at the time; but it appears, by his tombstone, that he was born about the 1st of March, 1766, and if thirteen, it would throw the date beyond that of the death of Captain John Brady, (11th April, 1779.) He could, therefore, have been only ten years of age. To resume his story: he said he saw the Indians come up the river, until they arrived opposite where they lived. They stopped, carried some things ashore, and left the women there, then crossed over to Derr's trading-house. He asked his father for permission to go up to see the Indians. He said he saw Derr knock in the head of a whisky barrel, and give the Indians tin-cups to drink with. They drank and danced, and showed how they scalped by gestures. Most of them got beastly drunk; but one would not drink any. He then saw Brady approach, and kick over the barrel, which put an end to the frolic. He said they would seize each other by the hair, and go through the form of scalping, tearing off the scalp with the teeth. (Derr's house stood by the cherry tree in the present garden, and the barrel was just in front. So John Brown, senior, said, who owned the mill property many years.) R. B. McCabe, Esquire, of Blairsville, Indiana county, (whither William P. Brady removed,) published, some forty years ago, in the 98 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. B1airsville Record, some sketches of the life of Captain Samuel Brady, written upon the dictation of one of the Brady family, (so the late Jasper E. Brady informed me,) in which this incident is alluded to. He says Captain John Brady lived on the West Branch, opposite the site of Lewisburg, on the place owned by Honorable George Kremer's heirs. Derr bad a small mill on the run that empties into the river below the town, where he supplied the Indians with powder, lead, rum, &c. Brady discovered that the Indians were likely to be tampered with by the British, and proposed making a treaty with the Seneca and Muncy tribes, who were up the West Branch, and were at variance with the Delawares, who were on the North Branch. Captain Brady and two others were selected by the people at Fort Augusta to go after the Senecas and Muncys. The Indians met them in a very friendly manner, and promised to attend at Fort Augusta on the day appointed. They came down about one hundred strong, and dressed in war costume. The people at the Fort were too poor to give them anything of value, and they did not succeed in making a treaty. They left the fort, however, in a good humor, and taking their canoes, proceeded homeward. Late in the day, Brady thought of Derr's trading-house, and mounting a small mare he had, crossed the North Branch, rode home with all speed. He saw the canoes of the Indians on the bank of the river, near Derr's, and, when near enough, saw the squaws working the canoes over to his side of the river, and when they landed they made for the thickets of sumac which grew on his land. They were conveying the rifles, tomahawks, and knives into the thickets, and hiding them. Brady jumped into a canoe and crossed to Derr's trading-house, where he found the Indians drunk, and a barrel of rum standing on end before Derr's door, with the head out. He instantly overset it and spilled the rum, saying to Derr, "My God, Ludwig, what have you done?" Derr replied, "Dey dells me you gif um no dreet down on de fort, so I dinks as I give um one here, als he go home in bease." One of the Indians told Brady he would one day rue the spilling of that barrel; and Brady, being well acquainted with the Indian character, was constantly on his guard for several years. On the 4th of July, there was a convention of the associators, at 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 99 Lancaster, to elect two brigadiers general. Colonel Hunter's battalion was represented by Captain Charles Gillespie, Lieutenant George Calhoun, privates Frederick Stone and Laughlin McCartney. Colonel Plunket's, by Major John Brady, Lieutenant Mordecai McKinney, privates Paul Geddes and Andrew Culbertson. Colonel Weiser's, by the colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Maclay, privates Seth Matlock and Jonas Yocum. Colonel Potter's, by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Moodie, Captain William Gray, pri- vates James McClenachan and Benjamin Starret. Daniel Roberdeau and James Ewing were elected, Colonel Potter receiving a very respectable vote. July 29, Walter Clark and John Kelly, in attendance upon the convention at Philadelphia, petition the Council of Safety that they had just grounds to believe that the county would be disturbed by the Indians, and stated that there was not sufficient ammunition in the county for the four battalions already raised. The original of the following minutes were given to the late Joseph G. Wallace, of Lewisburg, by his grandfather, Captain William Gray, of Buffalo Valley, and loaned by him to Sherman Day, who never returned them. I am indebted to John Jordan, junior, Esquire, of Philadelphia, for a printed copy of them, published by the Historical Society among their proceedings in 1846: Minutes of The Committee of Safety of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, From February 8th, 1776, to April 17th, 1777. [From the original MS. lately presented to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.] On the 8th of February, 1776, The following gentlemen, being previously nominated by the respective townships to serve in this committee, for the county of Northumberland, for the space of six months, met at the house of Richard Malone, viz.: Augusta township. Mahoning township. John Weitzel, Esquire, William Cook, Esquire, Alexander Hunter, Esquire, Benjamin Allison, Esquire, Thomond Ball. Mr. Thomas Hewet. 100 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY [1776. Turbut township. Muncey township. Captain John Hambright, Robert Robb, Esquire, William McKnight, William Watson, William Shaw. John Buckalow. Bald Eagle township. Buffaloe township. Mr. William Dunn, Mr. Walter Clark, removed to Thomas Hughes, White Deer, Alexander Hamilton. William Irwin, Joseph Green. Wioming township. Mr. James Maclure, Penn's township. Mr. Thomas Clayton, Mr. Peter Melick. Moughonoy township. Potter township. John Livingston, Maurice Davis, John Hall. White Deer township. Walter Clark, Matthew Brown, Marcus Huling. The committee proceeded to elect a chairman and clerk, when Captain John Hambright was unanimously appointed chairman during the continuance of this committee, and Thomond Ball clerk. A return was presented to this committee, signed by William Scull, Esquire, chairman of a meeting of the officers and committeemen of the lower division of this county, held at Northumberland, the 7th instant, certifying that the following gentlemen were duly elected field officers for the battalion of said division, viz: Samuel Hunter, Esquire, colonel. William Cook, Esquire, lieutenant colonel. Casper Weitzel, Esquire, first major. Mr. John Lee, second major. 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 101 Resolved, That we accept of the same as a true return, and that the gentlemen therein mentioned be recommended to the Honorable Assembly or Committee of Safety to be commissioned accordingly. Complaint being made that the battalion of the upper division of this county have not yet met, so as to have a fair election for field officers, Resolved, That it be recommended to the officers, with three committeemen from each township in said division, to meet at the house of John Scudder, on Saturday, 24th instant, to elect their field officers, and return them to this committee on Monday, 26th instant, in order to be recommended to the Committee of Safety. Resolved, That the absence of several gentlemen chosen captains of companies in this county, (upon their several occasions,) and such as did appear (from the short notices they have had) not being provided with as regular returns of their officers and companies as we think can authorize our recommendation of said captains or their subalterns to the Assembly or Committee of Safety of this Province, to remedy this inconvenience it is recommended to the committeemen of each township to advertise a meeting of the several companies on Wednesday, 21st instant, at such places as the majority of the committeemen shall think most convenient, where, under the inspection of two or more committeemen, each company shall establish their present, or elect other officers, as they shall think proper, and the captains so established or elected shall make returns of their subalterns and companies to this committee on Monday, 26th instant. It is expected that no gentlemen will offer to return a company that does not consist of forty privates with the officers and non-commissioned officers, agreeable to the regulations of our Honorable House of Assembly. Resolved, That if a committeeman or committeemen be elected officers, one or more magistrate or magistrates present may certify for them; and if no magistrate be present, then two or more reputable men certifying for the justness of the election will be accepted of. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that a petition be presented to the Honorable Assembly of this Province, setting forth the late murder of two of the sheriff's posse, near Wioming, for attempting to act in conformity to the laws. Resolved, That John Weitzel, Esquire, Alexander Hunter, Es- 102 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY [1776. quire, and Mr. Thomond Ball, be a committee to frame said petition and present it to this committee at their next meeting. The committee then adjourned to Monday, 26th instant, at the house of Laughlin Mccartney, in Northumberland town. Monday, February 26th, 1776. The committee met, according to adjournment, at the house of Laughlin McCartney, in Northumberland town, Captain John Hambright in the chair. Messrs. Weitzel, Hunter and Ball presented the form of a petition to the Honorable Assembly, relative to the Connecticut intruders, which was approved of and ordered to be copied fair. The following gentlemen appeared and produced certificates of their being regularly chosen captains of companies in Colonel Hunter's battalion, and produced lists of their subalterns, companies, &c., viz: Captain, Nicholas Miller, First Lieutenant, Christopher Gettig, Second Lieutenant, Nehemiah Breese, First Ensign, Gustavus Ross, Second Ensign, William Sims. Captain, Hugh White, First Lieutenant, John Forster, Second Lieutenant, Andrew Gibson, Ensign, Samuel Young. Captain, James McMahon, First Lieutenant, John Murray, Second Lieutenant, William Fisher, Ensign, William Baily. Captain, Charles Gillespie, First Lieutenant, Robert King, Second Lieutenant, Samuel Fulton, First Ensign, William Boyd, Second Ensign, John Woodside. Captain, William Scull, First Lieutenant, Jonathan Lodge, Second Lieutenant, George Colhoun, 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 103 First Ensign, William Sawyers, Second Ensign, George Grant. Captain, William Clarke, First Lieutenant, John Teitson, Second Lieutenant, William McDonald, First Ensign, John Moll. Resolved, That the above six companies appear to be full and regularly officered, and that they, with the field officers of that battalion, be recommended to the Committee of Safety to receive their respective commissions; which was done in a letter, of which the following is an abstract: NORTHUMBERLAND, February 26, 1776. GENTLEMEN: At a meeting of the committee for this county, held this day, the following gentlemen were returned as duly elected field officers, captains, and subalterns of a battalion raised in this county, viz: the officers mentioned above. The above returns of six companies belonging to the battalion expected to be commanded by Samuel Hunter, Esquire, appear to be well and regularly certified as complete companies. There are two or three companies more intend to belong to said battalion, but their captains being at present out of the county, we have received no returns of them. We farther have the pleasure to inform you there is another complete battalion formed in this county, intended to be under the command of William Plunket, Esquire; but he with his other field officers being so lately promoted, their companies have not had sufficient time to elect captains in their room, we, therefore, think we cannot at present, with propriety recommend them, but hope in a few days to have the honor of transmitting to you a proper return of said battalion. In the meantime take the liberty to recommend the above named gentlemen to be commissioned in the several stations annexed to their names. And are, gentlemen, with due esteem, your very humble servants. By order of the committee, JOHN HAMBRIGHT, Chairman. To the COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, Philadelphia. Resolved, That as several companies belonging to battalions in this county have not yet brought in their returns, and it may be 104 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. inconvenient to call the whole committee together to receive their returns, that the chairman, with four others of the committee, be sufficient to receive such returns, and recommend the officers to the Committee of Safety. Resolved, That this committee be adjourned to Wednesday, 13th of March next, then to meet at the house of Frederick Stone, in Northumberland town. Wednesday, March 13, 1776. The committee met at the house of Frederick Stone, in Northumberland town, agreeable to adjournment, Captain John Hambright in the chair, when the following gentlemen made returns of their officers, captains, subalterns, &c., properly certified, viz: William Plunket, Esquire, Colonel, James Murray, Esquire, Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. John Brady, First Major, Mr. Cookson Long, Second Major. Captain, Henry Antis, Esquire, First Lieutenant, Thomas Brandon, Second Lieutenant, Alexander Hamilton, First Ensign, John Morison, Second Ensign, James Alexander. Captain, Samuel Wallis, First Lieutenant, John Scudder, Second Lieutenant, Peter Jones, Ensign, James Hampton. Captain, John Robb, First Lieutenant, William Watson, Second Lieutenant, Robert Wilson, Ensign, James White. Captain, William McElhatton, First Lieutenant, Andrew Boggs, Second Lieutenant, Thomas Wilson, Ensign, John McCormick. Captain, William Murray, First Lieutenant, Richard Irwin, 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY 105 Second Lieutenant, Thomas Plunkett, First Ensign, Andrew Robinson, Second Ensign, Benjamin Jordon. Captain, Simon Cool, First Lieutenant, Thomas Camplen, Second Lieutenant, James Brandon, First Ensign, William King, Second Ensign, James Hewes. Captain, David Berry, First Lieutenant, William Hammond, Second Lieutenant, Joseph Bonser, Ensign, Israel Pershel. Resolved, That the returns made of the above mentioned field officers and seven companies appear to be regular and well certified as full companies, and that [the] officers be recommended to the Committee of Safety; which [was] done by letter, of which the following is a copy: NORTHUMBERLAND, March 13, 1776. GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to the promise of our last of 26th ultimo, we now inform that at a meeting of the committee for this county, held this day, the following gentlemen were returned as fairly elected field officers, captains, and subalterns of a battalion raised in this county, viz: William Plunket, Esquire, Colonel, and the rest as above. The above returns of officers for a battalion, consisting of seven companies, appear to us to he regular and well certified to be complete companies; we, therefore, take the liberty of recommending said gentlemen to the respectable Committee of Safety, appointed for the Province of Pennsylvania to receive commissions in the several stations annexed to their names. Being unwilling to trouble the committee, who, we apprehend, are already overburthened with business, we have transmitted an enumeration of grievances, under which we think this county labors, to Samuel Hunter, Esquire, our Representative, and one of your respectable body, who is well acquainted with the circumstances of this county, requesting he may, 106 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. if necessary, lay the same before you, and should be glad of your opinion how to act in the different cases therein mentioned. We are, gentlemen, &c. Signed by order of the committee, JOHN HAMBRIGHT, Chairman. To the COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, Philadelphia. [Copy of Letter referred to in the above.] NORTHUMBERLAND, March 13th, 1776. SIR: We have this day wrote to the Committee of Safety, re- commending officers of another battalion, to wit: Colonel Plunket's. We had it in contemplation to write to the Committee of Safety concerning the recruiting parties that have lately been amongst us and taken away some good men, when both officers and men could be sent from this, if any ought to be sent out of the county. It is unnecessary for us to inform you of our situation, as you are so well acquainted with it. There have been different applications to us for recommendations as officers of companies to be raised in this county, to go into immediate service. We are somewhat at a loss what to do; but would be desirous, if men are to be taken for the continental service out of this county, officers should go with them. We, not considering it proper to trouble the Committee of Safety with our sentiments on this occasion, have taken the liberty to write to you, with an intention to get your advice upon the matter, as we cannot prevent recruiting parties from coming amongst us, or stop men from going into the army out of this county. If more battalions should be raised, or more men wanted, would it not be proper, from our situation as a frontier county, to have two or three companies raised, officered, and disciplined, and put into immediate pay; and if not wanted nearer home, to be always in readiness to go upon any service on which the continent may have occasion for them. We have sufficient information that Hawkins Boone has enlisted several men in this county, and has declared his having received his authority and money from the Congress for that purpose, and that he is to be a guard to the Congress. By this conduct he has drawn off some men from the different companies of military associators. We have, as a committee of the county, taken liberty to cite him to appear 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 107 before some of us, and show by what authority he has undertaken so to do; but he has not appeared. We think when men are enlisted in this county, we have a right to know for what service they are enlisted. It is from our zeal for the good cause now carrying on that we are desirous to know the reason of such procedure. This, if you think proper, you may communicate to the Committee of Safety, and are requesting your advice how to act. With due respect, your very humble servants. Signed on behalf of the committee, JOHN HAMBRIGHT, Chairman. To SAMUEL HUNTER, Esquire, Philadelphia. Information being given to the committee that a certain Hawkins Boone is now enlisting men in this county, without giving any satisfactory account for what purpose or service the said men are enlisted, Resolved, That the chairman of this committee call upon the said Hawkins Boone, by letter or otherwise, to appear before him and two or more of said committee, as he, the chairman, shall think expedient, on such day and at such place as he shall appoint, to show cause why he, the said Boone, enlists men as aforesaid. Resolved, That this committee be adjourned to Monday, 25th of March, instant, then to meet at the house of Thomond Ball, in Sunbury. MONDAY, March 25th, 1776. The committee met pursuant to adjournment at the house of Thomond Ball, in Sunbury, Captain John Hambright in the chair. Resolved, That it appears to this committee that several recruiting officers belonging to the battalions of different counties in this Province, have lately come to this infant frontier county and drained it of a number of useful men, to the prejudice of the same. Resolved, That for the future no officer or non-commissioned officer be allowed to recruit men in this county, except the officers who are or may be appointed therein. John Simpson, Esquire, presented a return, wherein appears the following list of officers, the company belonging to Colonel Hunter's battalion, viz: 108 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. Captain, John Simpson, Esquire. First Lieutenant, Robert Curry. Second Lieutenant, John Ewart. First Ensign, Thomas Gaskins. Second Ensign, David Mead. Resolved, That the same appears a full company, and that the gentlemen therein mentioned as officers, be recommended to the Committee of Safety to receive their several commissions; which was done accordingly, by a letter, of which the following is a copy: SUNBURY, 27th March, 1776. GENTLEMEN: Our last to you was of 13th instant, recommending William Plunket, Esquire, colonel, with other officers of a battalion commanded by said colonel. At this meeting, John Simpson, Esquire, presents a return in which it appears that he is captain, Robert Curry, first, and John Ewart, second lieutenants, Thomas Gaskins, first, and David Mead second ensign, which is well certified to be a full company, belonging to Col. Hunter's battalion; we, therefore, take the liberty of recommending said gentlemen to receive commissions agreeable to the ranks to which the people have appointed them. We are now, gentlemen, to inform you of what we think a grievance to this young and thinly inhabited county, viz: a constant succession of recruiting officers from different counties in this Province. Our zeal for the cause of American liberty has hitherto prevented our taking any steps to hinder the raising of men for its service, but finding the evil increasing so fast upon us as almost to threaten the depopulation of the county, we cannot help appealing to the wisdom and justice of your committee to know whether the quota of men that may be demanded from this county under their own officers is not as much as can reasonably be expected from it. Whether, at a time when we are uncertain of peace with the Indians, (well knowing that our ene- mies are tampering with them,) and a claim is set up to the greatest part of this Province by a neighboring Colony who have their hostile abettors at our very breasts, as well as their emissaries amongst us, is it prudent to drain an infant frontier county of its strength of men? and whether the safety of the interior parts of the Province would not be better secured by adding strength to the frontiers? 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 109 Whether our Hon. Assembly, by disposing of commissions to gentlemen in different counties to raise companies which are to form the number of battalions thought necessary for the defense of the Province, did not intend that the respective captains should raise their companies where they [were] appointed and not distress our county by taking from it all the men necessary for the business of agriculture, as well as the defense of the same? From our knowledge of the state of this county, we make free to give our opinion of what would be most for its advantage, as we]l as that of the Province, (between which we hope there never will be a difference,) and first are to inform you [of] the poverty of the people, many of whom came bare and naked here, being plundered by a banditti who call themselves Yankees, and those who brought some property with them, from the necessary delay of cultivating a wilderness before they could have any produce to live upon, together with the necessity of still continuing the closest application to labor and industry for their support, renders it morally improbable that a well disciplined militia can be established here, as the distance which some men are obliged to go to muster is the loss of two days to them, which, not being paid for, they will not, nor indeed can they, so often attend as is necessary to complete them even in the manual exercise. We would recommend that two or more companies be raised and put in pay for the use of the Province, to be ready to march when and where the service may require them, and when not wanted for the service of the public at any particular place, to be stationed in this county in order to be near and defend our frontier, should they be attacked by our enemies of any denomination, the good effect of which, we imagine, would be considerable, as though they may be too few to repel, they may stop the progress of an enemy until the militia could be raised to assist them. Should this proposal appear eligible, please to inform us thereof, and we will recommend such gentlemen for officers as we think will be most suitable for the service and agreeable to the people. We are, gentlemen, with due respect, your very humble servants, Signed for and in behalf of the committee, JOHN HAMBRIGHT, Chairman. To the COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, Philadelphia. 110 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. August ye 13, 1776. The following gentlemen being unanimously chosen by their respective townships to serve in the committee for the county of Northumberland, for the space of six months, met at school-house in the town of Northumberland, viz: For Augusta township. Mahoning township. Mr. William McClay, Laughlan McCartney, Mr. David McKinney, Thomas Robinson, Mr. John McClay. John Boyd. Turbit township. Muncy township. George McCandish, Mordecai McKinney, Wm. Shaw, James Giles, Paul Geddis. Andrew Culbertson. Bald Eagle township. Buffaloe township. Robert Fleming, Martin Treaster, Thomas Campling, William Speedy, John Section. Philip Coal. Wyoming township. Penn's township. Samuel McClure, Simeon Woodrow, Peter Meelick, Adam Bolinger, John Clingman. Paul Gemberling. Moughonoy township. Potter township. Bastian Brossius, George Reitz, Peter Almang. White Deer township. James McClanachan, Robert Fruit, Wm. Gray. The committee proceeded to elect a chairman and clerk, when Mr. Robert Fruit was unanimously appointed chairman during the time of six months, and John Boyd, clerk. 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 111 1st. Resolved, That no complaint be received by this committee that arises in any township and does not respect the county at large, except upon an appeal from the township committee, and that such appeal be delivered in writing, as well as all complaints that are received, and that all complaints be signed by the persons aggrieved or complaining. 2d. Resolved, That Andrew Culbertson, Mordecai McKinney, and James Giles, call upon Colonel Wm. Plunket for the dividend of ammunition belonging to the six companies of his battalion that lie above Muncy, and in case it is inconvenient for him to make the dividend, Laughlan McCartney, at whose house the ammunition is lodged, is hereby desired to do it and deliver the quotas allotted for the aforesaid six companies to the aforesaid Andrew Culbertson, Mordecai McKinney, and James Giles, who are to deliver the same to the respective captains, and by them kept in some convenient dry place, ready to be delivered out when occasion requires. 3d. Resolved, That the committee, or any two of them, belonging to the other three battalions of this county, call upon Laughlan McCartney for their equal dividend of what ammunition is in hand, and deliver to the respective captains in each battalion an equal dividend of said ammunition according to their number of men, and by them kept secure in some convenient dry place, ready to be delivered out when occasion requires. 4th. Resolved. That each colonel recommend to their respective captains to use all possible exertions to have any arms that are out of repair put in as good order as soon as possible. As this committee is informed of a quantity powder and lead at Mr. John Harris's ferry, which belongs to the associators of this county, we do recommend Major John Lee and Captain Charles Gillespy as two suitable persons for to bring up the same, and we do appoint Laughlan McCartney and John Boyd for to agree with them for the bringing up of the said ammunition. 5th. Resolved, That this committee be adjourned to Tuesday, the 10th of September next, to meet in the town of Northumberland. 112 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [l776. Tuesday ye 10 of September, 1776. The committee met according to adjournment, in the town of Northumberland, Mr. Robert Fruit in the chair. Complaint being made to this committee against Mr. Aaron Levy and John Bullion, setting forth that the aforesaid Levy and Bullion have a quantity of salt on hand, which they refuse to sell for cash, by a former resolve of the committee, said Levy and Bullion, (as they have refused the same for sale,) Resolved, That the aforesaid salt that is in the hands of the aforesaid Levy and Bullion, (as they have refused the same for sale,) be put into the hands of Mr. William Sayers, and by him sold at the rate of fifteen shillings per bushel, and not to sell unto any family above half a bushel for the time that the said salt is selling, and that the said Sayers shall keep a particular account of every bushel that he sells, and when sold, he shall return the money arising from said salt to this committee, first deducting one shilling out of the pound for his trouble of selling said salt, and six shillings and four pence for porterage. A complaint being made to this committee against two certain men, namely, William Chattim and James Parker, of not behaving themselves as friends to our country in general, and had armed themselves with two pistols; therefore, it was Resolved, That the aforesaid Chattim and Parker should be sent for and examined. Being brought before the committee and examined, they confessed themselves to be two of his His Britannic Majesty's soldiers, and both prisoners. Therefore, this committee thought it most proper to convey the two aforesaid men into the care of Lancaster committee, where we understand there is a number of their fellow prisoners, and that the aforesaid arms should be sold at public sale, and the money arising from the sale of said arms, should, as far as it would admit of, be put to discharge of such expenses as would arise for the trouble of said prisoners. And as there was a bill of expenses produced to this committee by John Chattim, against the two aforesaid prisoners, and he refusing to approve the same, it was Resolved, that the aforesaid bill shall not be accepted of by this committee unless the aforesaid John Chattim do prove the same. 1776.) ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 113 September 12th, 1776. On examination of the two different quantities of ammunition heretofore forwarded to the care of the committee of this county, and on a careful examination of the number of associators in this county, it appears that the quota of each associator is half a pound of powder and one pound of lead. AND WHEREAS, the greater part of Col. Plunket's battalion are situated on the frontier, and the most exposed parts of this county; therefore, Resolved, that the further quantity of eighty-nine pounds of powder and one hundred and seventy-eight pounds of lead be delivered into the bands of Mr. Fleming, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Kempling, Mr. Culbertson, and Mr. Giles, and that the same be by them delivered among the different captains of the said battalion, with the strictest charge that the same be preserved for the purposes of the defense of this county. The same division to be made with a proper regard to the different number in each company. And it is further Resolved, that the further quantity of eighty-six pounds and three quarters of powder and the quantity of one hundred and seventy-three pounds and one half of lead, be delivered to Mr. Fruit, Mr. Gray, Mr. McClenachan, Mr. Shaw, Mr. McCandles and Mr. Geddis, to be by them distributed among the captains of Col. Potter's battalion, in such sort, that each private have one quarter of powder, and half a pound of lead, Captain McMillan's company excepted, who are to have each half a pound of powder and one pound of lead. And it is further Resolved, that the further quantity of fifty pounds of powder and one hundred pounds of lead be delivered to Mr. Coal, Mr. Treaster, Mr. Bolander, Mr. Brousers and Mr. Ritz, by them to be divided among the captains of Col. Wiser's battalion in the same proportions as the former fifty weight of powder was directed to be divided. It is likewise further Resolved, that the additional quantity of fifty pounds of powder and one hundred weight of lead be delivered to John Maclay, Laughlin McCartney, and James McClure, to be by them divided among the captains of Col. Hunter's battalion, in due proportion to the number of privates in their respective companies. WHEREAS, This committee being informed by one of our members 114 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. of convention, that there is a dividend of salt in Philadelphia, which is allotted for this county, by a late resolve of convention, wherefore, this committee thought proper to appoint two suitable persons to go to Philadelphia and take charge of said salt, and [to] be by them conveyed to this county and delivered to the care of this committee. Therefore, William Maclay and Mordecai McKinney were unanimously appointed by this committee for the purpose above mentioned. Resolved, That the salt belonging to this county is to be sold at fifteen shillings per bushel. A complaint being laid unto this committee by Samuel Dail against Col. William Plunket, the same being read, was postponed until our next meeting. A record of Mr. Robert Fruit's letter to this committee, respecting salt, &c: PHILADELPHIA, November 23, 1776. GENTLEMEN: I have received from the Council of Safety, in this city, seventy-seven bushels of salt for the use of the inhabitants of the county of Northumberland, which I have delivered to Marcus Huling to forward up. It is delivered to me on the express condition of being divided amongst those of the inhabitants who did not get any part of the former quantity; therefore, you will please to take notice to inform the county of this exception, when you advertise for the distribution of it. Mr. Hulings has advanced all the money for the salt, together with all costs, &c. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, ROBERT FRUIT. To the COMMITTEE OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. The Committee of the County of Northumberland, To MARCUS HULINGS, Dr. For cash paid the Council of Safety, in Philadelphia, for seventy seven-bushels of salt, at 15s per bushel, £ 57 15 For cash paid for casks, to pack said salt . . 3 Porterage and cooperage, . . . . . 18 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 115 Cash paid Hugh Cook for carriage of seventy-seven bushels of salt, from Philadelphia to Middletown, £13 9 6 Storage at Middletown, 8 6 Carriage from Middletown to Northumberland, 11 11 __________ £87 2 0 December 14, 1776. The committee met, by express from Captain John Brady, upon sundry charges, produced by said Brady, against a certain Robert Robb. Sundry evidences were referred to, to prove the several charges against said Robb, which are as follows: The evidence of Thomas Newman against Robert Robb. This deponent, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that said Robb had a paper, at a certain house, where they were erecting a chimney, which paper was supposed to be from Lord Howe, concerning conditions of peace, of which said Robb said this is the very thing I would be at; says further, Mr. Frankling was a rogue, he well knew, and that he has led the Government into two or three scrapes already known to him. Also, it was thought Frankling had a pension from home; likewise that it was thought the convention was bribed. Also, said Robb says that Lord Howe used the members of Congress politely that were sent to treat with him, but that they used him ill. And that, as this deponent was one of the township committee, he, the said Robb, thought it was proper he should call a few of the township together, to consult concerning these things. And further saith not. his THOMAS X NEWMAN. mark. Joseph Newwman's evidence against said Robb. That Robert Robb read, at the aforesaid place, a paper, [which] (as the deponent supposeth,) was a declaration of peace from Lord Howe, and asked this deponent's father if he would call a few of the neighbors to consult concerning it, and that his father refused to do it. And concerning the members of Congress, Mr. Robb 116 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. said Lord Howe used them politely, and they used him ill. And as for Mr. Frankling, there were very hard thoughts of him, and that it was thought he had a pension from home; also that it was thought there was bribery in the convention. And further saith not. JOSEPH NEWMAN. The substance of John Morris' evidence against Robert Robb. This deponent saith he heard Robert Robb read a paper concerning terms of peace from Lord Howe. Said Robb was asked why this paper was not made public sooner. Robb said, because it was kept back by the Congress and committees below. Said Robb said, also, it is well known what Writtenhouse and Frankling was. Mr. Newman asked said Robb what was the reason there was such men in Congress. Robb said it was thought there was bribery in the convention; also said, it was a minority that held this new form of government, and that the majority would not be ruled by the minority. And further saith not. JOHN MORRIS. The substance of James Giles' evidence. This deponent saith, that he saw Mr. Robb pull out a paper at the aforesaid building, read it, which he said was printed in New York near three months ago. Mr. Newman asked said Robb how it came to be kept back. This deponent saith, he understood Mr. Robb said it was our rulers kept it back, and that the substance of the above paper was terms of peace from Lord Howe. And further saith not. JAMES GILES. The evidence of George Silverthorn for Robert Robb, viz: This deponent, being at Mr. Robb's house, and from there went together to a chimney raising in the neighborhood. After a while said Robb pulled Out a handbill which gave an account of General Washington's army being in need of a reinforcement, and Mr. Robb said in public, that it was necessary for every one to turn out that would go. However, after a while, Mr. Robb pulled out another 1776.] BUFFALO VALLEY. 117 paper, which he said was a declaration of peace, from Lord Howe, and read it in public. After reading the said paper, Mr. Robb said he came on purpose to see Mr. Newman, and whether or not he thought proper to call some of the neighbors together, in order to see whether or not the said declaration was of any effect or not, as he was one of the town committee, or how they would take it, as he would not depend upon his own judgment on such an occasion, as being but one person And this deponent saith, that after the papers came out which gave an account of what passed between General Howe and them at Staten Island, this deponent was telling said Robb that he had heard them read at Mr. McKinney's, and that Mr. Robb said that he thought it would not be proper to lay down their arms till peace would be concluded on better terms than these for the benefit of the country. And further saith not. GEORGE SILVERTHORN. Lieutenant John Scudder, being duly sworn, saith that Robert Robb said that the King's troops are able to learn us to beat themselves, as Peter the Great said of Charles, King of Sweden, and that the said Robb never did anything against the cause of America, but always encouraged the same, to the best of his knowledge; and further saith, that Mr. Newman charged Robert Robb with discouraging people going into the service, and that George Silverthorn and his family were the people. And further saith not. JOHN SCUDDER. December 17th, 1776. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. - The committee of this county, taking the proofs and allegations for and against Robert Robb under their serious consideration, do judge that the said Robb hath behaved in such manner as gives just grounds for this committee to suspect him of being not only unfriendly, but inimical to our common cause; therefore, Resolved, That said Robert Robb shall either take his gun and march immediately with the militia of this county into actual service, for the defense of the United States, in order to wipe off the present evil suspicions, or otherwise to be committed to the care of 118 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1778. Lieut. Col. James Murray, of the second battalion, to be by him sent to some proper place of confinement, until released by further authority. Signed by order of the committee. PAUL GEDDIS, Chairman. December 18th, 1776. The above Robert Robb desires to appeal to the Council of Safety of this State: Resolved, That said Robb may appeal to said council, under the care of the said Col. Murray. PAUL GEDDIS, Chairman. Muster Roll of Captain Casper Weitzel's Company, in the first Battalion of Pennsylvania Regiment of Riflemen commanded by Colonel Samuel Miles. Camp near Kingsbridge, September 1, 1776. Captain - Casper Weitzel, Esquire, of Sunbury appointed March 9, 1776. First Lieutenant - William Gray, appointed March 15; captured August 27; exchanged December 8, 1776, for Lieutenant Thompson. Second Lieutenant - John Robb, appointed March 16, 1776, promoted captain 18th April, 1777. Third Lieutenant - George Grant, appointed March 19, 1776, captain in the 9th P. C. L. Died 10th October, 1779. Sergeant Major - John Gordon. Sergeants - Jacob Snider, Thomas Price, William Orr, Thomas Shanks. Drummer - John Everard. September 1, sick at New York. Privates - *Allison, William; Arthur, John; Aumiller, John Barr, William; *Brady, Peter; Brinson, Stout; Burke, John; Carson, Samuel; Carson, William, junior; Carson, William, senior; *Carter, Andrew ; Carter, Charles; *Caruthers, Robert; Chisnell, James; Clark, William; Clayton, James; Connell, Jeffry; Cribs, John; Curry, David; Davis, Peter; Doran, Edward; Durell, David; Durell, Stephen; Elder, James; Ewig, Christian; *Gass, Henry; Gerhart, Henry; Glover, James; Hardy, John; Harper, William Hissom, Thomas; *Huggins, Dennis; Hunt, Elijah; Irvine, James; *Kerstetter, Martin ; Little, Thomas; McCleane, Charles; *McCor- *Missing after the battle of Long Island, August 27. 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 119 mick, William; McDonald, John; McInnis, Patrick; McManus, Patrick; McMath, William; *McVey, Patrick; Madden, Joseph; Miller, Henry; Morehead, Robert: Newman, Richard; Noland, Michael; Ralston, Andrew; Randolph, James; *Rice, John; Sands, John; Shaffer, John; *Spiess, Jacob; Staples, Samuel; Turner,David; *Watt, James; Wilson, Robert; Winters, Christian; Wolcot, Silas Lieutenant William Gray, afterwards Captain Gray, died at Sunbury, July 18, 1804, aged fifty-four. Sergeant Price ended his days in a small log house on Water street, in Selinsgrove. It seems he was carried to Halifax, in Nova Scotia. Made his escape traveling through the vast forests intervening between that country and the nearest American settlements. See History of West Branch, page 109. In a letter to Honorable Samuel Maclay, member of Congress at Philadelphia, dated Penn's township, December 4, 1798, written in a very good hand, he complains that he had been three times elected colonel, beating Charles Drum twice and Frederick Evans once, and yet had not been commissioned, because, as he says, it was alleged that he was too poor for such a post. He says, "I settled in these parts before the war, and have resided here ever since, except while I was out in the army. I enlisted in Captain Weitzel's company, and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Long Island. I underwent many hardships, but at last found means to escape, returned to the army, and served my time out; was honorably discharged, and never received my pay. Soon after my return home I was elected adjutant, and continued in that post many years. Afterwards was elected major." Associators. On the 315t of August the field officers for the battalion in Buffalo and Penn's townships were chosen, and the 8th of October commissions were issued to them as fourth battalion of Northumberland county associators and to the company officers: Colonel - Cole, Philip. Lieutenant Colonel - Sutherland, Thomas. First Major - Foster, Thomas. 120 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. Second Major - Yost, Casper. Standard Bearer - Miller, Dewalt. Adjutant - McCoy, James. Company No. 1. Captain - Clarke, John. First Lieutenant - Pontius, Henry. Second Lieutenant - Moore, James. Ensign - Watson, Patrick. Four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and forty- six privates, certified by me, this 26th day of September, 1776. John Clarke, captain. Second Company. Captain - Weaver, Michael. Third Company. Captain - Links, Jacob. Fourth Company. Captain - Weirick, William. First Lieutenant - Sherred, Jacob. Second Lieutenant - Gill, William. Ensign - Moon, Nicholas. Four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty privates. The whole of the above as associators testified by me, this 26th day of September, 1776. William Weirick, Captain. Fifth Company. Captain - Wolff, George. First Lieutenant - Conrad, George. Second Lieutenant - Wildgoose, Michael. Ensign - Hessler, John. Four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, fortyone privates. 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 121 Sixth Company. Captain - Overmeier, George. First Lieutenant - McCelvey, James. Second Lieutenant - Weirick, Peter. Ensign - Snyder, Michael. Four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty privates. The whole of the above as associators testified by me, this 26th day of September, 1776. Captain George Overmeier. This battalion, or rather drafts from it, went into service in December, when Colonel Cole was with part of it at Reading. Colonel Brodhead writes that he made use of a company from Buffalo Valley to apprehend some of the disaffected and to compel some of the militia of Berks to march. It is probable that when the danger to Philadelphia became imminent, officers and men volunteered to fill up Captain Clarke's company, as we find their names on the following roll. I am indebted to John C. Watson, of West Buffalo township, a grandson of Captain Clarke, for an old account book which contained the names. The company left the Valley on the 5th of December, and served three months and eighteen days. It appears from some memorandums in this hook, that the company did not leave Reading until the 3d of January, 1777, and consequently did not participate at Trenton and Princeton, but was in the subsequent skirmishes. It was attached to Colonel Potter's second battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James Murray, Majors John Kelly and Thomas Robinson. Joseph Green assigned as surgeon's mate to Doctor Benjamin Allison. Four companies, Clarke's, Lee's, Taggart's, Cookson Long's, had casualties during the campaign: Roll of Captain John Clarke's Company. Allen, Robert; Augustine, Hieronimus; Barnett, Joseph; Beatty, John; Bower, George; Cery, Thomas; Clark, George; Cogh, Daniel; Colpetzer, Adam; Commer, Daniel; Conner, Jacob; Conrad, George; Conrad, Henry; Cousins, William; Esterly, Jacob; Etzweiler, George; Ewig, Philip; Fought, Michael; Foster, Thomas; Fry, John; Gill, William; Gilman, Henry; Green, Joseph; Greenlee, William; Groninger, Joseph; Grove, Wendell; Ham, John; 122 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. Harpster, Jacob; Heny, Stophel; Hessler, William; Hessler, John; Hessler, Michael; Kellahan, Patrick; Keeny, Jacob; Kishler, Francis; Kneedler, Frederick; Kneedler, Conrad; Lamb, Michael; Links, Jacob; Long, Jacob; Long, William; Lowdon, Richard; McCashon, John; McCelvey, James; McClung, Matthew; McDonnald, Randal; Macklin, Valentine; Miller, Benjamin; Moor, William; Morrow, Andrew; Nees, Henry; Nees, Peter; Overmeier, George; Pontius, Nicholas; Pontius, George; Rinehart, Frederick; Rinehart, George; Rith or Ritle, Yost; Rote, Michael; Row, Ludwig; Sierer, George; Schneider, Michael; Schock, John; Schock, Michael; Schock, George; Scott, Robert; Smith, Michael; Speddy, William; Speese, Jacob; Stevenson, James; Storm, David; Thompson, Robert; Ulrich, George; Weaver, John; Weaver, David; Wenderdach, Henry; Wilson, Robert; Wolfe, George. Captain Clarke lived on the first farm above Mifflinburg, south of the turnpike; died February 22, 1809, aged seventy-three; buried in the Lewis graveyard. Lieutenant Thomas Foster, grandfather of Mrs. Mark Halfpenny, died June 4, 1804; buried in Lewis graveyard. Augustine was a weaver; lived near Selinsgrove as late as 1800. George Bower lived in Union township. Joseph Barnett became the patriarch of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. See a full notice of him in Day's Historical Collections. Honorable I. G. Gordon, of Brookville, writes me, 1871, that some of his grandchildren live near that place. John Beatty lived near New Berlin. George Clark was a prominent surveyor in the Valley until 1800, and then removed West. He lived in a house near Judge Hummel's, now torn down. He was an exceedingly tall man, and took delight in making his axe marks as surveyor beyond the reach of other men. He once made a narrow escape from the Indians by leaping Little Buffalo creek, from the high bank, near late Jacob Moyer's. It was attributed to Brady, but Brady's leap was in the western part of the State, in Armstrong county. Jacob Conner lived in Buffalo. Adam Colpetzer, in West Buffalo; married a daughter of George Rote, of Mifflinburg. George Etzweiler was killed by the Indians in 1780, at Heberling's mill, then French Jacob Grochong's. Michael Fought, in Union, on Seebold's farm, near Chappel Hollow, east of it. William Gill, in Penn's. Wendell Grove, in Derrstown. Henry Gilman, in White Deer. Joseph 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 123 Groninger, in Kelly, on Clingan's place. Joseph Green near Philip Pontius' ; he was grandfather of Joseph Green, of Lewisburg,. Jacob Harpster, in Beaver township. John Ham, in Penn's. The Hesslers, near Crotzerville. The church there bears their name. Christopher Heny, on General James Irvine's, now, or lately, Kleckner's, west of Mifflinburg. Patrick Kellahan, north-west of Mifflinburg. Jacob Keeny, on John Aurand's place, Turtle creek. Richard Lowdon was a brother of Captain John, and lived with him. Andrew Morrow was a tenant on Samuel Maclay's place. Benjamin Miller, afterwards owned James Biehl's place. Matthew McClung, late George Gundy's heirs, near Turtle creek. Randal McDonneld, on S. Maclay's, just north of the Great Western, now Mrs. Shoemaker's. Peter Nees died of wounds received February 1, 1777. George Overmeier lived near Seebold's, in Limestone. Nicholas Pontius was the father of the late J. F. Pontius. George was his brother, sons of John, who owned the Captain Bucher tract, where his descendants still reside, or a few of them, as the name is legion now. David Storm, where B. Lahr lives, on Esquire Cameron's farm. Robert Scott, on Barber's place, White Springs. Jacob Speese lived, within our memory, in White Deer. William Speddy, see 1772. The Schock's, about Mifflinburg. Michael Smith, in East Buffalo, above Henry Mertz's. George Wolfe was the grandfather of Jonathan, of Lewisburg. Colonel William Cooke's regiment was directed to be raised in the counties of Northampton and Northumberland. Among the last acts of the convention, on the 28th of September, was the election of field officers of this regiment. Four companies, Miller's, Boone's, Brady's, and Harris', were from Northumberland county. These companies were nearly full on the 11th of December, and left Sunbury about a week thereafter, as Marcus Huling claimed for loss of a boat in taking them down the river at that time. The regiment went immediately into active service. Being composed mainly of good riflemen, large drafts were made upon it for picket and skirmish duty. A portion, under Boone, was sent into the northern army, and assisted in the capture of Burgoyne. At Brandywine the regiment lost heavily in officers and men, and at Germantown; so that, after wintering at Valley Forge, the field officers were mustered out, the supernumerary line officers discharged, 124 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1776. and what remained of officers and companies distributed into the third and sixth regiments. Roster of Colonel William Cooke's Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line. Colonel - Cooke, William, of Northumberland, commissioned October 2, 1776. Lieutenant Colonel - Gray, Neigal, of Northampton county. He moved to Buffalo Valley after the war. Major - Crawford, James, commissioned October 8, 1776. Afterwards justice of the peace in Lycoming county, where he died. Adjutant - Hanson, Thomas. Paymasters - Levers, Robert; Dungan, Thomas; appointed April 29, 1777. Quartermaster - Vaughan, George. Surgeon - Ledlie, Doctor Andrew, of Easton. Surgeon's Mate - Woodruff, Aaron. Captains - Withington, Peter, commissioned October 1I, 1776; took sick, in Philadelphia, in December, 1776; sent home, to Reading, where he died May 11, 1777; his widow, Eve, survived him over fifty years, and died in Mifflinburg; Miller, Nicholas, appointed October 4, 1776, from Northumberland county; died, in 179-, in Northampton county; Boone, Hawkins, appointed October 4, 1776; killed, at Fort Freeland, July 28, 1779; Brady, John, appointed October 14, 1776; killed, by the Indians, April 11, 1779; Harris, John, appointed October 14, 1776; McKinley, Reverend Henry, of Carlisle, appointed October 16, 1776; Patterson, Alexander, of Northampton county; Work, William, appointed October 16, 1776. Lieutenants - Brandon, Thomas, appointed October 4, 1776; Lincoln, Hananiah, appointed October 4, 1776; he was a sergeant in Captain George Nagel's company, Colonel William Thompson's regiment, 1775-1776; resigned, after battle of Brandywine, and went to Daniel Boone's settlement, in Kentucky; he followed Boone to Missouri, where he died; Gettig, Christopher, appointed October 14, 1776, from Sunbury; wounded at Piscataway, New Jersey, May 11, 1777; taken prisoner, and had his leg amputated; justice of the peace many years afterward at Sunbury; his descendants reside near 1776.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 125 Bellefonte; Reily, John, appointed October 16, 1776; promoted Captain, May 20, 1777; mustered out of service November 3, 1783; Chambers, Stephen, Esquire, appointed October 16, 1776; promoted captain; one of the council of censors, in 1783; Delegate to the Federal Convention, December 12, 1787; wounded in a duel with Doctor Jacob Rieger, on Monday, 11th May, 1789; died on Saturday, 16th, at his house, in Lancaster; McElhatton, William, appointed October 16, 1776; wounded, at Bonhamtown, New Jersey, in right shoulder; disabled, and transferred to the invalid corps July 1, 1779; died April 26, 1807; Henderson, John, appointed October 16, 1776; Sayre, William, appointed October 16, 1776. Second Lieutenants - King, Robert, October 4, 1776; promoted lieutenant, third Pennsylvania, May 20, 1777; left out of service June 23, 1779; Williamson, James, October 4, 1776; McCabe, Edward, October 16, 1776; Hays, John, October i6, 1776; Quinn, Samuel, October 16, 1776; Boyd, John, of Northumberland, promoted lieutenant in third Pennsylvania, June 18, 1779; died February 13, 1832; Bard, William, October 1 1776; Carothers, John, October 16, 1776; killed, at Germantown, October 4, 1777; Falconer, Robert. Ensigns - Lodge, Benjamin, junior, October 16, 1776; promoted lieutenant sixth Pennsylvania, October 11, 1777; Hamilton, Thomas, October 16, 1776; Blackall, William Ball, October 16, 1776; promoted lieutenant third Pennsylvania, 11th September, 1778; mustered out November 3, 1783; Boyd, William, appointed October 16, 1776; killed at Brandywine, September 11, 1777; Stone, John, October 16, 1776; resigned January 8, 1777; died March, 1792; Herbert, Stewart, October 16, 1776; promoted lieutenant sixth Pennsylvania, January 9, 1778; Engle, Andrew, October 16, 1776; promoted lieutenant of third Pennsylvania, December 20, 1778; retired January 1, 1781; Stricker, Henry, October 16, 1776; Seeley, John, February 3, 1777; Armstrong, John, formerly sergeant; served until the end of the war, and promoted lieutenant in Captain James Moore's corps. PHILADELPHIA, December, 1776. I am commanded by the House to request your attendance in this city, in order to take your seat in Council, that we may immediately 126 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1777. carry all the powers of government into execution. As this must appear absolutely necessary to every good man, we can have no doubt, from your general character, but you are so well disposed to the public, and so desirous of order and good government, that you will not neglect to take your seat in that important body. Compliance will much oblige the State in general, and in particular thy real, though unknown, friend. JOHN JACOBS, Speaker. JOHN LOWDON, Esquire, Northumberland county. 24th December, Colonel Hunter writes that a company out of his battalion had volunteered; chosen Major John Lee, captain; Hugh White, first lieutenant; Thomas Gaskins, second lieutenant, and marched that day; and he had impressed guns and blankets for them, and had them appraised.