The Pennsylvania Packet 

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.

DESERTED from General Count PULASKI'S Legion, at Germantown, on the 21st instant, (September) HENRY ESSIG, twenty two years of age, born in Steitgard, in the Dukedom of Wirtemberg, by trade a butcher, five feet eight inches high, of a fair complexion, sharp nose, large brown eyes, and dark brown hair. Whoever apprehends the above deserter and brings him to General Count PULASKI headquarters, shall receive the above reward.

ITEM #61806

April 4, 1778

The Pennsylvania Gazette 

YORK TOWN, MARCH 31, 1778. 

CONGRESS having resolved to raise a Corps, consisting of Infantry and Cavalry, to be commanded by GENERAL COUNT PULASKI, All those, who desire to distinguish themselves in the service of their country, are invited to enlist in that corps, which is established on the same principles as the Roman Legions were. The frequent opportunities, which the nature of the service of that corps will offer to the enterprizing, brave and vigilant soldiers, who shall serve in it, are motives which ought to influence those, who are qualified for admission into it, to prefer it to other corps not so immediately destine to harrass the enemy; and the many captures which will infallibly be made, must indemnify the Legionary Soldiers for the hardships they must sustain, and the inconsiderable sum given for bounty, the term for their service being no longer than one year from the time that the corps shall be compleated. Their dress is calculated to give a martial appearance, and to secure the soldier against the inclemency of the weather and season. The time for action approaching, those, who desire to have an opportunity of distinguishing themselves in that corps, are requested to apply to Major JULIUS, Count of North Fort, at Head Quarters.

ITEM #64850

October 27, 1779

The Pennsylvania Gazette 

CHARLESTOWN (South Carolina) September 22. 

Since our last, we have had no direct advices from either of the armies employed upon the Southern expedition. All we certainly know is, That Count D'Estaing did land as many troops as he thought necessary at Beulah, nearly opposite to the Orphan House, 12 miles from Savannah, in the night between the 11th and 12th inst. and without the least opposition; and that a communication had been opened between him and General Lincoln; that General Lincoln had been joined by General Macintosh; and that the Head Quarters of our army, a week ago, were at Cherokee hill, 9 miles from Savanna: That General Count Pulaski was advanced with the cavalry, and had not only taken an advanced picket of the enemy, but also surprized one of their captains and three privates at Ebenezer. That Colonel Maitland had abandoned Port Royal Island, with the whole force he had there, on the 12th inst. after breaking off the trunnions from the cannon, and having buried upwards of 200 men, leaving behind also 300 negroes, for want of means of transportation: That his embarkation was made rather hastily, on board the Vigilante, the Gallies, and some other small craft, with an intent to push through Skull Creek, and join General Prevost at Savanna: But, it is doubted whether he has been able to effect that junction: it is rather believed, that his vessels are blocked up in Skull Creek, and his troops confined to Hilton Head Island; the troops he embarked are said to amount to between 6 and 700, 200 of them sick and wounded; some say 600 effectives and about 400 invalids. 

In the mean time the expedition Westward under General Williamson, against that part of the Cherokee nation of Indians that remained attached to the interest of our enemy, has succeeded beyond our most sanguine expectations. The General has burnt seven of their towns, destroyed all their provisions, and obtained their submission, without any bloodshed. Alexander Cameron, Esq; (who succeeds Mr. Stuart as the British King Superintendant of Indian affairs) with great difficulty escaped falling into the General hands, notwithstanding the great respect the whole nation bear to that gentleman. 

The enemy, before they quitted their post at Ebenezer, burnt their magazine there. The smallpox, we are told, rages most violently among the Creek Indians at present, so that they will hardly be able to do any thing for their British brothers this campaign. 

Just as this paper was going to press, letters were received from the camp of the Charlestown militia, dated at ZublyFerry last Friday. The following is an extract of one of them: -- "We reached here yesterday, are to cross Savanna river this day at noon, and suppose shall join Gen. Lincolnarmy tomorrow. The news from the other side is chiefly as follows, viz. That Count D'Estaing had landed two detachments, one at Brewton plantation, with 36 pieces of brass cannon, the other at Girardeau point: That the active and enterprizing General Count Pulaski, with the cavalry, had so thoroughly cleared the way, and broke up all the enemy advanced posts, as to afford Major General Lincoln the opportunity of an interview with the French General at the Orphan house on the 16th, when and where the plan of operations was settled: That some of the French men of war had got into the harbour, and possessed themselves of all the British shipping below Brewton, amongst them the Fowey man of war, which, tho'grounded, had all been got off and into the fleet: That the fortifications at Savanna were but trifling, consisting only of 9 redoubts (no lines) and abbatis: That the force to defend these consisted of about 1000 regulars, and 1200 militia, refugees and protection gentry: That Sir James Wright, Governor, &c. was in Savanna: That Col. Maitland had not been able to effect a junction with General Prevost, and it was supposed had been repulsed in an attempt to get through Skull creek yesterday morning, when we heard a heavy cannonade: That the enemy soldiery, in general, were much dissatisfied; and though it was pretended that Savanna would be defended, even the officers gave their opinions publicly that it must capitulate. 

Sept. 29. On Saturday last the Marquis de Bretigny, who went lately in one of the gallies of this State to serve against the enemy in Georgia, brought into this port a large prize sloop from New Providence, mounting four guns, which he boarded in a boat with 8 men, as she came to anchor in Savannah river. 

We have abundance of intelligence from the American army commanded by the Honorable Major General Lincoln, acting in conjunction, in Georgia, with that of his Most Christian Majesty (our great and most respectable Ally) under the command of his Excellency General Count D'Estaing - But, as it is likely that a general attack upon Savanna cannot be made before tomorrow or next day (bad weather, excessive bad roads, and the many difficulties that have attended the bringing up of heavy cannon and mortars, from a great distance, having prolonged that event) we shall defer giving particulars till the fate of the State of Georgia be decided, which is not doubted will be in a few days. 

The most remarkable occurrence in that quarter has been, - a sortie made last Friday morning, upon a covering party of about 200 French, to a battery erecting near the barracks, by 200 British Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. Campbell, who were repulsed and pursued into their redoubts, with the loss of 53 men, amongst them Capt. Campbell, Lieut. McPherson (not long since a prisoner here) and another officer, and near 100 wounded: Our Allyloss is said to be 26 killed and 84 wounded, amongst these ten officers. The eagerness and impetuosity of the French was so great, that, instead of waiting for the enemy, they leaped out of their trenches, attacked and pursued them, using chiefly the bayonet, till they were galled by the cannon from the British redoubts, by which they sustained their greatest loss. 

A gentleman from the Southward says he saw, last Sunday, a number of people and tents, upon the small island called Buck Island; supposed to be the sick and wounded which Col. Maitland removed from Port Royal, and had not been able to get into Georgia. 

This day arrived here a Spanish sloop from Porto Rico, with dispatches for the Hon. Continental Congress. The master of a schooner belonging to this port was impressed from his vessel, to conduct the sloop to the first port of the United States on the continent. The Spanish captain says, that a Spanish fleet had joined Count d'Orvilliers; that 25000 men had been landed in Ireland; that Gibraltar was blocked up by a fleet, and a bombardment begun; and that another Spanish fleet, joined with some French men of war, had sailed for the West Indies. He dates this intelligence in July, and says it came by a KingPacket to Porto Rico.

ITEM #64525

June 23, 1779

The Pennsylvania Gazette 

PHILADELPHIA, June 22.

Extract of a letter from Petersburg, in Virginia, to a gentleman in this city, dated June 9. 

"I have just now been in company with a Mr. Walton, from South Carolina. He is in sixteen days from Charles Town --- all well there, and the city out of danger. The enemy is surrounded; and it is expected we will in a few days hear of their surrender." 

Extract of a letter from James River, Virginia, June 10. 

"We have such confirmation, though not official accounts, of the repulse of the enemy in their attack upon Charlestown, that it cannot be doubted. They lost near a thousand men in killed and wounded before the town --- and by a Mr. Walton, of Georgia, but last from Charles Town in sixteen days, we are assured that the place is not only safe, but that the enemy were hemmed in in such a manner, that a few days would determine their fate, which he expected would be a total surrender." 

Last Friday a sea faring man, late mate of a vessel belonging to the State of Rhode Island, but taken by the enemy, reached this city from Charlestown in South Carolina. He left that place on the 12th of May last, the day after General Prevost attack. This person assisted in the defence, having the charge of a great gun on the lines, and furnishes further particulars of the happy success which has again attended the brave Gen. Moultrie, in resisting the invaders of his country. It appears that the British forces, at the distance of eight miles, crossed the river Ashley into the neck on which the town stands, first detaching a large corps down the west side of the Ashley to seize Fort Johnston, on St. James island, but this fortress had been previously dismantled. The main body pushed on for Charlestown, arriving late in the afternoon and immediately began their attack. But by the fire of the cannon and musquetry from the lines, and the enfilade discharges from the redoubts at each extremity, and divers armed ships in the rivers on each side of the neck, they were repulsed, and obliged to retreat soon after nine in the evening, leaving 653 of their soldiery on the ground. It is to be considered as very providential, that only two of the garrison were slain during the assault; but Major Hugger, a gentleman of most respectable character, was unfortunately killed by a centinel, through mistake, some hours after the enemy retired. The enemy retreated up the neck, between Ashley and Cooper rivers, and measures were taken, by sending armed vessels up the former, to hinder them from re-passing that river in order to join the detachment or gain the sea shore; and it was expected the main body must surrender themselves prisoners, though perhaps the corps upon St. James island might escape in boats. 

General Pulaski, at the head of the Legion, had reached Charlestown a few days before the enemy, and issuing forth immediately, took 180 of their advanced guard, 40 of whom, this informant says, being Tories, were hanged, for attempting to rise during the attack. 

Captain Doane, from this port for St. Eustatia, was taken by a privateer, seven days after he sailed, and his vessel sent for New York. He remained on board the cruizer, which arrived some days since at Sandy Hook, but hesitated to go up to New York, because of a embargo laid there. Capt. Doane prevailed on a fisherman to land him in New Jersey, who informed him, that a vessel had on Saturday the 12th inst. arrived from Georgia in eight days, the master of which had been thrown into goal for reporting the news of General Prevostrepulse in South Carolina. 

Thursday last came up the schooner Nancy, Nathaniel Butterfield, late Master, retaken by Capt. Charles Alexander, in the brigantine Active. This vessel had been permitted to load some Indian corn and other food in North Carolina, for the famished inhabitants of Bermuda, but was seized by a cruizer of the enemy, and sent for New York. 

An open boat called the Skunk, mounting 2 guns, with 17 men belonging to Egg Harbour, lately sent in there a vessel with a valuable cargo, which makes her nineteenth prize since she was fitted out. 

Philadelphia County, June 19, 1779. 

AT a Meeting of a number of the Freemen, inhabitants of the county of Philadelphia, at the house of Jacob Neff, agreeable to advertisement, to take into consideration the propriety and necessity of proceeding on some effectual measures for lowering the prices of goods, provisions and other necessary articles of life, and thereby to raise and establish the credit of the currency, are unanimously of opinion, 

That the most expeditious and adviseable method to accomplish the aforesaid just and good purposes, will be to chuse proper Committees. Therefore,

Resolved, First, That it be recommended to the Freemen of each township within this county to meet on the third day of July next, at some convenient place in their township, to be appointed and notified by the Constable, then and there to chuse three or more persons for Township Committeemen. 

Secondly, That the Township Committees so chosen do afterwards meet at the house of Jacob Neff, on Saturday day the ninth day of July, at twelve o, than and there to consult and conclude upon such other measures as may be thought most adviseable, and to chuse two persons out of each battalion district, to be the Committee for the county. Each district to chuse their own members. 

JOHN BULL, Chairman. 

At a meeting of a large number of respectable inhabitants of the county of Chester of Chester, at the house of Mr. Elijah Weed, in DowningTown, on Monday, the 14th of June, 1779. Mr. SAMUEL CUNNINGHAM in the chair: 

Ordered, That the Chairman be directed to give notice, by advertisement in some one of the public papers, to the inhabitants of this county, That a general meeting is proposed at the house of Mr. Weed aforesaid requested that as many of the well affected inhabitants of the several townships in this county as conveniently can, will give their attendance at the time and place abovementioned, as matters of importance are to be laid before them. 

By Order of the Meeting, 

SAMUEL CUNNIGHAM, Chairman. 

THE Officers of the American Army beg leave to inform their friends and correspondents, that the postage of all letters to and from the Army is doubled; but as their pay is fully adequate to every expence, they therefore request to send all letters by the public post, and not, through any oeconomical view, by a private conveyance. 

`Tis a pity that the Honorable Congress did not treble the postage for Officers letters, as a large annual sum by this means would be put into the public Treasury. 

The several Printers of Newspapers on the Continent are requested to insert the above.ITEM #63309

October 20, 1778

The Pennsylvania Packet 

PHILADELPHIA, October 20.

Extract of a Letter from General Count Pulaski, to the President of Congress, dated October 16, 1778. 

"SIR, 

"For fear that my first letter concerning my engagement should miscarry or be delayed, and having other particulars to mention, I though proper to send you this letter. 

"You must know that one Juliet, an officer, lately deserted from the enemy, went off to them two days ago with three men whom he debauched and two others whom they forced with them. The enemy, excited without doubt by this Juliet, attacked us the 15th inst. at three oin the morning, with 400 men. They seemed at first to attack our pickets of infantry with fury, who lost a few men in retreating: Then the enemy advanced to our infantry. The Lieut. Col. Baron de Bose, who headed his men and fought vigorously, was killed with several bayonet wounds, as well as the Lieut. December la Borderie, and a small number of soldiers and others were wounded. This slaughter would not have ceased so soon, if on the first alarm I had not hastened with my cavalry to support the infantry, which then kept a good countenance: The enemy soon fled in great disorder, and left behind them a great quantity of arms, accoutrements, hats, blades, &c. "We took some prisoners, and should have taken many had it not been for a swamp, through which our horses could scarcely walk: Notwithstanding this, we still advanced in hopes to come up with them, but they had taken up the planks of a bridge for fear of being overtaken, which accordingly saved them; however my light infantry, and particularly the company of riflemen, got over the remains of the plank and fired some vollies on their rear. The fire began on both sides. We had the advantage, and made them run again, although they were more in number. 

"I would not permit my hunters to pursue any further, because I could not assist them, and they returned again to our line without any loss at that time. 

"Our loss is estimated, dead, wounded and absent, about 25 or 30 men, and some horses. That of the enemy appears to be much more considerable. We had cut off the retreat of about 25 men, who retired into the country and the woods, and we cannot find them; the general opinion is, that they are concealed by the tories in the neighbourhood of this encampment." 

In CONGRESS, 17 October, 1778. 

Ordered to be Published, 

HENRY LAURENS, President. 

Extract of a letter from Springfield, New Jersey, to a gentleman in this City (received yesterday) dated October 17, 1778. In the evening. 

"BY this express I have the pleasure to inform you, that the enemy are leaving New York. We have known, for some days, that several transports were ready - It was said 250 sail of transports, besides store ships, and that they were ordered to carry a man to a tun and half. Part of the Greens were on board some days ago. Poor dogs were drove by the bayonet! This was treating them in character. This day we learn that 100 vessels with soldiers have fallen down; whether they mean a total evacuation is not certain, neither which way they bend their course, whether to the West Indies, or to infest our coasts to the southward, time must determine. South Carolina is talked of as their object." 

The Boston, the Ranger, and another cruizing vessel belonging to the United States, sailed from Nantz the 21st of August; the third day after their sailing, they took a brigantine bound to New York, her cargo consists of 500 barrels of flour, 300 barrels of beef and pork, and 200 tons of bread. The brig is safely arrived with her cargo at Boston. The cruizers and many prizes are expected in due time to arrive at said port. 

At a Supreme Court, and Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, held for Philadelphia county, the 21st day of September, 1778, and continued by adjournments to the 18th of October instant, before the Honourable Thomas McKean, William Augustus Atlee, and John Evans, Esquires, Judges. 

John Roberts, miller, and Abraham Carlisle, were tried and convicted of high treason, and received sentence of death. 

Peter Gist was tried for the murder of William Green, and found not guilty. 

George Cook, Joseph Turner, junior, Jacob Ming, Peter Deshong and William Hamilton, were tried for treason and acquitted. 

The bills that were preferred against the following persons, viz. Isaac Carpenter, jun. Henry Vandyke, James Thompson, John Supplee, jun. Patrick Carrigan, Jonathan Zane, William Eve, Joseph Eve, Thomas Newcomb Emerson, Francis Nelson, Hugh Henry, and Abraham Silliman, were returned by the Grand Jury ignoramus. 

The said Courts are adjourned till Monday the 2d day of November, when they will sit again. 

On Monday next the City Court will be held at the Court house in this city. 

A SUPPLEMENT to the Act intitled, "An Act for the better preventing obstructions to the navigation of Chester creek, and other navigable creeks and rivers in this Province." 

WHEREAS, in pursuance of an act of General Assembly of the province of Pennsylvania, intitled, "An act for the better preventing obstructions to the navigation of Chester creek, and other navigable creeks and rivers in the province,"a drawbridge, which in the year One thousand seven hundred had been first built over the said creek, was in the year One thousand seven hundred and twenty-five rebuilt, and ever since repaired and maintained at the public charge of the said county of Chester, and the same bridge is at last decayed and ruined, and it is necessary, for the convenience of travellers on the high road, that a good safe bridge over the said creek should be always maintained and kept in repair, but the draw or engine to raise and lower the same is of no public utility, and yet attended with extraordinary expences and inconveniences to the public. Therefore, 

Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted by the Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at General Assembly met, and by the authority of the same, That the Commissioners and Assessors, with the concurrence of the Magistrates of the county of Chester, shall, as soon as may be, cause a new bridge to be built at the place where the old bridge formerly stood, leaving at least twenty feet clear between the timber or stone work, and not less than eighteen feet in breadth, and eight feet headway at high water, for the easy passage of rafts, flats, shallops and other crafts; and that the said bridge shall be made fast and close, contained from one side of the creek to the other, without any draw or opening for a mast; any thing in the said act of General Assembly to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That so much of the said recited act, to which this is a supplement, as is herein altered or amended, is hereby declared to be repealed and of no further force or effect. 

JOHN BAYARD, Speaker. Enacted into a Law at Philadelphia, on Thursday the third day of September, in the year One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight. 

JOHN MORRIS, Junior. 

Clerk of the General Assembly.

ITEM #63371

October 24, 1778

The Pennsylvania Packet 

PHILADELPHIA, October 24. 

An express, which arrived at noon from Count Pulaski, informs that the British squadron has left Egg Harbour, 

Head Quarters, Aquackanock in New Jersey, Oct. 11, 1778. 

Whereas it has been found that illicit and illegal uses have been made of flags coming into various parts of this State. It is ordered that no flag from the enemy shall be received at any post or place within this State, except at Elizabeth Town Point, without a special permission for that purpose from the Governor or Commanding Office of the troops of the United States in New Jersey; and all officers within this State are to use their best endeavours to prevent their coming in, or being received at any other place. The officer commanding at the said Point, is to see that the laws and usages of flags are strictly observed in every instance. By order of Major General Lord Stirling, commanding the army in New Jersey. 

W. BARBER, A.D.C. 

His Excellency the Governor of New Jersey, has directed all the officers of that State to see that the above orders are punctually observed. 

We are desired to inform the public, that Wednesday the 4th of next month is the day appointed for the execution of the unfortunate Abraham Carlisle and John Roberts. 

Two of the enemies ships are, we are informed, ashore at Egg Harbour.

ITEM #64835

October 20, 1779

The Pennsylvania Gazette 

CHARLESTOWN (South Carolina) Sept. 15. 

We have no intelligence from the Southward, the authenticity of which we can vouch; but it may be presumed that the perseverance and enterprizing genius of his Excellency the Count D'Estaing will accomplish the purpose for which he has appeared in this quarter, and ensure success to his next intended operations in another. It is believed some of his troops are in possession of Sunbury, in order to cut off the retreat of the British troops from Georgia into East Florida; at the same time Brigadier General Mackintosh is marching down the country from Augusta; and we are told that Major General Lincoln crossed Savanna river at Ebenezer last Sunday: so that we may now hourly expect intelligence of importance. 

We are assured that, exclusive of draughts, the militia turn out volunteers, in all parts of the State, with such spirit and alacrity, that the ferry men at the several rivers cannot carry the men across fast enough. 

By the last accounts from Count D'Estaingfleet, seven British vessels had fallen into their hands, amongst them a large ship from Glasgow, with eight Scotch merchants on board (Refugees from North Carolina and Virginia) with valuable cargoes, intended to purchase conquered estates in this State and Georgia. One of the prizes, the brig Polly, from New Providence for Quebec, arrived here last Friday; and as she came in, the Amazon French frigate was seen off this bar in chace of a ship, supposed to be the Ariel British man of war, of 20 guns, which she came up with, engaged half an hour, and then carried off. 

Last Monday Capt. Vardey and Lieutenant Campbell, of the 7th British regiment, were brought to town, prisoners. They were taken, with 4 privates and ten negroes, on the 5th inst. coming through Skull Creek, in General Prevostbarge, with dispatches from the General at Savannah, to Col. Maitland at Beaufort, said to be orders to the Colonel to remove his whole force to Savannah, to the defence of which all the troops at our posts had been called in. 

Just as this paper had gone to press, an account came, that a body of troops of his Most Christian Majesty, our great and good Ally, were landed in Georgia last Sunday night; that Major General Lincoln was approaching fast to Savannah, to co-operate with them; and that General Count Pulaski had already taken a picket of the enemy; so that it is probable, by the close of this week, the fate of Georgia and of General Prevostarmy may be decided, in a manner very wide of the expectations of the returned Refugees, and their infatuated adherents.

ITEM #64913

November 17, 1779

The Pennsylvania Gazette 

PHILADELPHIA 

SIR,Charlestown, October 22, 1779. 

IN my last of the 5th ultimo, I had the honour of informing Congress that Count D'Estaing was arrived off Savannah: 

Orders were immediately given for assembling the troops - they reached Zubly ferry, and its vicinity, on the 11th, and some were thrown over - the 12th and 13th were spent in crossing the troops and baggage, which was effected though not without great fatigue, from the want of boats, and badness of the roads through a deep swamp of near three miles, in which are many large creeks - the bridges over them the enemy had broken down. We encamped on the heights of Ebenezer, 23 miles from Savannah, and were there joined by the troops from Augusta under General McIntosh. The 14th, not being able to ascertain whether the Count had yet landed his troops, though several expresses had been sent for that purpose, we remained encamped. On the 15th, being advised that the Count had disembarked part of his troops, and that he would that night take post nine miles from Savannah, we moved and encamped at Cherokee hill, nine miles from the town. The 16th we formed a junction before Savannah. After reconnoitering the enemyworks, finding the town well covered, and knowing their determination to defend it, it was deemed necessary to make some approaches, and try the effects of artillery. From the 18th to the 23d we were employed in landing and getting up the heavy ordnance and stores; a work of difficulty, from the want of proper wheels to transport them, the cannon being on ship carriages. On the evening of the 23d ground was broke, and on the 5th inst. the batteries of 33 cannon and nine mortars were opened on the enemy, and continued, with intervals, until the 8th, without the wished effect. The period having long since elapsed, which the Count had assigned for this expedition, and the engineers informing him that much more time must be spent, if he expected to reduce the garrison by regular approaches, and his longer stay being impossible --- matters were reduced to the alternative of raising the siege immediately, and giving up all thoughts of conquest, or attempting the garrison by assault; the latter was agreed on, and in the morning of the 9th the attack was made - it proved unsuccessful; we were repulsed with some loss. 

When the Count first arrived, he informed us that he could remain on shore eight days only; he had spent four times that number, his departure therefore became indispensable, and to re-embark his ordnance and stores claimed his next attention; this was compleated on the 18th. 

The same evening, having previously sent off our sick, wounded, and heavy baggage, the American troops left the ground, reached Zubly ferry the next morning, recrossed, and encamped that night in Carolina. The French troops encamped on the night of the 18th, about two miles from Savannah; they were after 24 hours to re-embark at Kincaid landing. 

Our disappointment is great, and what adds much to our sense of it, is the loss of a number of brave officers and men; among them, the late intrepid Count Pulaski. 

Count D'Estaing has undoubtedly the interest of America much at heart. This he has evidenced by coming to our assistance, by his constant attention during the siege, his undertaking to reduce the enemy by assault, when he dispaired of effecting it otherwise, and by bravely putting himself at the head of his troops, and leading them to the attack; in our service he has freely bled; I feel much for him, for while he is suffering the distresses of painful wounds, he has to combat chagrin. I hope he will be consoled by an assurance, that, although he has not succeeded according to his wishes, and those of America, we regard with high approbation his intentions to serve us, and that his want of success will not lessen our ideas of his merit. 

I should have enclosed a list of the killed and wounded in the last action; but the Adjutant General, in whose hands they are, though on his way, is not arrived in town. 

Major Clarkson will have the honour of delivering this; from his attention and assiduity in service, he has had an opportunity of remarking each particular: This his merit has improved; and enables him to give Congress every satisfactory information. To him I beg leave to refer them for a minute detail. 

I have the honour to be, with the highest regard and esteem, Your Excellencymost obedient servant. 

B. LINCOLN. 

His Excellency SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, Esq; 

President in Congress. 

Published by order of Congress, 

CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. 

Thursday came on the election of a President and Vice President of the Supreme Executive Council of this Commonwealth. The Honourable the Speaker of the House and the Members of the General Assembly attended in the Council Chamber, and were received by His Excellency the President and Council. They immediately proceeded to the election, and His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esq; was unanimously chosen President, and the Honourable WILLIAM MOORE, Esq; was unanimously chosen Vice President. Whereupon a declaration of the election being read was signed by the Honourable the Speaker of the House and Members of the General Assembly. His Excellency then addressed the Council and General Assembly in the following terms. 

"GENTLEMEN, 

I FEEL the most grateful sensibility for the honour you have now done me, which is greatly enhanced by the unanimity with which it is accompanied. The kind support which I have upon all occasions received from the representatives of the people, both in Council and Assembly, under unexpected difficulties will ever demand my warmest acknowledgments, and claims my best services in return. I shall endeavour to persevere in that line of conduct which you have now honoured with your approbation. And while the happiness of the people is the object, and the laws and constitution of the State the rule of my administration, I cannot doubt the continuance of your favour and kindest support." The Honourable William Moore, Esq; the Council and General Assembly for the honour they had done him by electing him Vice President, and assured them of his utmost endeavours faithfully to discharge the important trust which they have thought proper to commit to him" 

The procession to the Court House set out from the Council Chamber a little before twelve o, in the following order, viz. 

Constables with their staves. 

Sub-Sheriffs with their wands 

Coroner with his wand. 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

Judge of the Admiralty and Marshal of the Admiralty. 

Treasurer of the State and Attorney General. 

Justices of the Peace. 

Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas. 

Secretary of the Council. 

His Excellency the President and the Honourable the 

Vice President. 

Members of the Council two and two. 

Doorkeeper of the Council. 

Serjeant at Arms with the Mace. 

The Honourable the Speaker of the House. 

Clerk of the House and his Assistant. 

Members of the General Assembly two and two. 

Citizens. 

On their arrival at the head of the Courthouse stairs silence was commanded. His Excellency the President, the Honourable the Vice President and the Honourable Speaker of the House came forward, and the Secretary of Council read the declaration of the election and proclaimed the President "Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Immediately after the proclamation was made, thirteen cannon were fired and the bells began to ring. The procession, changing its order, and the President and Council taking the lead, moved forward to the City Tavern, where a cold collation was provided, consistent with that frugality and oeconomy which the situation of our public affairs not only renders necessary but honourable. The usual compliments of congratulation being paid, the following toasts were drank, viz. 

Prosperity to the State of Pennsylvania. 

The King and Royal Family of France. 

The Friendly Powers of Europe. 

His Excellency General Washington and the Army, &c. 

His Excellency retired and the company broke up. The whole was conducted with the greatest decorum, amidst every appearance of universal satisfaction and joy.