NEW-YORK GAZETTE And The WEEKLY MERCURY

ISSUE No. 3 NOVEMBER 1775

LATEST INTELLIGENCES: Congress Votes to Raise Troops for the , Johannes Snyder northward, it is rumored that they are to NEW-YORK: appointed to Command invade Canada. Likewise, Henry Knox, a corpulent Boston bookseller become Alexander McDougall Slain by Mob The Congress voted to raise 2000 troops Washington’s Colonel of Artillery, has and dispatch them to Boston to join George departed camp; it is said that his A unruly horde of mischief makers attacked Washington’s Continental Army. It also destination is Fort Ticonderoga on Lake the bowery home of Alexander McDougall appointed Johannes Snyder General and Champlain, with an eye toward creating a determined to give him a coat of tar-and- commander of the Continental “noble train of artillery” for the army from feathers (they claimed to be outraged by the Brigade. It remains however to be seen, if the cannon that were captured at that place secret proceedings of the Congress – which Brigade. It remains however to be seen, if last May. the hellish demons attributed to the wily sufficient recruits for this force can be Scot’s machinations). McDougall remained found and how the brigade is to be paid for. true to his Whig principles refused to either Doctor Church Exposed as a Spy flee or to beg assistance from the King’s

Troops in Fort George. When the crowd In his dispatch to Congress of October 4, began to try to break down his door, Congress votes to allow Plebians to elect one member to the Provincial Congress. 1775, General Washington describes the McDougall fired upon them from an shocking revelation that Benjamin Church, upstairs window with his blunderbuss. This The Congress, after much debate, voted to one of the leading Patriots in Boston before however, only succeeded in enraging the the war, and now the Surgeon general of “swinish multitude” into a frenzy. They permit the city’s disenfranchised masses, to collectively appoint one member to the the Continental Army, has been caught broke into his house and ransacked it, passing information about troops, etc.. to while honest citizens looked on helplessly. Provincial Congress. However, it was also determined that political prohibitions the enemy: When the melee at last dispersed, the corpse of McDougall was found lying on his against women, the propertyless, and the unfree should be maintained and that only “I have now a painful though necessary stairs, a single bullet hole in his chest. All duty to perform, respecting Doctor Church, peace-loving, law-abiding, (and property the religious test (against Catholics should be lifted). Accordingly, James Ury was the [Surgeon General of the Continental owning) inhabitants of the city are shocked Army]. About a week ago, [I received an at the bloodshed. It is wondered where it all elected to the seat. Although, perhaps anointed would be more accurate intercepted] letter directed to Major Cane in might end. Boston, in occult [coded] letters, which … description as he was the only person able could qualify under the new rules – being had been left … some time ago by a woman free male property holder (albeit a rank who was kept by Doctor Church. … I Joseph Martin Charged with Murder papist). immediately secured the woman, but for a long time she was proof against every Information being received by the city threat and persuasion to discover the constable that Joseph Martin, a landless author. However she was at length brought laborer living in New York, was the person Iroquois “Ambassador” Arrives in City to a confession and named Doctor Church. who instigated the mob responsible for the I then immediately secured him and all his death of Alexander McDougall (see above This past week a mysterious figure arrived papers. Upon the first examination he story), a warrant for his arrest on a charge in the city from the north claiming to be a readily acknowledged the letter and said of murder was issued by Judge William delegate sent from the Six Nations of the that it was designed for his brother, etc. Smith. Martin will be held in custody in the Iroquois to the Provincial Congress of New- The army and country are exceedingly city gaol until his trial (scheduled for York. Who this person is, and what his irritated.” November). It is understood that his father presence may portend remains to be seen, was involved in the riotous disorder among but New Yorkers would be wise to keep an Washington Bans Traditional “Pope’s the tenants living in Hudson River estates eye on their scalps. Day” Festivities nine years ago. Truly, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Washington’s General Orders, November 5, BOSTON: 1775:

All Quiet on the Northern Front As the Commander in Chief has been apprized of a design form'd for the From ’s headquarters in observance of that ridiculous and childish Cambridge, we learn that little has changed custom of burning the Effigy of the pope-- in the military situation. The Ministerial He cannot help expressing his surprise that Army remains confined to Boston, and the there should be Officers and Soldiers in this Continental Army is encamped upon the army so void of common sense, as not to surrounding hills. A few days ago, a see the impropriety of such a step at this detachment of 1000 troops under Colonel Juncture; at a Time when we are solliciting, was dispatched to the and have really obtain'd, the friendship and alliance of the people of Canada, whom we Purposes, by Officers properly authorized belonging, are bound by law to be aiding ought to consider as Brethren embarked in to receive the fame. and assisting in the suppression of such the same Cause. The defence of the general rebellion, and to disclose and make known Liberty of America: At such a juncture, and GIVEN under my Hand on board the ship all traitorous conspiracies and attempts in such Circumstances, to be insulting WILLIAM, off NORFOLK, the 7th Day of against us our crown and dignity; and we their Religion, is so monstrous, as not to be NOVEMBER, in the SIXTEENTH Year of do accordingly strictly charge and suffered or excused. His MAJESTY'S Reign. command all our Officers, as well civil as military, and all others our obedient and DUNMORE. loyal subjects, to use their utmost VIRGINIA: (GOD save the KING.) endeavours to withstand and suppress such rebellion, and to disclose and make Governor Dunmore Offers Liberty to Since the issuance of this proclamation it is known all treasons and traitorous Slaves Who Fight for the King learned that several hundred slaves have conspiracies which they shall know to be escaped and found refuge with the against us, our crown and dignity; and for From Norfolk, word is received that Governor in Norfolk, where he has begun to that purpose, that they transmit to one of Governor Dunmore, Royal Governor of that organize them into a battalion called “Lord our principal Secretaries of State, or other province, having fled his palace in Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment” and whose proper officer, due and full information of Williamsburg for the safety of HMS William, Uniform will consist of a White Hunting- all persons who shall be found carrying on now at anchor off this city, has issued the Shirt emblazoned on the front with the correspondence with, or in any manner or following proclamation: motto: “Liberty to Slaves.” Learning of these degree aiding or abetting the persons now events, General Washington wrote that if in open arms and rebellion against our By His Excellency the Right Honorable Governor Dunmore “is not crushed before Government, within any of our Colonies JOHN Earl of DUNMORE, His MAJESTY'S Spring, he will become the most formidable and Plantations in North America, in order Lieutenant and Governor General of the enemy America has. His strength will to bring to condign punishment the Colony and Dominion of VIRGINIA, and increase as a snow-ball, by rolling, and authors, perpetrators, and abettors of such Vice Admiral of the fame. faster, if some expedient cannot be hit upon traitorous designs. to convince the slaves and servants of the A PROCLAMATION. impotency of his designs.” Given at our Court at St. James's the twenty-third day of August, one thousand As I have ever entertained Hopes that an seven hundred and seventy-five, in the Accommodation might have taken Place LONDON: fifteenth year of our reign. between GREAT-BRITAIN and this colony, without being compelled by my Duty to this King George Rejects Olive Branch, GOD save the KING. most disagreeable but now absolutely Proclaims Colonies in Rebellion necessary Step, rendered so by a Body of armed Men unlawfully assembled, and the News from the Court of St. James is that ANNOUNCEMENT: formation of an Army, and that Army now King George III has refused to receive the on their March to attack His MAJESTY'S Olive Branch Petition passed by the Let it be known to all that a debt is owed to troops and destroy the well disposed in July. Instead the the silversmith Abraham Brashear by the Subjects of this Colony. To defeat such palace has issued the following Widow Campbell for his services in crafting unreasonable Purposes, and that all such proclamation: for her a silver punch bowl and forty-five Traitors, and their Abettors, may be silver cups. It was agreed upon that the fee brought to Justice, and that the Peace, and Whereas many of our subjects in divers would be paid in annual installments, the good Order of this Colony may be again parts of our Colonies and Plantations in last of which is due by the next meeting of restored, which the ordinary Course of the North America, misled by dangerous and ill our Provincial Congress in November 1775. Civil Law is unable to effect; I have thought designing men, and forgetting the If the Widow is unable to make this fit to issue this my Proclamation, hereby allegiance which they owe to the power that payment, Mr. Brasher will be forced to take declaring, that until the aforesaid good has protected and supported them; after her to court to collect the debt. However, Purposes can be obtained, I do in Virtue of various disorderly acts committed in Mr. Brasher is a just and virtuous man the Power and Authority to ME given, by disturbance of the publick peace, to the with great affinity for the Widow. He His MAJESTY, determine to execute obstruction of lawful commerce, and to the understands the extraordinary and difficult Martial Law, and cause the fame to be oppression of our loyal subjects carrying nature of our present time and would like executed throughout this Colony: and to on the same; have at length proceeded to to express his willingness to make a deal the end that Peace and good Order may the open and avowed rebellion, by arraying with the Widow in order to avoid a legal sooner be [effected], I do require every themselves in a hostile manner, to suit. Person capable of bearing Arms, to [resort] withstand the execution of the law, and to His MAJESTY'S STANDARD, or be traitorously preparing, ordering and levying looked upon as Traitors to His MAJESTY'S war against us: And whereas, there is Crown and Government, and thereby reason to apprehend that such rebellion LETTERS RECEIVED: become liable to the Penalty the Law hath been much promoted and encouraged inflicts upon such Offences; such as by the traitorous correspondence, counsels If only the people of this fair colony could forfeiture of Life, confiscation of Lands, &c. and comfort of divers wicked and desperate see what actually goes on within our &c. And I do hereby further declare all persons within this realm: To the end provincial congress. I feel like neither the indentured Servants, Negroes, or others, therefore, that none of our subjects may Patriots nor the Loyalists really understand (appertaining to Rebels,) free that are neglect or violate their duty through how to play this intricate game of chess. It able and willing to bear Arms, they ignorance thereof, or through any doubt of is about time someone removed the smoke joining His MAJESTY'S Troops as soon the protection which the law will afford to and mirrors and revealed who is pulling the as may be, for the more speedily their loyalty and zeal, we have thought fit, strings to this puppet show: the mob. reducing this Colony to a proper Sense by and with the advice of our Privy of their Duty, to His MAJESTY'S Leige Council, to issue our Royal Proclamation, Sure, we can be nice and refer to this group Subjects, to retain their [Quit rents], or any hereby declaring, that not only all our as simply “the people outside” or “out of other Taxes due or that may become due, Officers, civil and military, are obliged to doors,” but they’re really a mob. They in their own Custody, till such Time as exert their utmost endeavours to suppress murdered someone in July and what was Peace may be again restored to this at such rebellion, and to bring the traitors to the response? One of them was put on trial, present most unhappy Country, or justice, but that all our subjects of this sure, but then they got a seat in the demanded of them for their former salutary Realm, and the dominions thereunto congress! Someone must quell this mob. If Judge Smith has any sort of a backbone, he As an esteemed body, the Colonial cause as a united front, only then will we will surely find Joseph Martin guilty for his Assembly has taken major strides to be at our strongest, and in the coming crime. He should be made an example. engaging with the people and trying to right months, I fear, we will have to be stronger a ship to quell any more hostilities. The than ever. But who can stop this mob as a whole? granting of a vote for those commoners who Judge Smith can only deal with them on a are unable to join in the voting of matters, The mobbing that has begun to pop up is criminal level. Surely they have the means which deeply affect them, is such a step in the sure sign that we are letting our to break one of their comrades out of prison the right direction. It was undoubtedly a tempers control our brains. It is incredibly if one of them was to be incarcerated. We difficult decision that was made; yet it is tragic that some have ended in death. One have troops sitting in Fort George, and yet one that will speak volumes to Britain. Be mob from July ended with the death of one the Loyalists chose to let the mob run proud! We are telling them that we believe of our congressmen, Alexander McDougall. amuck. The only people who even in those who may be different from us to This exactly the opposite of how we must considered standing with Alexander make voting choices in our Assemblies. act. So much blood is already being spilt McDougall were the other Patriots. If the across the colonies that we must try and Loyalists want to show that the current It is also about time that we have finally keep as little form spilling within New York form of government is the one that should agreed on a single message coming out of as possible. I feel that these violent mobs be maintained, passively letting the mob the Colonial Assembly. April past, we are not getting anything done; they are only run the congress is not the way to go about decided to send mixed messages of support pushing us further and further away from doing things. If I were a moderate, I would towards our fellow colonies and the Crown. getting anything sensible accomplished. see the bravery of the Patriots who stood up It is due time that together, we have told to the mob as a sign that maybe they the colonies close to us, who share our Now do not take this a letter as a motion to should be in charge. Hopefully the Patriots struggle, that we are on their side! The silence the great people of New York. They will soon be given a force of their own to decision to send troops to support General are the strongest voice in all of this noisy call upon. Then maybe we can understand Washington had to be the most common commotion. No matter which side ends what it really feels like to be safe in our own sense thing we have done. It is like the victorious, no ruling body can be strong if it homes. saving grace of this past Assembly meeting does not have the voice of us, the people that saw the debate of abolishing slavery. behind it. I just urge that we keep level Not only did the Congress give them a voice, Who would have thought that this issue heads and become the example of how but they even lowered the standards for would be considered! those in power should act. Our top priority admittance to let a member of the mob a should be to use collective strength to make voice. Why should they not be held to the It has been a tumultuous few months that our voices are heard and not that our same standards as every other member of we have faced together. Together! We must punches are felt. this congress? Every member has to meet continue to move forward as a united body; certain standards of wealth, religion, be it Patriots, Loyalists, and Moderates My fellow countrymen, we know that this gender, etc., except the mob. They rule the together or be it just Patriots with colonies. course of a strong voice works because the city, of course, and the ruler always gets to Whatever it is we decide to do, unity must provincial congress has listened. We have dictate the law of the land. be the cornerstone for our decision making! been heard and will now get to make sure The more we show cracks in the unity of we have a say in what happens. The doors This is not an issue that leans Loyalist or our esteemed body, the more the British have been opened to allow another member Patriot; it is simply a cry for one of the two will be able to see they can force us to do to enter their chambers. I think that now parties to stand up against the rising tide of anything they want of us. All in all, we congress won’t fail to hear what the people anarchy. For I believe it is safe to assume must be able to hold a strong front down to want again. And now that we have sent that since I have now spoken out against keep the British from being able to exploit troops to George Washington we must our new czars, I shall surely be hunted any weakness they see in us. We have stand as one with our convictions. down for treason. I fear that in this current discussed our brothers in Massachusetts; state, I shall be viciously murdered like Mr. we know they are trying to cut them off So keep your ears to the windows my McDougall with no one there to defend me. from the colonies. We cannot allow this to friends and keep your pitchforks at home. happen to us, for the sake of unity. New York is getting back on to a sensible Like I said before, this is a way that the path. If things start to falter and you find Patriots or Loyalists could gain some We are forced out upon the world’s stage, the world not going your way, don’t turn serious points with the moderates. If the whether we like it or not. It is a time for us violent. There is enough of that happening sides had been listening, the most pressing to stand strong and make a name for in the colonies that we have no use of issue for the moderates is safety. What ourselves. Together, Patriots, Loyalists, and violence to settle matters within ourselves. better way to prove you are the side of Moderates we have the ability to change our Keep calm and strong New York. safety than to do something about the fate for the better. Let us not take lightly Your fellow countryman, mob? The Good Lord knows that neither out position and let liberty fall to the Mark Antony’s American Cousin side is doing very well at gaining moderate wayside. Join together in the fight for support right now. It feels like things are freedom! still pretty much in a stalemate with the ~ Americanus To my goodmen of New York, exception of where the congress decided to send troops. I look forward to the day when I have written to the newspaper because one of these two forces begins to look like a Friends, New Yorkers, Countrymen, lend there are many issues which need to be leader. me your ears, addressed. First, I must express my sorrow --- A Scared Citizen and mourning at the passing of one of our

We the people must gather ourselves and fellow congress members. It was a terrible come back from the frenzied state we have ordeal that need not have happened, and It has been quite a few months since the been in for the past few months. This while we differed on many subjects the last recent mob that took the life of Alexander colonial conflict is escalating, and New York thing I want to see is more death. I have McDougall. A question should be flowing has no chance to survive if we start to fall always been an advocate for peace and this through your mind right now: Was it due apart form the inside. The responsibility is event proves to me that we must stop our time that someone would be killed in the on our shoulders to make sure that quarreling, end this division within our boiling discussions over the question of congress does the right thing by our colony. community, and remain loyal to Britain. liberty? We should, of course, grieve the No matter what decisions they make We never had these senseless deaths before tragic death of this dear Patriot, but we whether it pleases us or angers us, we have all of this talk about rebelling and should not let this be a moot point. to act with calm heads and sound minds. revolution. Look at what all of this talk has When we stand together behind a single brought us, death. And not even death from fighting a war, but death from the a brazen act of tea-smuggling was carried Remonstrance, which outlined our hands’ of a neighbor. So again I say we out during the last meeting of our grievances against King. Yet as I reminisce must remain loyal to Britain. Otherwise, Provincial Congress. on these times having grown older and we are only inviting more death into our wiser, I realize that our grievances were lives. It is bad enough that this act would be outlandish, and unfounded. Our great King carried out under the noses of the very men was never attempting to oppress his people. I also implore everyone to keep a level head. who voted to enforce Non-Importation. It is Parliament was furious over his efforts to There is no need for mobs to form. If there made even worse by the fact that it was levy funds through ship money. Though, is a problem, speak of it and it will be likely also carried out in full view of certain this was the same practice exercised by Her addressed. And in the unfortunate event members of our citizenry, who said or did Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The use of ship that you face a mob, do not meet it with nothing to stop this cowardly and money was completely within the ancient violence. For violence will only bring about treasonous act. And even if it was not rights of the Crown, yet we acted as though more violence. Instead, go and get help. carried out in full view, there are certainly Charles was a monster. Let us not forget We have soldiers that are professionally those among us with knowledge of similar that the King was even willing to negotiate trained to deal with these problems, and acts occurring in our fair colony. This with our remaining grievances. He merely once everything is settled than you may use patriotic New Yorker believes that requested to retain his right of the courts to bring justice upon those who knowledge of such acts without any appointments as a small, tangible, power. would seek to harm you. attempt to stop them or make them known We were so very wrong and selfish in our to all is tantamount to endorsement and, demands, when Charles had showed such This brings up something which I believe dare I say, complicity. empathy. needs to be called to attention. While McDougall’s death is undoubtedly tragic, I Many of you may be aware that a Charles was a good King, and possessed must say that I find it interesting that those Committee for the Enforcement of Non- the noblest attributes of any Prince. And who desire and are so willing to break from Importation was recently created by the how did we repay him? By accusing him of Britain, those who think that all of our Provincial Congress. While this New Yorker stripping Englishmen of their liberties! By problems should be solved by violence, now knows for certain that at least one member charging that he had wickedly designed to want to use the British courts to solve their of this committee is a man of character and erect a tyrannical power! How could we be problems because violence did not work. I stands for Liberty, another is an outspoken so foolish to think that he was waging war find it very interesting indeed. Loyalist who vehemently opposed the against his own people? We thought that we Nevertheless, charges have been brought, acceptance of the Association which he has were working in the best interests of man, the accused will have his day in court, and himself now pledged to enforce. I am not yet when Charles was beheaded thousands a judge will decide his fate, as is proper. I suggesting that he would willfully neglect fell to their knees and wept. How wrong we hope that this terrible affair will serve as an his duties, but I believe given his loyalties were in thinking that we were example and that we may learn from it. his dedication to such a task can fairly be representatives of the people. questioned. Finally, I must reiterate my feelings about The men leading the charges against the the situation in the north. This is not our At any rate, the Committee is only three illegality of the King’s actions were, fight. Why is it that we must risk our lives men. It falls on all of us, whether in the themselves, acting illegally. These patriotic for some radical mob in the north? There is assembly halls, the fields, the shops, or the Levelers agitated the wars in an effort to no reason for us to die for them. If any tavern, to do our part to enforce Non- satisfy their own selfish grievances. We person feels differently I beseech them to Importation. I beg all of my fellow New became blind with rage by pamphlets, and come to me and I will personally arraign Yorkers to keep their eyes and ears open, were swept up in the movement. Now our and pay for their passage to the north and to make it known to all if anyone is great Protectorate is in ruin. Really, what where they can personally fight for engaging in the smuggling of British goods. more could one expect after entrusting our whatever cause they believe in. For every time this occurs our Liberty is government to radicals? diminished bit by bit, along with the unity New York’s humble servant, we share with our fellow colonies. Unity is I will admit that I too have acted with Squire Frederick Philipse III what is so desperately needed during these insanity. Stripping Parliament down to its difficult times. bare bones is something that I am not proud of. But who can say they are able to P.S. Lastly, I would just like to add that there act with a clear mind, when they are so You will notice that I have given my true are certain New Yorkers who refused to sign passionately advocating the rights of man? name. That is because I have nothing to the pledge to adhere to the Association that Surely I have set the Protectorate back hide, and I believe that words spoken from was distributed at the time of the last nearly a century with my antics, and I have a familiar face carry more meaning and Provincial Congress. This does not at all nothing to show for it. We have yet to value than those spoken behind a mask of indicate that they are engaged in smuggling establish a single pillar of our initial deception. I would like to encourage every or are aware of any smuggling, but their platform. We were wrong in overthrowing person who writes to the paper to do the refusal may invite the suspicions of some. the King, and are now suffering the same. As with the congress, we need consequences. I can only hope that our transparency. Do not cower behind false In the name of Liberty, Johannes B. Goode history haunts the memories of future names. Say what you believe and stand by generations, discouraging any radical break it. The newspaper should be a forum for from the throne. Alas, there is no discussion and debate, not a place of foreseeable resolution to remedy our anonymous rants and ravings. The following is an excerpt from Oliver misfortune, short of reinstating the Cromwell’s Lost Journal: Stewarts to the throne, and acting as if the

Several years have passed now since I have wars never happened. Fellow New Yorkers, been appointed as Lord Protector, and I – Oliver P.

must confess that little has been I have grown increasingly disturbed as of accomplished since the wars. The people late by the murmurs of smuggling being grow weary as we have yet to establish a conducted in our colony. As it is common cohesive government, and they yearn for knowledge that New York has accepted and the protection of a King. joined the Association of Non-Importation,

Non-Exportation, and Non-Consumption I have spent many sleepless nights reliving recommended by the Continental Congress, the events leading up to the execution of it also seems to be common knowledge that Charles I. I once championed the Grand