York, but the Soldier insists that Tarrytown is in the power of the Enemy if not within their Lines. I have put off the trial and laid the goods by untill I can be informed how the lower part of West Chester County is looked upon; Should be extreemely glad of your Excellency's Opinion upon the Subject. I am informed that Mr. Vreedenburgh has been a prisoner with the Enemy and has suffered much from the Cow-boys. The Duty I owe my Country obliges me to inform your Excellency that officers Civil and military undertake to grant Passes to Tory women to Cross to Philipsburgh when it must be Clear that these women aim at nothing else but to get into New York and return without running the risk of being taken by the Jersey Militia. I have some reason to Suspect continental troops, who serve as a Water Guard, of being Concerned in getting women to and from the Enemy. I think it is highly necessary, that all intercourse between the Inhabitants of this place and Tarrytown should be prevented; and it is probable that an Order of that kind to Capt. Lawrence might have a good effect, for as long as every one goes and Comes when they please, an underhanded trade will be Carried on, not only in bringing out goods but in Carrying in provisions. I am, Sir, your Excellency's most Obedient and Very Humble Serv't John Haring. P. S. I find by a late law that those who have sons gone off to the enemy are to be assessed for it. Last year a son of Mr. H. Bell went on board of one of the Enemies vessels in the North River and is not return'd; the boy was about 13 years old; his Father is a Friend to his Country. I beg your Excellency's Opinion whether the spirit of the Law includes Mr. Bell. Gov. Clinton. J. H. [No. 3424.] Mrs. Jones Brings Letters Out from New York. Sir, A Parcell Letters I brought out of New York were handed to Coll. Livingston to be Transmitted to you, Sir, for perusal, Request you will please to Deliver them to the bearer or such as you approve that I may forward them to the Persons Directed. Mrs. Van Alen & her Spouse Desires their best Respects to you, Sir, and believe me to be, With great Respect, yr. H'ble Serv't His Excellency George Clinton, Esqr. Marg't Jones. Madam, I am extreamly sorry that I was from Home when you arrived at Pokeepsie & that my Familly was deprived of the Opportunity of shewing that attention which they sincerely wished. The Letters which have come to my Hand addressed to your Care are delivered to the Bearer, except a few for Per. sons in this Neighbourhood, which shall be carefully delivered. Mrs. Tappen & Mrs. Clinton join in best Respects to you, Mr. & Mrs. Van Allen, with Madam your most Obed't Serv't. G. C. [To Mrs. Jones.] [No. 3425.] Arnout Acts as a Lieutenant for Three Years-No Commission— Under Arrest. Goshen, 11 Decem'r 1780. Inclosed I send your Excellency a Coppy of Lt. Arnout's Arrest. I never knew that my orders was Disobeyed untill the Levies was Chiefly Returned and their times Expired. I am informed that Arnout thinks I have no wright to Arrest him because he had no Commission; wish to have that matter Explained; to my knowledg he has Acted in the Charrecter of a Lieutenant almost three year and yesterday, was the first time that I knew he had no Commission. I am with great Esteem your Excellencies most obedient Serv't His Excellency George Clinton, Esqr. Moses Hetfield, Major. Sir, You will Consider your self under an Arrest for Dis obedience of orders; not attendint at Waysink the 30 of Nov'r to take Charge of the troops then their for the Defence of the frontiers; by that means the troops Returned before their times Expired, without Leaf & Left the Fronteers Exposed to the Ravage of the Enemy. Goshen 6 Decem'r 1780. Moses Hetfield, Major. Nathan Arnout, Lieut. in Capt'n Littel's Company. a Coppy. [No. 3426.] Captain Thomas Machin's Recruiting Orders from the Governor. Pokeepsie, Dec'r 12th 1780. S'r, On your obtaining Permission from the command'g Officer of your Regt. for the purpose you will employ yourself in recruit'g men for the Regt. of Artillery in the Service of the United States assigned to the quota of this State. You are authorized to offer exclusive of Lands & other emoluments, which the Troops engaged to serve during the war are entitled to, a Bounty of 50 Dollars in Bills of the New Emission to each able Bodied Man fit for active service. Pursuant to an act of the Legislature entitled "An act to complete the quota of the Troops of this State to serve in the army of the United States during the war" the proportion of men to be raised in each Regt. in this State is assigned & the Regim'ts are divided into Classes each of which are, under a certain Penalty, to deliver a man. It is, therefore, my desire that you give every assistance. in your Power to as many Classes as you can attend to in recruiting their men. You will keep acc't of your expences in this Service, distinguishing such part as may accrue in enlist'g men for the Classes, which it is expected will be defrayed by them, & you will make returns to me weekly of the names & Descriptions of men enlisted & if for any what Class they are engaged for. By my Genl. Orders of Nov'r last, an officer is to attend to receive the Recruits, from the diff't Classes, at New Burgh, & I expect you will pay a proper Share of attention to this Busi ness at that Place. I am, Sir, &c. Capt. Machin. [No. 3427.] [G. C.] Evidence of Friction Between General Heath and Governor Clinton. Pokeepsie, 12th December 1780. Sir, I am favoured with your Letters of the 5th & 7th Inst. I am unhappy that any Considerations of Conveniency to Individuals shoud have induced a Deviation from a long Established Rule by suffering Persons from within the Enemies Lines not having Permission from the State to pass your Post and come into the Country. The Evils which may Result from the Practice if pursued, are obvious & shoud the present Example encourage an undue Intercourse with the Enemy which I have hitherto taken the greatest Pains to prevent, I shall not esteem myself answerable for the Consequences. It is true that some of the Persons who were on Board the Flagg, having by their attachment to the Country experienced Rigorous Treatment from the Enemy, were entitled to a kind Reception, but it is equally true that there were others who had wantonly transgressed the Laws of the State & deserved not the least Countenance & these I am informed were received with marks of particular attention. I inclose you a Copy of my Letter of the 7th Current to Colo. Drake on the Subject of yours of the 5th which conveys my Sentiments so fully as to render it unnecessary to add. I am, Sir, with great Respect [G. C.] Justice to Lieut. Williams induces me to mention that he has executed his Command with great propriety of Conduct. [To General Heath.] [No. 3428.] The Governor to General James Clinton in Regard to Recruiting. Pokeepsie, Dec'r 12th 1780. D'r Sir, I have rec'd your Letter of the 5th; that inclosed to Genl. Washington I delivered to him myself at New Windsor. I am sorry to hear that the Troops to the northw'd are not better supplied with Provisions, and have at Genl. Washington's Request, issued my Genl. Impress warr'ts for the purpose of collecting & recommended it to Colo. Hay to cause them to be carried into immediate execution. |