Glass f J S 3 79- DAVID IIAYFIKl.I) C()NYN( .1 1 AM. THE REMINISCENCES DAVID HAYFIELD CONYNGHAM 1750-1834 A HERO OF THE REVOLUTION, AND THK HKAD OK THE REVOLUTIONARY HOUSE OF CONYNGHAM AND NESBITT PHILADELPHIA, PA. WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BIOCJRAPHICAL SKETCHES, AND ANNOTATIONS REV. HORACE EDWIN HAYDEN, M. A , CORnESPONDINO SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN. WYOMING HISTORICAL AND GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY WILKES-BARRE, PA. Reprinted from Volumn viii of the Proceedings and Collections of the Society WILKKS-BARRK, PA. PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY 1904 .^rf Publishiitg Committee : Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden. Miss Mvra Poland. George Frederick Coddington. 6i / 1"" PREFATORY NOTE. These Reminiscenses of an octogenarian cover a period of seventy years in the early history of the United States. They have been in the possession of the family of the author for the same number of years, a source of pleasure to sev- eral generations of his descendants without being made public. Their historical value is greatly enhanced by the fact that the writer of them was an actor in the events nar- rated, or an eye witness, and records his experience with the accuracy of a daily journal. New light is shed on many instances of Revolutionary history already known, and many other incidents of that initial period in our history are made public for the first time. Twenty years ago the Editor of these pages prom- ised their publication. Unavoidable delay has hindered the fulfilment of this promise. But the twenty years have brought out so much other historical material that the de- lay has been the enrichment of the annotations. These Reminiscences cover three separate periods in the experience of the author. First, the struggle of the American Colonies for Inde- pendence from the inception of the Stamp Act, 1763, to the recognition of our Independence, 1783, which the patriotic firm of Conyngham and Nesbitt were important factors in securing. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Second, the campaign of Western Pennsylvania, or the Whiskey Insurrection, in which he served in the United States Army, 1794. Third, his visit to the then new State of Kentucky, 1807. The portrait of David Hayfield Conyngham which pre- faces the Reminiscences is from an oil painting in the pos- session of his family, and the illustrations of the Conyngham House, Fort Wilson and Hon, Richard Peters were gen- erously loaned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. INTRODUCTION. DAVID HAYFIELD CONYNGHAM. The prominence in the civil and mihtary history of Penn- sylvania of the author of the following Reminiscences justi- fies a more elaborate sketch of his life than has heretofore been written. David Hayfield Convngham was the eldest son of Red- mond Conyngham, Esq., of Letterkenny, Ireland, and Phila- delphia, Pa., the original member and founder of the ship- ping house of "Conyngham & Nesbitt," that held an emi- nent position in the mercantile history of Philadelphia from 1745 to 1802. As many of the near relatives of Mr. Con- yngham are referred to in his Reminiscences, a brief gene- alogical statement will make clear their connexion. While nobility of character does not depend on nobility of ancestry, it appears from the Peerages of Dugdale, Burke, Lodge, Foster and others, and from London Notes and Queries,^ that the Rt. Reverend William Conyngham, D.D., born 15 12-13, Bishop of Argyll, Scotland, 15 39-1 5 58, was a younger son of William Conyngham, Fourth Earl of Glencairn in the Peerage of Scotland. Robertson's Ayrshire Families, quoting from Wood's (Douglas) Peerage, says the fifth son of the fourth Earl was "William Bishop of Argyll, ancestor of the present Marquis of Conynghame in Ireland." This William Conyngham, "Jtivenefn annos sex ei viginti natum^ ex nobili et potenti familial' was educated for the Church, matriculated Uni- versity of St. Andrew's 1532, made Provost Trinity Col- lege, Edinburgh, 1538, and raised to the see of Argyle by I. V. Notes and Queries, 4th S. XI. 16, 78, 264, 488. XII. 18. 5th S. I. 329- ' IV. «82, 357, 435, 518, where the matter is exhaustively discussed. 6 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. James V. February i, 1539. He was succeeded in his see 1558 by Rt. Rev. James Hamilton. "The Very Rev. Alexander Conyngham, M. A., was the son of Dr. William Conyngham, Bishop of Argyle in Scot- land, a scion of the family of the Earls of Glencairn." (Cot- ton "Fasti Ecclesiai Hibernicae," HI: 361, 368, 370. V: 266,) In 1616 he was naturalized as an English subject (Rot. Pat. 14, Jac. i), was the first Protestant minister of Inver and Kellymard, County Donegal, 1611 (Lodge's Peerage, VIII: 178), ordained the Prebend of Inver in 1611, and that of Kellymard in the same year; vacating Kellymard 1622 and Inver 1630, both in the Cathedral of Raphoe, on succeed- ing to the Deanery of Raphoe by patent of April 27 ; in- stalled June 22, 1630, when Dean Adair was consecrated Bishop of Killaloe 1629-30." He was born circa 1580; died September 3, 1660. Cotton errs in making him a sou of the Bishop of Argyle. Foster more accurately makes him a grandson. He settled at Mount Charles, County Donegal. Part of his estate he held by lease from the Earl of Annandale, part he took up on removing to Ireland, as Charles I. "gave letters patent of denization to Alexander Coningham, and 320 acres of land in Dromlogheran and Corcama in present of Portlagh, Barony of Raphoe, called the Manor of Rosse Conyngham." His preferment as Dean secured him the grant of Carro- hardvarne, Corleaugh-in-begg, Fodrialter, Fanedorke, Tul- lydonnill, etc. Part of his estate he acquired by marriage with Marian, daughter of John Murray, who is named in Pynnar's Survey of 1619, as owning all of Boylagh and Ba- nagh, County Donegal, the original property of the O'Boyles, Chiefs of the Clan Chindfaoldadh, of Tir Ainmi- reach, and of Tir Boghaine, territories which cover all the present Baronies of Boylagh and Banagh. Alexander Conyngham, Dean of Raphoe, is credited by Burke with having had twenty-seven sons and daughters, CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. / four of the sons reaching manhood, viz. : Alexander, who died during the life of his father ; George of Killenlesseragh, Esq., who died without male issue; Sir Albert, who was knighted and whose grandson became the Marquis Conyng- ham, of Mount Charles ; and William of Ballydavit, Esq. George Conyngham of Killenlesseragh, County Long- ford, by will dated May 5, 1684, probated November 25, 1684, devised lands to his brother William Conyngham of Ballydavit, to his nephew Alexander of Aighan, and his brother Andrew ; and names his brother Sir Albert Conyng- ham. William Conyngham of Ballydavit, County Donegal, by will dated October 8, 1700, entails on his nephew Alexan- der of Aighan all his lands in County Donegal, with legacy to his niece Katherine Connolly, daughter of his brother Sir Albert, will sealed with the Conyngham arms, "a shake fork betiveen three mullets!' Alexander Conyngham of Aighan, gentleman, whose will is dated December 27, 1701, entails on his eldest son Rich- ard Conyngham of Dublin, merchant, all these lands, and the lands of Ballyboe, granted to Alexander by lease for- ever in 1669 by Richard Murray of Broughton, and on Richard's male heir, in default of which to his second son Andrew, and on his male heir, in default of which to said Richard's right heir. These very lands thus limited on Richard's right heirs are found in 1721 in the possession of Captain David Conyngham of Ballyherrin and Letterkenny, the son of Alexander Conyngham of Rosguil, whose will dated November 18, 1757, probated June 15, 1759, entails his estate on his son Redmond Conyngham of Philadelphia, whose will dated March 21, 1778, conveyed the estate to his son David Hayfield Conyngham, whose eldest son, Red- mond Conyngham of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by law in- herited the estate, but at whose instance his father broke the entail, disposing of the estate for ^150,000. 8 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Alexander Conyngham of Rosguil, County Donegal, had among his ten children — I. Rev, William, Rector of Letterkenny, d. 1782,3591. -{- 2. Capt. David of Ballyherrin and Letterkenny, supra. 3. Adam of Cranford, d. 1729, father of Captain John Conyngham, who served with Braddock, 1755, 0/ whom later. 4. Gustavus of Rosguil, father of Captain Gustavus Conyngham, U. S. Navy, 177 5- 178 3, of ivhom later. 5. Alexander, who d. s. p. and left his estate to his nephews. 6. Andrew. II. Captain David Conyngham of Ballyherrin and Letter- kenny, Ireland, had — -f 7. Redmond of Letterkenny, and Philadelphia, Pa. 8. Isabella, married David Stewart, and had David, 0/ whom later. 9. Mary, married Rev. Thomas Plunkett, and had William Conyngham, Lord Chancellor of Ire- land, and Baron Plunkett ; and Captain David Plunkett of the American Army, of luhom later. 10. Alexander, who died Philadelphia, Oct. 14, 1748. 11. Hannah, married Rev. Oliver MacCausland, Rec- tor of Finlangen, of zv horn later. 12. Catharine, married Colonel, Sir David Ross, whose only son, David Ross-Conyngham, was made the heir of Redmond C. pending the attainder of David H. Conyngham. 13. Isabella Hanlon. 14. Martha A. 15. Margaret. 16. Lydia. 17. Elizabeth. All of whom died single. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 9 VII. Redmond Conyngham, Esq., b. Letterkenny, Ireland, 1719; died there January 17, 1784, where he and his wife are buried. He married, Philadelphia, January 13, 1749, Martha Ellis, born Philadelphia, February 13, 1731 ; died Derry, Ireland, April 15, 1768, daughter of Robert Ellis, Esq., of Philadelphia, and Catherine, his wife.^ "Died. April 15, 1768, Mrs. Martha Conyngham, the amiable and virtuous consort of Mr. Redmond Conyngham of this city, Merchant, departed this life at Londonderry, greatly and deservedly regretted by all who had the Pleasure of her Acquaintance, particularly her Relations and intimate Friends. And it may with Propriety be said on this affecting Occasion, " ' When such Friends part The Survivor dies.' " — Pa. Gazette, Aug. 11, lybS. Redmond Conyngham came to Philadelphia about 1 740, and established himself as a shipping merchant, in which business he became eminently successful. The published statement that he was a Quaker and emigrated in 1731, when only fifteen years old, is not correct, nor is it sustained by any family tradition. That he was a young man of wise judgment, thorough business habits, and possessed of an unusual knowledge of human nature, appears not only in his commercial success, but also in the character of his as- sociates and of those with whom he surrounded himself as employees. About 1748 he associated with himself in busi- ness Mr. Theophilus Gardner, under the firm name of Con- yngham & Gardner, which was dissolved probably the latter part of 175 1, when Mr. Gardner shipped goods to Londonderry in his own vessels. Mr. Gardner does not appear in the shipping list after 175 i. Among the appren- 2. Robert Ellis, merchant and iron founder. He was a prominent man in early Philadelphia; Member of the Common Council Oct. 3, 1722-24; Member of Durham Iron Co., Bucks Co., 1727 — sold his product to the Moravians at Bethlehem; Grand Jury- man, Philadelphia, October, 1734 ; Member of Christ Church, and Vestryman 1719, 1720, 1722-27, 1735. In 1741 he signed the appeal from the Wardens and Vestry that Rev. Richard Peters might succeed Rev. Archibald Cummings, who died April 19, 1741, as Rector of Christ Church. He was Justice of Bucks Co, Dec. 17, 1745, and June 30, 1749. (Davis' Bucks Co., 642-644; Shippen Papers, 12; Pa. Mag., XXI, 122; Pa. Arch., 2d S., 111,748.) lO CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. tices^ who entered Mr. Conyngham's counting room to learn the business by four years of service, and those to whom he entrusted his affairs, were such men as John Maxwell Nesbitt, his partner 1 759-1 784, and his brothers Alexander and Jonathan Nesbitt, all connected with his own family in Ireland ; Walter Stewart, another kinsman, apprenticed to him in 1772, who later became distinguished as Colonel in the Pennsylvania Line, brevet Brigadier General 1783, and Major General, Pennsylvania Militia 1794; David Stewart, his nephew ; David Plunkett, his nephew. Cap- tain in the Revolutionary Army ; and Gustavus Conyng- ham, his first cousin, the son of his uncle Gustavus, who came to Philadelphia 1763, and whose exploits as Captain in the U. S. Navy 1775-1783 are so well known; Andrew Stewart and others. The apprentice first named, John Max- well Nesbitt,* so impressed Mr. Conyngham by his fine 3. Apprentices.— From the 15th centurj' Trade Guilds dominated the commercial life of Great Britain : skilled labor alone was recognized by these Guilds. By the "Statue of apprenticeship" (5th Eliz'h), no person could exercise any trade, craft or mystery then exercised in England unless he had previously served to it an appren- ticeship of seven years at least. The influence of this law was felt throughout the Col- onies as well until the middle of the last century. In commercial business four years became the limit in America. Anciently benchers in the Inns of Court were called ''apprentices of the law;" a medical bond before me at this writing, dated 1734, binds as "a« Apprentice and Ser- vant in the business of Physick Surgery and Pharmacy for six years," one of the most prominent physicians of the Revolutionary War. 4. John Maxwell Nesbitt, b. Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland, about 1730; d. unmarried, Philadelphia, January, 1802; will dated April 24, 1800; probated January 25, 1802. He was the son of Jonathan Nesbitt of Loughbrickland, and his wife, sister of Alexander Lang, who in 1747, and later, was a shipping merchant in Philadelphia, where he died 1749. Mr. N. was one of a family of nine children— John Maxwell, Jon- athan, Alexander (all of whom came to Philadelphia), James and George (who had ands adjoining lands of J. M. N. in Pennsylvania), Frances, Sarah, Esther and Eliz- abeth Ann. To each of his sisters, Francis, Sarah and Elizabeth, and brother James, he gave by will $50 annually for life. The others probably dead 1802. He 'made D. H. Conyngham, his "friend and partner," his residuary legatee. The Nesbitt fam- ily of L. was probably connected with that of Redmond Conyngham. Alexander N., who went from Scotland to Ireland 16 — , married his cousin Alice, daughter of Rev. Alexander Conyngham, Dean of Raphoe, and their grandson George N. of Woodhill County Donegal, married Catherine, daughter of Capt. David Conyngham of Bally- davit. (Burke's Land. Gent., 1852, 938.) John Maxwell Nesbitt came to Philadelphia, sailing from Belfast in the ship of Capt. Faulkner, February, 1747, under the care and expense of his uncle Alexander Lang, CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. II business faculty and habits, that when he had completed his apprenticeship, about 1756, he took him into partner- ship under the firm name of Conyngham & Nesbitt. In 1766 Mr. Conyngham, having firmly established his busi- ness and increased his estate, decided to return to his home who apprenticed him to Conyngham and Gardner to learn the shipping trade. Mr. Lang dying 1749, his father wrote him : "You can't yet be Sensible of your loss in so Dear a friend as your Uncle was wch you can only have made up by a Steady Trust in God. The true way to procure his protection and advice, Take heart and discharge your duty and Trust. Make no doubt that God will in Good Time promote your In- terest." This advice Nesbitt followed, as his successes prove. It was Mr. Lang's intention to take him from C. & G. into his own office, but his death preventing this change, he remained with Mr. Conyngham. He also brought his brothers, Jonathan and Alexan- der, to Philadelphia as apprentices to the same concern. His business qualifications and his integrity of character so commended him to Mr. C, that probably as early as 1756 he was taken into partnership under the firm name of "Conyngham & Nesbitt." As early as 1756 the two owned and sailed ships in partnership, and in 1759 the "Han- nah" of 50 tons was registered as owned by "Conyngham and Nesbitt." After Mr. C. had returned to Ireland and D. H. C. was made a member of the firm, it was changed to Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co. During the war it was also J. M. Nesbitt & Co. In 1783 D. H. C. signed the name C. N. & Co., but after the death of the senior member it became Conyngham & Nesbitt. Mr. Nesbitt filled many honored positions, social and official, in Pennsylvania. Orig- inal Member 'Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 1771 ; Vice President May 1771— June 17, 1773; President June 16, 1773— June 17, 17S2, and June 17, 1782— March, 1796; Member Hibernian Society 1790 and one of its founders; Member Com. Correspondence May 20, 1774, State and County ; Deputy to the Provincial Convention July 15, 1774; Paymas- ter State Navy September 14, 1775; Treasurer to the Council of Safety July 27, 1776; of the State Battalion July 27, 1776 ; of the State Navy Board February 18, 1777; of the State Board for Land Service March— August, 1777; of theJEoard of War March 14, 1777, &c.; appointed to settle accounts of the late Committee and Councilof Safety Dec. 15. 1778 ; Member Republican Society March, 1779 ; Warden of the Port of Philadelphia October 7, 1788. His firm subscribed ^5,000 to the Pennsylvania Bank 1780, and he was elected an Inspector of the Bank. In 1781 he was one of the organizers and mem- ber Board of Directors of the Bank of North America until January 9, 1792. (v. Hist. Bank N. A.) In 1791 he was elected President Insurance Company of North America. For further mention of him see the Reminiscences. Part of the property willed by Mr. Nesbitt to Mr. Conyngham was in possession of Major Harry Gordon of the British Army, who was attainted of high treason as "Henry Gordon" by the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania March 20, 1781. It was patented to him for 1497 acres May 17, 1774, in Frankstown township, Bedford county, Pa., and confiscated in 1781. The Agents of Forfeited Estates sold this land in 1782 to James Wood for ^2,008. Between the above dates Peace was proclaimed. In 1783 the Executive Committee conveyed the 1497 acres to James Wood, he to J. M. Nesbitt, and Nesbitt by will devised it to D. H. Conyngham, whose claim was confirmed by the courts. (Yates' Penna. Reports, 3, 471.) In 1783 J. M. Nesbitt also bought 11 lots of land in Philadelphia county, forfeited es- tate of Andrew Elliott, for which he paid ^14,640; the President of the State gave the deed. (Col. Rec. 12, 646, 746.) This was property occupied by the firm of C. & N, on Front St., Philadelphia, 1783. 12 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. in Ireland, where he held large landed interests, to end his days near his mother, then living, retaining, however, his interest in the shipping and importing house in Philadel- phia. An account of this return is given in the Reminis- cences. In February, 1775, his son David Hay field, having com- pleted the term of his apprenticeship, was made a partner in the house, when it is claimed that the name of the firm was changed to Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co. After the Rev- olutionary War was fully opened, it was deemed best, owing to the fact that the head of this important firm resided in Ireland, and the junior member was an active patriot, and soldier in the American Army, to alter the name to John M. Nesbitt & Co., under which title the firm continued business until the death of Mr. John M. Nesbitt, 1802. However this may be, papers of the house still exist that show the firm name to have been Conyngham & Nesbitt from 1764 until dissolved by the death of Mr. Nesbitt. Mr. Conyngham's shipping interests, doubtless begun on a small scale, soon developed into the ownership of vessels in which to ship his goods. The Philadelphia Ship Regis- ter shows that December 3, 1746, he registered his first vessel, the ship "Hamilton Galley," 100 tons, built Philadel- phia, owned by himself and William Hamilton of London- derry, Ireland, to whom she was consigned. The next ship registered was the "Prince William" of 90 tons, April 13, 1748, owned by himself and Messrs. Gamble and William Hamilton, Londonderry. The ship "Culloden," 100 tons, followed November 21, 1750, owned by Conyngham & Gardner and the consignees, Alexander and Francis Knox, Londonderry; the "Isabella," 60 tons, 1750-1, by C. & G. ; the "Alexander," 70 tons, 1752, owned by himself and Alex. Knox, Londonderry; the "Hayfield," 100 tons, owned mainlyby himself and Mr. J. M. Nesbitt, in 1756; the "Han- nah," 55 tons, in 1759, owned by "Conyngham & Nesbitt;" CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 1 3 the brigantine "Polly," a prize taken by the Privateer, "Pol- ly's Revenge," sailed under the ownership of Mr. C. and Mr. Nesbitt, 1760; the "New CuUoden," 150 tons, owned by C. & N. and John and Robert Knox of Londonderry, Dec. 14, 1761 ; the brig "Hayfield," 80 tons, and the ship "Rain- bow," 100 tons, both owned mainly by Messrs. Conyngham & Nesbitt; and finally the ship "Hayfield," 80 tons, and the ship "John and Mary," 100 tons, registered October, 1765. These vessels, all but two built in Philadelphia, formed a part of the shipping fleet of the house from 1746 to 1766, when Mr. C. sailed in the "Hayfield" for Ireland. The "Charming Peggy," which, in 1775, Captain Gustavus Con- yngham commanded, and in which Mr. D. H. Conyngham sailed to Ireland, was doubtless the Privateer of that name commissioned as a Letter of Marque December 5, 1758. The Philadelphia "Ship Registers," 1726-1776, published in Penn. Arch., 2d S., II. 331-371, and Penna. Mag. Hist, XXII. et scg., do not appear to give all the vessels owned by Philadelphia shippers, nor all the Privateers and Letters of Marque that were sent out by them during the wars of that period. The Council of Safety, November 13, 1776, grant- ed a commission to Thomas Bell, commander of the ship "Speedwell," navigated by 25 men, 10 carriage guns, owned by John Maxwell Nesbitt & Co. Mr. Conyngham, in the following pages, mentions several vessels and " Letters of Marque of from 4 to 30 guns, as sent out by the firm ;" but the only vessels owned by them and sailed as privateers, the names of which have been preserved, were the "Speed- well," the "Charming Peggy," the "Revenge," the "Nes- bitt," the "Shillalah," and the "Renette," all of which are noted in the Reminiscences. In 1 76 1 Mr. Conyngham and other merchants in Phila- delphia appealed to Governor Hamilton for the erection of piers in some suitable place in the Delaware River to pro- tect their vessels from ice during the winter. The Governor 14 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. sent a special message to the Provincial Council, February 25, 1761, strongly urging prompt action in the matter, and proposing appropriating to the purpose the money to be secured by the sale of the Provincial Ship of war. An act was passed March 14, 1761, and enlarged February 17, 1762, in accordance with the Governor's message. (Stat, at Large, VI. 74, 176; Col. Rec, VIII. 574.) Mr. Conyngham was progressive in his ideas, fond of the beautiful, and stimulated others to improvement by adorn- ing his own property. His home was at No. 96 Front street, between Walnut and Spruce, and his shipping house No. 94, adjoining. Here the family lived while in the city until 1802. Watson states that "there was once a range of beautiful sloping gardens declining from Front street houses into Dock Creek, so as to be seen by passengers along the west side of Dock street. They belonged to Steadman, Conyngham and others. They were seen by T. Matlack and such aged persons. Conyngham's garden, as it existed in 1746 in the ownership of Redmond Conyngham, Esq., was peculiarly beautiful ; it had stone steps, descending into the Dock Creek, to which was chained a pleasure boat always ready for excursions and fishing parties.^ The man- sion was the same now [1842] No. 96 South Front street." (i, 494.) Mr. Conyngham was a signer of the Non-Impor- tation Agreement, prepared and signed October 25, 1765, as a protest against the Stamp Act by the Philadelphia merchants. Mr. Conyngham was in religion a Churchman, his family 5. "The land about Dock street at the Draw Bridge was originally a swamp, and was intended to be granted to the city, on the 25th of October, 1701, with liberty to dig docks and make harbors there. Before that time, through inadvertance, it had been patented to John Marsh. John Penn afterwards, about 1758, to his enduring credit, purchased it from Marsh and presented it to the city, as was intended by the charter." (T. Ward.) In his Reminiscences Mr. C. mentions having passed up the Dock to above Third street, and having unloaded goods from flat boats in Second street. For the account of the filling up of Dock Creek and the opening of Dock street see Westcott, 433. 2147-8. CONYNGHAM REMIMSCEN'CES. I5 having been for over a century members, among them clergy- men, of the Established Church of Ireland, Protestant Epis- copal. When he removed to Philadelphia, having been confirmed in the Church in Letterkenny, he attached him- self to Christ Church, where he was elected for twelve years, 1 754- 1 766, a Vestryman, and from Easter, 1754, to Easter, 1759, a Warden of the Church, and here his eldest son re- ceived baptism. In 175 1 he was one of the subscribers for "the building of the steeple and providing bells for the Church." A lottery was held in 1752 to secure money for the purpose, and the bells were hung in 1754. In that year he, with other members of Christ Church, presented to the Proprietaries a petition stating that the members of the Church of England had grown so numerous in Philadelphia that Christ Church could not seat more that one-half of them, and praying for the grant of a lot on Third street for another church and yard for that purpose. The grant was promptly made, and in 175S the Vestry of Christ Church unanimously agreed to erect the new church by subscrip- tions. Mr. Conyngham was appointed, with six others, a committee to receive and care for the funds, and to prepare a plan and an estimate for the building. He was also one of the committee to supervise the work. In 1759 he and Evan Morgan signed as Wardens the pe- tition to the Bishop of London for the induction of Rev. Jacob Duche, Jr., as Assistant Minister of the Church. In 1 76 1, as Vestryman, he participated in the opening of St. Peter's Church, of which he was also named a Vestryman in the Charter of the "United Churches of Christ Church and St. Peter's Church," 1765. In person Mr, Conyngham was of medium height, but stout, courtly in manner and active in movement. He en- joyed the social pleasures of the day, as his name appears in a list of subscribers for the first Assembly held in Phila- delphia, 1748 (Shippen Papers 7). Watson states (I. 211): 1 6 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. "It may illustrate the uses of street porches to say that in 1762-3 sundry gentlemen, and especially the officers, took the name of Lu- narians, because of their walking the streets of moonlight evenings, and stopping to talk socially with the families sitting in their porches. I have seen a letter of July, 1763, by Redmond Conyngham, Esq., of Philadelphia, to Col. James Burd, then at Juniata Fort, wherein he says : 'The Lunarians met in the evening at the corner of Walnut and Water streets, most of the officers and their wives were present. We drank your health, and experienced the want of your many Indian anecdotes.' " In a letter to James Burd of July i, 1755, Mr. C. writes : "Yesterday your Brothers and Sisters of the Luna Club assembled at the Terry and drank your Health, we shou'd be mighty glad to see you once more among us." Thus the Luna Club had its origin nearly ten years before the date given by Mr. Watson. In 1756 he contributed ^32 to the Pennsylvania Hospi- tal, and in 1763 was a subscriber to the Mount Regale Fishing Company, being No. 5 on the list. He was also in 1763 a member of the Fishing Company of Fort St. Davids. These were among the social clubs of that time, comprising the elite of the city. Mr. Conyngham died possessed of a large landed estate both in Ireland and Pennsylvania, entailed on his son Da- vid Hayfield, with reversion, should the law of attainder de- bar the latter, to his grandson David Ross, on assuming the Conyngham name. David Ross died before the grand- father. The attainder was removed through the influence of Lord Plunket, and the estate was enjoyed by D. H. Conyngham until the entail was broken by him. His will names among others the Irish estates of the Ballyboes of Scott Glencairrn and Windy Hall, Auchallatty, Gortna- brade, Largyreagh, Derry Casson, Dragh, Bar of Downing, O'Hanlon's Manor, and many houses in Letterkenny. Mr. Conyngham and five sons and seven daughters. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 1/ David Hayfield Conyngham, eldest son of Mr. Red- mond Conyngham, and the author of these Reminiscences, was born, Philadelphia, March 21, 1750; baptized in Christ Church in that city by Rev. Robert Jenny, LL. D., Rector, Monday, April 23, 175 1. Sponsors,^ Mr. Matthias Hayfield and Dr. John Kearsley, Jr. He died, Philadelphia, March 3, 1834, eighteen days before he would have completed his 84th year, and was buried in Christ Church yard, corner of 5th and Arch streets, March 5, 1834. He was married by Rev. William Smith, D. D., Whitemarsh, Pa., December 4, 1779, to Mary West, b. ; d. Philadelphia, August 27, 1820, daughter of William West,^ a prominent merchant of Philadelphia, and his wife Mary Hodge, daughter of Wil- liam Hodge, Jr.,^ and his wife Eleanor Wormley. Mr. Conyngham received his early education in the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania Academy, where he was entered in the Latin School 1757, and studied until May, 1766, when he sailed with his father in the ship "Hayfield" for Ireland, where he spent two years at Trinity College, Dublin, under 6. Mr. Matthias Hayfield, probably a friend of Mr. Conyngham in Ireland, as his name cannot be found in any connexion with America. He was a sponser by proxy. He is named in the Family Bible and Christ Church Records without residence. Dr. John Kearsley, Jr., nephew of Dr. John Kearsley, the eminent physician and the architect of Christ Church, was a loyalist, banished to Carlisle 1775, where he died. (Sabine's Loyalists, I. 597; Westcott, 301: Watson, II. 388; Graydon.) Mr. Conyngham records having rescued him from the mob. 7. William West of Ireland had— i. Francis West, Justice of Cumberland Co., Pa., July 13, 1757, who had issue; 2. William West, supra ; 3. Ann West, b. 1733, m. Her- manns Alricks, Justice of Cumberland Co., 1749-1770, &c. (Egle's Pa. Gens. 15.) 8. William Hodge of Ireland, who died January 4, 1723, and Margaret, his wife, who died October 15, 1730, had three sons, who came to Philadelphia shortly after their mother's death, about 1731. i. William, Jr., who married Mary West, supra; 3. Andrew, Sr. ; 3. Hugh, whose widow Hannah was recognized in all the city as a "Mother in Israel," and who left his estate to Princeton College after the death of'his widow. Andrew Hodge, Sr., had, among 15 children, Captain William Hodge, Jr., one of the U. S. Agents in France, 1776-1779, in connexion with the Conynghams, and of whom see later, Captain Andrew Hodge, Jr.. Pa. Line, 1776, and Dr. Hugh Hodge, Surgeon 3d Pa. Batt., 1776, the fatherof that eminent theologian, Charles Hodge, D.D.. LL. D., of Princeton, whose sons Alexander A. Hodge, D. D., and Francis B. Hodge, D. D., were both for years pastors First Presbyterian Church Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Vice Presidents of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, {v. Family History and Reminiscences; Hugh L. Hodge, M. D., LL. D, 1903.) iS CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. the guardianship of his kinsman, Capt. John Conyngham, returning April, 1768, to Philadelphia to begin his appren- ticeship in the shipping house of Conyngham & Nesbitt. His time expiring in 1772, he sailed for Europe, probably as a Secret Agent of the United States to visit France, Por- tugal and Great Britain, returning in 1774, "having," as he says in his Reminiscences, "added in his humble capacity to the character of America." Finding then that separation from the mother country was imminent, he early decided to take the part of Amer- ica, and joining the Volunteers in the company of Captain John Cadwallader, served as a soldier. This was the com- mand organized by Captain Cadwallader in 1774, after the passage of the Boston Port Bill, and called "The Greens," the first company of militia in the State.^ In 1775 he became a member of the firm of Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co. The foreign business of the house in that year required his presence once more in Europe. He sailed September 10, 1775, in the brig "Charming Peggy," owned by the firm, with Jonathan Nesbitt as supercargo, and Cap- tain Gustavus Conyngham as master ; probably the vessel of that name commissioned as a Letter of Marque Decem- ber 5, 1778. (Pa. Mag. XXVI. 399.) The vessel was laden with flaxseed, and was to return with powder and other needful things for the Colony. Having sold his cargo, he left the "Charming Peggy," whose capture and later escape is narrated by Captain Conyngham in his Narrative. (Pa. Mag. Hist. XXII. 486.) Mr. Conyngham then proceeded 9. "The Quakers went so far," says Mr. Graydon in his Memoirs, 123, "as to form a company of light infantry under the command of Mr. Copperthwaite, which was called 'The Quaker Blues,' and instituted in a spirit of competition with 'The Greens,' or, as they were sneeringly styled, 'The Silk Stocking; Company,' commanded by Mr. John Cadwallader, and which having early associated had already acquired celebrity. The command of this company, consisting of the flower of the city, was too fine a feather in the cap of its leader to be passed by unenvied. It was therefore branded as an aristocratic assemblage. * * * * To this association I belonged. There were about 70 of us." Watson says there was a hill on Second street in the rear of the Lox- ley house, now (1857) Girard's houses, where the Greens used to drill, i, 412. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 1 9 to Paris and remained there until 1777, becoming an im- portant, but secret, factor in the services of his cousin, Capt. Gustavus, whose second commission he obtained from FrankHn. At an outlay of ^10,000 he assisted in fitting out the "Revenge," of which Captain Gustavus took command.*" "The French Government, receiving information of the fitting out of the " Revenge," demanded sureties, and An- drew Hodge [William Hodge, Jr.] and David H. Conyngham became responsible for the peaceable conduct of the vessel. When Conyngham entered upon his privateering voyage, Hodge was thrown in the Bastile, and D. H. Conyngham, by the mangement of his father's great friend, Dr. Franklin, was sent off with despatches, and thus escaped the Bastile." (Redmond Conyngham in Hazard's Reg.,V. 402 ; also infra.) 10. Captain Gustavus Conyngham, U. S. N., 1744-1819. So much has already been published about this gallant Naval officer that an extended notice of him is not needed here. Hazard's Register of Pennsylvania, 1830 (V. 400, 401, 415 ; VI. 28, 36-3S, 55-50) contains many interesting incidents and thrilling experiences in his career from his own pen and that of his cousin, Redmond Conyngham, Esq., of Lancaster, Pa. His diary, 1777-1779, appears in the Pa. Mag. Hist., XXII. 479-488. Mr. James Barnes in his work, "With the Flag in the Channel, or the Adventures of Capt. Gustavus Con- yngham," 1902, and in "The Tragedy of the Lost Commission," Outlook, 1803, pp. 71-83, and Mr. Charles Henry Jones, Philadelphia, in his admirable sketch, "Captain Gustavus Conyngham," published 1903 under the auspices of the Pa. S. of R., have given much material for an extended biography, and yet the published history of the man is incomplete. Rev. Edward Everett Hale, in his "Franklin in France," I. 342, et seq.y and the Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, also give moredata. Some years ago Mr. Henry Phillips, Jr.. Sec. Am. Philosoph. Soc, Phila- delphia, wrote me requesting the consent of the family to his preparing a sketch of his Life, as he possessed his Diary. Mr. Phillips died without completing his sketch, and the Diary passed into the hands of Charles Henry Hart, Esq., who has since de- clined to dispose of it to the family. In view of these facts this note will be confined to points of the history of Capt. Conyngham not yet referred to in other accounts. Captain Gustavus Conyngham was the son of Gustavus of Largyreagh, Gent., whose wife was a daughter of Gabriel Conyngham, hence the nephew of Capt. David Conyngham of Letterkenny, who was the grandfather of the author of these Reminis- censes. By the will of his uncle Alexander of Largyreagh, Gustavus was possessed of the lands of Dragh and Bar of Downing, which he sold to his cousin Redmond C. of Philadelphia, who names them in his will. He was born, Ireland, 1744 ; died, Phil- adelphia, November27, 1819, aged 76, and with his wife was buried in St. Peter's Church- yard, Philadelphia. He was married, Christ Church, by Rev. Richard Peters, October 23. 1773. to Ann Hockley, born January, 1757, died February 25, iSri, aged 54 years, 2 months. He was sent to Philadelphia in 1763 by his uncle Rev. William Conyngham of Letterkenny to the care of his nephew, Redmond Conyngham, as an apprentice. 20 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. From Paris he went to Bordeaux, purchased goods to be sent home, via Martinique, and medical stores for General Washington. In 1779 he returned home by way of the West Indies, and had his second shipwreck described in his Reminiscences. Mr. Conyngham was elected a member of the First Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry March, 1777. He served in the campaigns of September, 1779; ^^ Somerset, New Jersey, June, 1780; in January, 1781, during the revolt of the Pennsylvania troops, and in the Whiskey In- surrection of Pennsylvania, 1794. In the defence of Fort Wilson he participated actively. During the revolt of the Pennsylvania troops General Wayne detached him with two others to watch the actions of the British sloop of war "Vulture," near Perth Amboy, and their troops on Staten Island, In 1794 he was promoted 3d Sergeant of the Troop, in 1796 2d Sergeant, and June 19, 1798, was made an Honorary Member. As he narrates in his Reminiscen- "Mr. Conyngham thought that nature, or rather his natural genius, pointed out the sea as the element on which he was to live, and therefore placed him in a vessel of his own under the command of Capt. Henderson, Master." Probably the "Charming Peggy" of 50 tons, Robert Henderson, master, registered December 21, 1763, in the Antigua trade. With this ship he remained, learning the business of navigation, until Henderson's death, when he was promoted to the command of the ship "Molly." He remained in the same occupation until the Revolutionary War, when, Septemberio, 1775, he was sent to Ireland on the "Charming Peggy," with Jonathan Nesbitt as supercargo, and D. H. Conyngham as representing the house of Conyngham & Nes- bitt. The rest of his remarkable history is told in the publications referred to supra. In 1783 Captain Conyngham made application to Congress for a renewal of his com- mission in the regular Navy, with the following result : "On the report of a Committee consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Williamson and Mr. El- lery, to whom was referred a memorial from Gustavus Conyngham, praying for the renewal of a commission of captain in the navy of the United States received from the commissioners in Paris in 1777 and left by him, or to be reinstated in his former situa- tion. Resolved, That the prayer of the said memorialist cannot be granted, such com- missions being intended for temporary expeditions only, and not to give rank in the navy." (Journals of Congress, 1784, p. 181.) After the War Captain Conyngham returned to his occupation as a Sea Captain, residing until his death at 63 Lombard street, Philadelphia. lu 181 7 he was a member of the Common Council of Philadelphia, and one of three members appointed to aid in securing a loan of 130,000 from the citizens to be used in defence of the city. (Vide note 19; also notes on William Hodge, Jr., and Jonathan Nesbitt, infra.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 21 ces, he declined the appointment of Aid-de-Camp to Gen- eral Stewart, and in 1794 to General Hand. Mr. Conyngham was elected a member of the Friendly- Sons of St. Patrick 1775. In 1790 he was elected a Trus- tee of the College of Philadelphia, and in 1791 a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, holding the office until his resignation in 18 13. He was also a member of the Hiber- nia Fire Company. The business interests of Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co. had led Mr. Conyngham to make a number of visits to Great Britain and the Continent, and to the West Indies, 1775- 1783. Early in the year 1807 the affairs of his cousins, the shipping firm of Francis and John West, made it necessary that he should visit Kentucky, and later his own and the landed interest of his firm drew him to Luzerne County. Mr. David H. Conyngham hved, until 1766, in the house occupied by his father, at No. 96 Front street, Conyngham and Nesbitt occupying No. 94 adjoining. In 1783 he lived at "Woodford," on the Ridge Road, four miles from his place of business. It was at his house at "Woodford" that Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morris took refuge in June, 1783, when Congress hastily adjourned to Princeton on account of the threatened riot of the disbanded Pennsylvania militia. {v. Reminiscences.) A distance of four miles from Front street would place "Woodford" in Fairmount Park. Some years later he erected the large double stone house on the "Old Germantown Road," now Germantown Avenue, or Main Street, No. 4639, opposite the old Bringhurst House, and named it "Clermonte," after one of his ancestral Irish places. Mr. Ward states that William Forbes was the "builder" of this dwelling. Here Mr. Conyngham lived un- til his death as his summer house, and here he dispensed a most generous hospitality; his shipping house, and town residence, No. 109 South Fourth street, where he lived 1826, were also friendly resorts for strangers from Ireland 22 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. and France. "In 1844 the family of the late Isaiah Hacker purchased 'Clermonte' and have occupied it ever since." Mr. Conyngham was a contributor to the Pennsylvania Hospital, 1766. In his advancing years, realizing the value of his varied experiences in foreign and home travel to the mem- bers of his family, he began to prepare his very interesting Reminiscences covering a period of nearly 80 years of the early history of the United States. Much of this was doubt- less written by himself, as will appear in the foot-note on the capture and execution of the two spies in 1781, which is there given as he personally wrote it to illustrate his style of narrative. But in his 83d year he brought together what he had prepared, and dictating the facts to an amanuensis, largely destroyed his original drafts. The manuscript of the amanuensis becoming much worn by use, was copied for the family, and having no further use for it as a manu- script, it was destroyed. The Reminiscences are published now for the first time. As they were written at an advanced age and with no at- tempt at chronological exactness or arrangement, the editor has made but little effort to change their sequence. In the copy prepared by the amanuensis they begin with the au- thor's visit to Kentucky, 1807, which is here placed at the end, and where it is possible the exact date of an incident has been inserted. Mr. Conyngham had five sons and five daughters. He was the father of Hon. Redmond Conyngham of Lancaster, Pa., and of Hon. John Nesbitt Conyngham, LL. D., the eminent President Judge of Luzerne county from 1839 to 1870, a distinguished and beloved citizen of Wilkes- Barre, Pa., and President of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, of which Society his son, Col. John But- ler Conyngham, U. S. V., was one of the Founders, 1858. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES, 23 REMINISCENCES. REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. This should be the first of my Reminiscenses, although began after my entering my 83d year, and if I am able to state circumstances aright, it might be called the "Chapter of Accidents." I shall start from leaving school [Philadel- phia] in the first class of the Latin School (Mr. Beveridge our master)/^ and sailing with my father and family, in the ship " Hayfield," Captain Mackey, for Londonderry,^^ Ire- land, May 26, 1766, as a boy. I was delighted and pleased with our voyage. Whales being then plenty on our coast, saw several schooners em- ployed in killing and saving them, also a thrasher, and, as told by the sailors, a sword-fish fighting one ; also a large island of ice, remembers its appearance. Arrived] in the harbour of Lough Foyle on the 24th of June, when a beau- 11. John Beveridgk, M. A., Professor of Languages and Chief Master in the Latin and Greek Schools, Philadelphia Academy, 1751-1767. (v. notices of him in Gray- don's "Memoirs," 1846, pp. 35-59, and Montgomery's "History of the University of Pennsylvania.") D. H. Conyngham entered the Philada. Academy 1757, aged 7. His younger brother Alexander entered 1760, but died Nov. 2, 1763, aged 10. The "History" also gives, p. 535, as entered by Redmond Conyngham 1760, "Robert Conyngham." Who this was is not known. The only Robert in the family connexion was his son Robert, named for Robert Ellis, born April 20, 1761, died Oct. 25, 1763. Mr. Conyngham is credited in the same book with entering as students, Samuel Brown, 175S ; Thomas Dunscombe, 1757; Richard Hutchinson, 1758; Francis Moore, 1754; Joseph Scull, 1765; John Tinker, 1759- Were these proteges whom he was educating ? 12. "Ship 'Hayfield,' Master William Mackey, of 80 tons, registered Phila. Oct. 9, 1765, where she was built, owned by Messrs. Redmond Conyngham and John Maxwell Nesbitt, Merchants of Philada." (Pa. Mag. His. XXVH. 353, 365.) Francis Hopkinson, Esq., the eminent patriot, accompanied Mr. Conyngham on this voyage by invitation. The ship sailed from New Castle, Del., May 26, and reached Londonderry June 27, 1766. (Pa. Mag. Hist., II. 316 ; XXVII. 353, 365.) 24 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. tiful sight from bonfires'' kindled on every hill made the shore delightful. Landed all in safety and lodged with Mr. Gamble." Remembers the time with pleasure; and his leaving his father's house on returning to America with re- 13. Bonfires. — Francis Hopkinson, Esq., who sailed with Mr. Conyngham, wrote of this to his mother, July 2, 1766 : "It was remarkable that the night we left New Castle the Town was illuminated on the joyful occasion of the Stamp Act's being repealed, and the first night we entered our Harbour in Ireland was Midsummer Night, at which time it is a never failing cus- tom among the Irish to illuminate their whole country with large fires kindled here and there among the mountains. A few days after our arrival Mrs. Conyngham went to Letterkenny, a little village about 15 miles from Derry, where Mr. Conyngham's mother livesand where his Estate lies." (Pa. Mag. Hist., II. 317.) Some years ago the late Mr. Townseud Ward wrote me of this custom thus : "The Balefires, as they are called, are of a most ancient origin, indeed so remote as once to have been in honour of the God Baal, or Beelzebub, as he is sometimes called. They formed, it is thought, a part of the ceremonies of the worship practised in their groves by the Druids, who had swept across Asia and Europe, and who at one time were so potential in the British Islands. The Second Book of Kings, Chap. XXL, says Manas- seh 'reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, * * • and made his son pass through the fire.' Eighteen hundred years ago Pliny, in his Natural History, says : 'Britain at this day celebrates the magic rites with so many similar ceremonies, that you might suppose them to have been given to them by the Persians.' " "A writer in the Gentleman's Mag., February, 1795, relates that he was told, as to the ceremonies observed on the occasion of the summer solstice, "That we should see at mid- night the most singular sight in Ireland, which was the lighting of fires in honour of the sun. Accordingly, exactly at midnight, the fires began to appear ; and taking the advantage of going up to the leads of the house, which had a widely extended view, I saw on a radius of thirty miles, all around, the fires burning on every eminence which the country afforded. I had a farther satisfaction in learning, from undoubted author- ity, that the people danced round the fires ^ and at the close went through these fires, and made their sons and daughters, together with their cattle, pass the fire ; and the whole was conducted with religious solemnity." In Philadelphia, I have seen, when a youth, such fires built in the streets by the boys, who, in turn, would jump through them, and I am told the custom still continues, thus there is preserved here a lingering trace of the practices connected with an ancient faith. The name of the God Baal is preserved wherever the prefix Bal or Bel is found, as in Bealtine, the feast of May-day, Baltimore, Belfast, Balmoral, Baltinglass, the Baltic, and many other names." A fetter from Tentore, Balla Colla, Queens Co., Ireland, March 8, 1S82, describes the custom now in vogue : "I am told by an excellent authority that they still make bonfires on St. John's Eve, the 24th of June, and collect around them in great numbers to dance and amnse them- selves. He says he never saw them pass through the fires or cause their cattle to do so, but that is not saying they would not do it if the police were not always there pre- tending they came for the dancing. The Northern Irish call these fires bonefires, and say they were first built to burn the bones of Protestant martyrs, but when I cannot find out. These same fires have been used for signals in several rebellions, and conse- quently have in a measure died out, but they are still very numerous." 14. Mr. Gamble, at whose house he lodged, was doubtless Mr. Henry Gamble, the consignee of Conyngham. & Nesbitt. CONVNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 25 gret and cause. Went up to Newry to sail for America in company with Andrew Stewart/^ also going out as an ap- prentice to Mr. Nesbitt;^^ sailed in April, 1768, and went around Ireland, North, seeing the coast, and not getting clear of Achill Head for 10 or 12 days. A severe passage brought us out to the coast of America; and upon "land" being called out, went up to the top gallant yard with Lyons, our boatswain, who said it was five leagues off. Came down and went to dinner, and our Captain ordered Mr. Dobbins, our Mate, to sound, who called out fourteen fathoms. A pudding being on the table, we stayed to eat it, and on going upon deck, the ship struck the bar at Egg Har- bor. We got out the boats and landed on what I think was the Harbor, and Tucker's Beach.'^ Resting the first night under some fishing boats hauled on shore to save us from a severe thunder gust, got up the next day to main land and hired a waggon to Philadelphia. The ship was a real loss to our house, having no insurance. She was called the "Sally," ^^ Moses Rankin, master. Served my apprenticeship for four years and went to Europe in 1772. (See travels, etc., in another sheet.) Re- turning as there mentioned, was driven on shore at Cape Henry, which was my second fate or shipwreck. The third was on returning from Ireland in 1812 or 13, in the ship "John Watson," Captain Sanderson, of New York, with seventy passengers on board. Had a fine run to the Gulf 15. Andrew Stewart, born Ireland; apprentice to Mr. John M.Nesbitt 1768. What subsequently became of him the annotator cannot learn. 16. V. Note 3. 17. Tucker's Beach, now Tuckerton, in Little Egg Harbor Bay, Burlington Co., N. J. Tucker's Beach was oncea noted seashore resort for Philadelphians before Long Branch was known as such. (Watson's Annals of Philada., II. 463.) This was Mr. Conyngham's first shipwreck. 18. Ship "Sally," Not in Register, 1768. Moses Rankin was Capt. of the ship "Minerva," 70 tons, Registered Phila. Nov. 22, 1768. (Pa. Arch., 2d S., II. 651.) 26 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. stream, and then baffling winds and weather, and nearing New York Harbor, were all in high spirits in expectation of being on shore next day. We went to our berths, when about one o'clock, it raining and blowing fresh easterly, the watch cried out " Land and Light." Upon sounding, found 17^4 fathoms, with broken shells and blue ground, which, remembering what the fishermen told me when on a trip with my boys to Long Branch, I told the Captain we were there, and that he should put about the ship. Before time could be had she struck the beach, and a dreadful scene we had, but kept sail on her, and then cut away main and mizen masts, keeping the foremast with sails to press her on, I never saw a more severe and distressing scene, but cannot enter into all the particulars. We reached shore after daylight and went up to McKnight's. Hiring a waggon, got up with my small baggage, having no goods, and found my family well at Germantown, after hearing from me by express I had sent on before me. Surely I ought to be thankful to God for his mercies while my fac- ulties are spared me. I recollect [1778-1779] seeing Count D'Estaing when he came out from the American coast with his fleet. Saw seven ships of the Line pass by St. Pierre, Martinique, and go on to Fort Royal, where again I saw them at anchor [about Dec. II, 1778]. Captain Gustavus Conyngham^' being then there in the " Revenge" ^"^ Cutter was called upon and in- 19. Captain Gustavus Conyngham. v. Note 10. 20. Cutter "Revenge."— Some interesting facts relating to the "Revenge" and its last cruise under Conyngham, not heretofore mentioned, but presenting a view of the profit and loss of Privateering in 1779 are revealed in the Official Correspond- ence about this famous cutter in the Pa. Archives. Mr. Charles Henry Jones, in his Sketch of Capt. Conyngham, p. 23, notes the fact that Conyngham left Kuropean waters in the "Revenge," sailing to Martinique, and thence to Phila., where he arrived in February, 1779. The "Revenge" was owned by the U. S. Congress, J. M. Nesbitt & Co. and Andrew Hodge, Sr., of Phila. The Ma- rine Committee of Congress wished to send her to sea for the Continent. J. M. Nesbitt & Co. wished to use her as a Privateer, and the Executive Council was eager to buy or hire her as a Guarda Costa to act in concert with the "General Greene." The CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 2/ troduced to Count D'Estaing on board the "Languedoc" of 90 guns, and went out; after looking at the English Fleet under Commodore Barrington,^^ returned and reported Council appointed Blair McClennahan to ascertain her value and fitness, reporting promptly and secretly. Owing to these complications Congress, March 12, ordered her to be sold at public sale March 17, 1779. Mr. McClennahan reported her value at ^30,000 to ^40,000, and Council authorized him to buy her even at ^45,000. She was purchased March 17 by J. M. Nesbitt & Co. at a higher fignre. On March 31 the Assembly resolved to charter the "Revenge" for a three months' cruise with the "Gen- eral Greene," and application was made to her owners for terms, &c. Nesbitt & Co. replied April 2 with these propositions : " Capt. Conyngham to retain command with his own officers, he knowing better than anyone else how to manage such a vessel, and there being no doubt of his bra- very. The state to insure the cutter at the price she cost the present owners, to return her in as good condition as they receive her, or to pay all damages ; and to pay her owners at the rate of ^10,000 per month while in the service." These were named as the lowest terms, as the house preferred using her on their own private account, this being the best season for cruising. The house proposed to man the cutter by giving the crew three-fourths of all commissioned vessels taken and one-half of Letters of Marque and merchantmen unarmed ; advising not to give a larger share of prize money to the crew, as the State's share of such money would more than doubly repay all expenses — the oflicers and men to have the customary wages, each seaman $100 in advance, each landsman J50 or more, to be deducted from wages or prize money, &c. Council accepted these terms April 3d, with minor changes, and preparations were made to seal the contract, but, owing to some misunderstanding, Conyngham sailed away with the "Revenge" by the 15th, and the Council abandoned its purpose to charter. (Pa. Arch. VII. pp. 281, 2S8, 318, 319.) The "General Greene" cost the State ^53,057.11.0. The "Revenge" was captured by the British frigate "Ga- latea," near New York, and the Captain was thrown into prison, as told in his narra- tive. (Pa. Mag. His., XXII. 4S7. v. also Note on Capt. William Hodge, Jr., infra.) 21. Admiral Samuel Barrington, 1729-1S00. v. Dictionary of National Biog., Ste- phen's, III. 291, which states Barrington captured St. Lucia Dec. 13, 1778. "On the 14th he had news of D'Estaing's approach, and the enemy's fleet, with a crowd of smaller shipping, was sighted from the neighboring hills. E.xpecting no enemy from the sea, his ships were in no posture of defence. But during the night he succeded in forming his little squadron in a close line across the mouth of the bay, the ends sup- ported by a few guns on the hills above, and with transports and store-ships inside. His attitude was firm, but his force was comparatively insignificant ; and M. de Suf- fren, captain of the "Fantesque," strongly urged D'Estaing to come boldly in and anchor close alongside, or on top of the anchor buoys, thus rendering the shore bat- teries useless, and crushing the English by force of numbers. D'Estaing, however, preferred standing in line of battle, keeping away along the English line, and so pass- ing again out of the bay after a desultory interchange of firing. In the afternoon he repeated the same manoeuvre, equally without result. On the i8th he landed the troops to the northward and attempted to storm a hill strongly held, but was once and again repulsed with great slaughter. Then hearing of Admiral Byron's approach with a superior force, he sailed for Martinique." This confirms D. H. Conyngham's state- ment about GustavusConyngham's advice to D'Estaing. Barrington had the "Prince of Wales," 74 guns, 2 frigates, 5 small ships of the line, and 5,000 men. D'Estaing's fleet had 12 ships of the line and 4 frigates. 28 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES, their situation under St. Lucia, and advised the Admiral to run in and anchor opposite the ships as they lay, and to attack them in that way ; this he did not do, and was beaten off. Captain G. Conyngham captured the brig "Surprise," fitted out off Antigua to take him, and the Pilot boat schooner " Harrington," both of which he brought into St. Pierre [sic] , 3d Company also as mounting guard in charge of Major Fell,^^ Major Skeene,^^ and other British officers, who arrived from England and were made prisoners. Received afterward civilities from Major Fell when business took me to London, where I paid 8000 guineas for bills drawn by houses in Philadelphia, which drew on me the observation of Lord North, and had to get clear of him by leaving Lon- don at 7 o'clock in the morning in post chaise and finding a Packet sailing from Dover at 3 o'clock. Slept at Des- sein's Hotel in Paris. Remember the Duchess of Kings- ton^* passed same afternoon for Dover. Remembers being one of a party or gala given by Gov- ernor Joseph Reed^^ at Governor's Island,^® near Fort Mifflin ; went down with a party of ladies and gentlemen in a gunboat commanded by Captain Nathan Boys f landed at the wharf 22. Major Robt. Edward Fell of H. M. 79th Regt. Foot; was on half pay after the regt. disbanded, 1763 ; was made Lieut. Col. May 25, 1772. (Gray don, 1846, p. 75.) 23. Major Philip K. Skene, or his son. {v. Westcott's History of Philada., p. 300; Lossing's Field Book, I. 74, 137-9 ! U- 684, &c. ; Graydon, 127, 208, 228.) 24. Dutchess of Kingston, Caroline, Countess of Kingston, wife of Robert, 2d Earl of Kingston, and daughter of James, 4th Lord Kingston. 25. Governor Joseph Rekd. {v. Life and Correspondence of President Reed, 2 vols., Philadelphia, 1847.) 26. "Governor's Island." The place where Fort Mifflin now stands was thus called. 27. Captain Nathan Boys (Boyse, Boyce and sometimes written Nathaniel Boyce), born—; died, Philadelphia, January, 1803; will December 20, 1802— January 7, 1S03; wife, Mary Boys, executrix. He was a brother of EHas Boys, merchant, Philadelphia, Warden of the Port 17S7, and Member Hibernian Society. Captain Boys was appoint- ed by the Navy Board ist Lieutenant Pennsylvania Navy; assigned August 29, 1775, to the Provincial Armed Boat "General Washington," built by John Martin; served until made Captain, December 6, 1775, of the Armed Boat "Franklin," built by Man- CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 2g and marched up to the barracks with music, and then en- joyed dancing and promenades and a very handsome and agreeable refreshment, such as the times afforded, returning to the city before night ; music in all the boats and much life, fun and spirit accompanying us "Republicans", although battle, distress and doubts were our attendants. Remembers hearing from Mr. Nixon,^^ his falling into the narrow passage between the rocks of the Schuylkill in at- tempting to help a Miss Evans across a board, usually placed to go from rock to rock where now the dam is. Remembers when in school at Dublin, in Ireland, sur- prising his fellow scholars and others by jumping off the Breakwater from the light-house to King's end and swim- ming about to the admiration of all around me. Also the riding of the Franchises,^^ or vulgarly called the Fringes, the Lord Ma3''or and Corporations parading for their char- uel Eyre, succeeding Captain Nicholas Biddle, who, December 22, 1775, was made Captain by Congress of the ship "Andrew Doria" of 14 guns. Captain Boys served as President of the Court Martial August 5-18, 1778. He was placed in charge of the Gal- leys and the Forts at Mud Island and Billingsport, February 13, 1781, and was Com- mander in Chief of the Pennsylvania Galleys 1779-17S1, then comprising the "Frank- lin," , 'Hancock," "Chatham," "Viper," and "Lion," with 130 rank and file. In Au- gust, 1778, after the British evacuated Philadelphia, all the Officers of the Pennsylvania Navy were discharged, except Captain Boys and enough men to man these boats. He was ordered, May 7, 1781, to immediately raise a company of 31 rank and file to act as a garrison to defend the Forts in the Delaware. His services in defending the Del- aware appear in the Correspondence of the Navy Board, and justly entitled him to a fuller recognition than he has yet received. He took the oath of allegiance to Penn- sylvania June 23, 1777, and to the United States April i, 1779. When Independence was assured and the rest of the Pennsylvania Navy dismissed, he was discharged from service Deeember 20, 1781, with this action of the Executive Council : "Ordered that Captain Nathan Boys be discharged from the State service, that the Council are sensible of his merit as an officer, and think it proper to declare their ap- probation of his conduct during the time he has been in the public service, and to assure him that they discharge him because the service in which he was engaged is at an end, and for no other cause." (Col. Rec. Pa.. XIII. 151.) In 1791 he was one of the "Com- missioners of Philadelphia for Lighting, Watching and Paving the streets of the city." He continued to be a City Commissioner until 1798. He was one of the Commission- ers "to prevent forestalling in the Philadelphia Markets." (Pa. Arch., ad S,, III. 713.) He was elected 1790 a member of the Hibernian Society. 28. Colonel John Nixon, (z/. Pa. Mag. Hist., I. 188. Friendly Sons, 128.) 29. Franchises, {v. Lord Mayor's Shows, Walford's Old and New London, I. 317-332-) 30 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. ter rights. A similar one^" in this city (Philadelphia), July 4, 1788, on adoption of the Constitution, exceeded far the one in Dublin, the writer after the Axe men under Major Pancake,^^ and the Trumpeter^^ of the ist or "Old*^ City Troop" was in the first file, and through the whole parade until dismissed at Bush hill.^* The battle of Fort Wilson, 1779,^ is never correctly stated. An order was given on the day on which it oc- curred, October 4, 1779, that the troop of horse should pa- rade at 3 o'clock. Hearing a drum beating, and being in his uniform dress, went up to the corner of Walnut and 30. The Grand Federal Procession, July 4, 17S8, celebrating the adoption of the Constitution of 1787. (Wescott, I. 447-452.) 31. Major Philip Pancake, Captain 2d Battalion, 3d Class, Philadelphia Militia, August 2, 1777. Company mustered in, Wilmington, September 3, 1777. (Pa. Arch., 2d S., XIII. 161 ; XIV. 605, 661 ; XV. 675.) Major 3d Battalion Philadelphia Militia, Joseph Dean, Lieut. Colonel, 1782. {id. 2d S., XIV. 3.) The name is uncommon. Philip Pancake was taxed Westmoreland county. Pa., 1776-1780, and Moyamensing township, Philadelphia, 1774-1779. Captain Pancake was a grocer, Dock Ward, Philadelphia, appraised 1780 at $13,400. In 1791 Philip Pancake, grocer, lived at 160 South Fourth street, Philadelphia. He also held lands Northumberland county, 400 acres surveyed September 2, 17S6, and 400 in Luzerne county, surveyed November, 1794. For ac- count of axemen under Captain Pancake, 1788, see Westcott, I. 448. 32-3. Old City Troop, v. "History First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, 1774- 1874." 4to, pp. 224. Philadelphia, 1874. The names of the Trumpeters ol the Troop are seldom given in this book. In 1794 there were two, Michael Waltman and George Spinnenberger. In 17S0 the Troop had "Forty-five members and a Trumpeter." The Trumpeter was not a member of the Troop, hence his name is lost to history. 34. Bush Hill, the residence of Andrew Hamilton, Esq., the eminent lawyer who fearlessly and successfully defended John Peter Zenger, in New York, 1733, thus secur- ing "the first vindication of the liberty of the Press in America." He bought a part of Springettsburg Manor and built thereon, 1740, the elegant mansion which stood here until 1875. It was used as a hospital dnring the Yellow Fever epidemic 1793. (Wat- son, II. 479; Westcott, II. 872, 943, 1605; Pa. Mag. Hist., IX. 182.) 35. Fort Wilson. — In 1779 the residence of James Wilson, Esq., a signer of the Dec- laration of Independence, southwest corner of Third and Walnut streets, Philadelphia, was attacked by a mob. The riot was caused by the scarcity of breadstuff, and the supposed connexion of certain prominent merchants and others with the scarcity. The engraving of Fort Wilson is here given by the courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. For accounts of this riot v. Hazard's Register, I. 316 ; Watson, I. 425, H. 286 ; West- cott, 401-2; Pa. Mag. Hist., II. 392, V. 475; Pa. Col. Rec, XII; Archives, VII.; Life of President Joseph Reed, II, 149, 153, 423. v. also Note 51. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 3 1 Front streets, and remember well seeing Bill Bonum,^* E, Faulkner^ and Captain Gibbs,^ whom he knew well at the time. They wheeled up Walnut street, and while getting his sword and pistols the firing began, and he mounted and went up to the stables^^ in Seventh street, the usual rendez- vous or parade ; finding no one there, he went round to Governor Reed's^" house in Market street, corner of Sixth, and called upon the Governor, whom he saw and spoke with to beg he would turn out, as the lives of several of our most respectable citizens were in danger. Colonel Charles Stewart^^ of the New Jerseys, and in the Commissary line, came up, and hearing of the writer, called on the Governor to appear. Timothy Matlack*- also came and said : " You must turn out or the lives of those in the house will be laid on you." He then called his servant to bring his pistols and to order his horses ; by this time we were joined by several of our troop, and upon the Governor's mounting, galloped down Market street, passing Major Lenox,*^ then a member of the troop, getting on his horse without his coat; and at the old Conestoga Wagon" were some "Con- tinental Horse," ^^ who called to know if they should join, and were answered, "Yes, come along." Our party in- 36. William Bonham, probably of Mulberrj' Ward, died, 1782. 37. Ephraim Falconer, Captain 6th Batt. Phila. Militia; of Southwark, 1769-1783, when he died. (Pa. Arch., 3d S. V. 445, 458, 471.) 38. Gilbert GiBBS, Captain 8th Batt. Pa. Associators, Chester Co., the only officer named Gibbs in the Pa. Militia, {id. XIV. 75, 104.) 39. Jacob Hiltzheimer's Livery Stables, 7th St. between Market and Chestnut Sts. (Watson, III. 227. Hiltzheimer's Diary, Pa. Mag. Hist., XVI. 93, 160, 412.) 40. Reed. {v. Note 25.) 41. Colonel Charles Stewart of N. J. {v. Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog., V. 683.) 42. Timothy Matlack. ("Simpson's Lives of Eminent Philadelphians," 685.) 43. Major David Lenox, v. Note 54. 44. "Conestoga Wagon," a tavern then on Market St. above4th St., kept, 1791, by Samuel Nichols. 45. The Cavalry of the Continental Line. 32 CONVXGHAM REMINISCENCES. creased as we went down Third street, and arriving at the corner, firing was pretty quick, both from and to the house. Riding up to the front door in Third street, Ross,^^ a black- smith with a wooden leg, was just raising a sledge hammer to break the door open, when the writer drew his pistol and told him if he struck another stroke he would shoot him ; and then came up old Alderman Samuel Mifflin^^ and seized him by the arm and told him to join the Governor, then turning into Walnut street, but the door opening from the inside, I saw the body of Lieutenant Campbell** falling on the stairs, being shot through the cellar window, as told at that moment. Joining Governor Reed in Walnut street, and the firing continuing both at and from the house, a black boy was shot at the pump before Bishop White's house, 89 Walnut street. Governor Reed ordered Isaac Coxe** and the writer to stay by his side, and upon the coming up of the "Continental Horse" before mentioned, "asking under what orders do you act," our Lieutenant Budden^*^ desired 46. Ross. — Conyngham wrote as an eyewitness in personal conflict with Ross, whom he identified by his wooden leg. Westcott says (I, 402): "An unsuccessful attempt was made to force the door of the house, but a rioter named Huler procured a sledge- hammer from a blacksmith shop on Pearl street and used it with such effect that the door gave way, and Huler, accompanied by a German who had aided in procuring the hammer, rushed in," &c. Huler's success may have followed the failure of Ross. Mr. John Jordan, Jr., wrote me that this was "Hugh Ross," Blacksmith, of Carter's Alley, 1785. 47. Captain Samuel Mifflin, {v. "Memoranda relating to the Mifflin Family," I. H. Merrill, 1890, pp. 44-45. Keith's Provincial Council of Pa., 362-370.) 48. Lieutenant Robert Campbell, "2d Lieutenant, 2d Battalion, Miles' Riflemen, March ig, 1776; ist Lieutenant, 2d Canadian (Hazen's) Regiment, April 8, 1777; wounded and taken prisoner, Staten Island, August 22,1777; rejoined regiment Aug. 5, 1778; transferred to Invalid Regiment January i, 177S; killed October 4, 1779, where not stated." (Heitman's Register, 114.) 49. Isaac Cox, Paymaster, Colonel Samuel Miles' Pennsylvania Riflemen, Septem- ber l8, 1776 ; resigned October 16, 1776 ; elected member Philadelphia City Troop March, 1777; served in New Jersey Campaigns 1779, 1780, 1781 ; Honorary Member May 4, 1790; Member Gloucester Fo.x Hunting Club May 21, 1778. 50. Lieutenant James Budden, born — ; died January 7, 17S8 ; Member City Troop November 17, 1774; "made 2d Lieutenant December, 1776, in consequence of having distinguished himself in the battles of Princeton and Trenton, where a small detach- ment of the Troop vanquished and took prisoner a party of the enemy greatly superior CONYNGIIAM REMINISCENCES. 33 me to ask the Governor, who readily said, "Charge all armed men" ; upon which they attacked and assisted to route the mob. Seeing them give wa}^, the party in the house came out and formed at the corner of Third and Walnut streets. Sam Morris was shot in the arm, standing on the porch or steps of Allen McClane's house, Walnut street. Robert Morris, J. Benezett, the two Nicholls, Col. Burd of Read- ing, McCuUoch and the rest of the party^^ from the house in number." (Pa. Mag:. Hist., XV. 225.) They captured eleven Light Dragoons dis- mounted and with muskets in hand. Budden served in every campaign in which the Troop acted from 1774 to 1783. Honorary Member City Troop May i, 1787. 51. Fort Wilson. — No complete list of the prominent gentlemen who were pres- ent inside Fort Wilson during the attack of the mob, October 4, 1779, has been found. From these Reminiscences and all the other accounts of the riot, with the record from pfficial documents of those who presented themselves to the Executive Council in obe- dience to the proclamation of President Reed, October 6, a list of thirty-two has been made, and will doubtless be found correct. Colonel Mark Bird. {v. Berks County in the Revolution, 212.) Paul Beck, Jr. {v. Simpson's Lives of Eminent Philadelphians, 37-48-) John Benezet. Taxed, Mulberry Ward, Philadelphia, 1769-1774 ; Dock Ward, 1779-1780 ; Member American Society Promotion Useful Knowledge 1769 ; Member Provincial Council January 23,1775; Member Philadelphia Committee Correspond- ence August 16, 1775. (Pa. Arch., 2d S., III. 676; Force's Arch., III. 145.) Did he marry, Christ's Church, October 26, 1775, Hannah Bingham? James Allen, in his Diary, July 30, 1777, says : "My late neighbor in the Country, Mr. John Benezet, is just arrived here [Northampton county;] he is now a Commissioner of Claims and a staunch Whig." He was dead 1781. Mr. Benezet was probably the one of his name who was lost at sea in the privateer "Shillelah" December, 1780, of which see later. William Bhll, Merchant, 217 High street. (,v. History Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 348.) Lieutenant Bobert Campbell, {v. Note 48.) George Campbell, {v. Friendly Sons 1 03, Simpson"i74.) George Clvmer. (v. Pa. Mag. Hist., IX. 354; Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., III. 272, &c.) Daniel C' Clvmer. [v. Pa. Mag. Hist., IX. 354.) Lieutenant Stephen Chambers, {^v. Pa. Mag. Hist., XI. 69-70.) Captain Sharp Delanev. (v. Friendly Sons, 108.) Major David Solebury Franks. Aid to Arnold, May, 1778 — September 25, 1780. Continuedjas Major and Aide de Camp, Continental Army, until retired January i, 1783. (Heitman, 1S2.) Colonel Grhssbll, U. S. A. There is no such name in the Army Lists. "Colonel Gressell of the Continental Army, who was in the House of James Wilson, Esq., on the fourth of October instant at the time of the riot there, attended, and it ap- pearing that he had used his influence to prevent Bloodshed, and has no intention of taking part on either side. He was dismissed, with a request that he will attend as an evidence, if he shall be called upon." (Record of the Supreme Exec. Council, Pa. Col. Rec, XII. 145.) 34 CONVNGHAM KEMIXISCENCES. paraded through the streets, and were insulted every- where, especially about Vine street. They stopped a piece of cannon from the Laboratory^^ in Third street, which the Colonel William Grayson, {v. Hist. Maryland Line, Seventy-Six Society, p. 99-108.) Thomas Lawrence. ") John Lawrence, Jr. V (z/. Keith's Provincial Councilors, 430-456.) Staats Lawrence, minor.) Captain Allen McLank. (v. Day's Hist. CoU. Pa., 501 ; ScharfT 's Hist. Delaware, 208 ; Life and Correspondence of President Reed, IL 150-152 ; Watson, .^21.) Matthkw McConnell. (i'. Friendly Sons, 473.) McCuLLOcH, named by D. H. Conyngham ; possibly error of Amanuensis for McConnell, or Captain John McCulloch, Pa. Line. General Thomas Mifflin, [v. Keith, 362-379; Mifflin Family, 18-28.) John FisHBOuRNE Mifflin, (z/. Keith, 363 ; Mifflin, 56.) . Robert Morris, [v. Pa. Mag. Hist., L 333; Simpson, 102; Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., IL 410, &c. Oberholtzer's "Robert Morris," &c., 1903.). Samuel Morris, (v. Hist. Phila. City Troop, 156 ; Simpson, 723.) Major William Nichols, brother of Francis Nichols ; Maj. Continental Army 1776; Member City Troop May 17, 1779; Honorary Member July 19, 179S; Clerk Orphans' Court 1786-1790; United States Marshal for District of Pennsylvania April, 1795 ; Mar- shal of Admiralty Court 1798; died 1804. He was a wine and cloth merchant. North Market street, opposite "Indian King," December, 17S0. Living at 3 South Fourth street 1791 ; Member Hibernian Society, 1790. Major Francis Nichols, {v. Friendly Sons, 127.) Major Lewis Nichola. {v. Westcott, I. 333, 439.) Matthew Potts. Nathaniel Potts. Member Berks County Bar August i, 1781 ; Philadelphia Bar September, 17S2. John Potts, Jr. Member Philadelphia Bar October 20, 1759. Dr. Jonathan Potts, {v. Berks County in Revolution, 263; Heitman, 334; Pa. Mag. Hist., I. 175-180.) Andrew Robinson, for Andrew Robeson, Esq. Member Philadelphia Bar 1773 ; Register Court of Admiralty June 3, 1779; died May 28, 1781, aged 29. (Col. Rec, XII. 14,745-). John Schaffer, Paymaster First Battalion Philadelphia Militia, (v. Col. Rec. XL 29.) General William Thompson, {v. Friendly Sons, 135.) James Wilson, (t/. Pa. Mag. Hist., XL 270; Simpson, 964; Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., 1.22.) October 6, 1779, Governor Reed issued his proclamation commanding all who were "concerned in the Unhappy Transaction" to surrender themselves to the Sheriff of Philadelphia and be committed to jail until released on bail. Of the above named gen- tlemen the following only obeyed this order, appeared before the Executive Council, and gave bail for further appearance: Colonel Bird, Daniel Clymer, Stephen Cham- bers, Colonel Gressell, Major Franks, John F. Mifflin, John Lawrence, Jr., Staats Law- rence, Matthew McConnell, Major Nichols, Dr. Jonathan Potts. Nathaniel Potts, John Potts, Jr., James Wilson, and William Bell, trader. (Col. Rec. Pa., XII, 122-154.) 52. Laboratory, on Third street, probably the old "Workhouse," Third and Mar- ket streets, used 177S-1779, for casting balls, &c., and fitted up by Captain Stiles for a magazine of small arms. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 35 writer well recollects was given in charge of Commodore James Nicholson" of the Navy. The names first present were : D. Lenox,^^ John Barclay,'' William Hall/« J. M. Nes- bitt,'^ M. M. O'Brien,'^ D. H. Conyngham/^ Isaac Coxe,'^ 53. Commodore JAMKS Nicholson, (v. Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., U. 231.). 54. Major David Lknox, born — ; died April 10, 1828 ; commissioned Captain 3d Battalion Pennsylvania Militia, Colonels Shea and Cadwallader, January 5, 1776. Was in Fort Washington when it was captured, November 16, 1776. Detached with a part of his Battalion to oppose the landing of the Hessians, 42d Regiment, his command fought with great valor, killing and wounding upwards of 90 of the enemy, with small loss to his own troops. Was taken prisoner and held 18 months, exchanged April 20, 1778. He tells the rest of his military service in his letter, April, 1786, to the Executive Council. (Pa. Arch., X. 754.) "I was taken Prisoner the i6th Nov. 1776 and Exchanged the 2d April 1778, but was not released till the 15th May. I then joined the Army at Valley Forge, but found that I could not get the Rank to which I was entitled ; however having every wish to con- tinue in the Service, I joined General Wayne's Family, & continued the whole Cam- paign. The Committee of Congress, consisting of General Read from this State, and Colonel Bannister from Virginia, together with the Commanding Officer of each Line, met at the White Plains in August 1778, to ascertain the Rank of the Army. They wishing to do me all the Justice in their power, fixed my Rank, Vizt, a Majority from the 7th June 1777 : but the situation of the Army did not admit of my getting the Com- mand to which I was entitled this is Certified by General Wayne, who was then the Commanding Officer of the Pennsya Line. The Comptroller General has settled with me to the 20th April 1778: but as I could not get my Command, I left the Army after the Campaign of 1778 & think it a hardship to be deprived of my Pay &c, after that time. I refer to General Wayne's Certificate for the facts set forth. D. L." Indorsed, "17S6 April 3." (Pa. Arch., X. 754. See letter of like import, September 5, 1786, Pa. Arch., XI. 55.) Major Lenox entered Philadelphia City Troop March, 1777 ; served as private in the campaign of August, 1777-9, and 1780 and 1781 in New Jersey ; was First Lieuten- ant 1794-1796 ; Honorary Member October 24, 1796 ; appointed Marshal U. S Admiralty Court September 26, 1793, serving until May 18, 1795. His participation in the defence of Fort Wilson will be found in the various accounts of the riot. He was also one of the Marshals of the Grand Federal Procession July 4, 1788 ; Member Committee of Cor- respondence pppointed after the Chesapeake outrage 1807 ; was selected by Girard, one of the Trustees of the Girard Bank, May 23, 1812, and continued until his death. He was also, 1813, one of the Committee of Superintendence for the Protection of the River Delaware and Philadelphia; President Philadelphia Bank 1813-1818; and a member of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania. 55. John Barclay, (v. Friendly Sons, p. 95.) 56. William Hall, Member City Troop November 14, 1774; resigned June 30, 1803; Honorary Member July 29, 1803 ; Member Pennsylvania Assembly 1798-1800 ; died De- cember 10, 1831. 57. John M. Nesbitt. [v. page 188, Note 4.) 58. M. M. O'Brien, {v. Friendly Sons, p. 129.) 59. D, H. CoNYNGHAM. {v. Introduction, p. 183-200.) 60. Isaac Coxe. (v. Note 45.) 36 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Thomas C. Morris,"^ Thomas Leiper,^^ John Dunlap,** Lieut. Budden," Ben Davis/' David Duncan,^^ Alex'r Nesbitt,^^ John Lardner,^^ and the rest of the old "City" or ist'® troops as they appeared, and being sent through the city as patrols, put several into prison; and in riding through Race or Vine 61. Thomas C. Morris, Member City Troop March, 1777 ; Honorary Member Feb. 22, 1783 ; served in Campaigns 1777-1781 ; died — . 62. Thomas Lbiper. {v. Simpson, p. 648.) 63. John Dunlap. {v. Friendly Sons, p. 109 ; History First Troop, p. 143.) 64. V. Note 50. 65. Benjamin Davis. Jr. History City Troop says : "Lieutenant Flying Camp, 1776 ; Member City Troop October, 1778 ; in campaigns 1777-9, 1780, 1781 ; Honorary Mem- ber September 10, 1787; died 1810." Heitman says: "First Lieutenant Pennsylvania Battalion October 27, 1775 ; Captain January 5, 1776 ; resigned November 21, 1777." He gives another Benjamin Davis, First Lieutenant Flying Camp July, 1776; prisoner Fort Washington November i5, 1776; released December 8, 1780. There was also a Benjamin Davis, Captain Engineers, Philadelphia Militia, September 12, 1777. (v. Pa. Arch., 2dS., XHI. 648.) Benjamin Davis, Jr., Philadelphia, appointed Measurer of Grain and Salt, 1790. (v. Pa. Arch., XI. 766.) 66. David Duncan, Member City Troop July 4, 1779 ; Honorary Member September 10, 1787 ; died — . In campaigns of 1779 and 1781. {v. Friendly Sons, p. 400.) 67. Alexander Nesbitt, brother of John Maxwell and Jonathan Nesbitt, came from Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland, soa of Alexander Nesbitt, born Ireland — , died Philadelphia September, 1791. He was apprenticed to Conyngham & Nesbitt. In 1774 he espoused the American cause; was elected member Philadelphia City Troop October, 1776 ; Honorary Member September 10, 1787 ; served in the campaigns of Jan- uary-February, 1777 ; at Germantown September-October, 1777 ; at Princeton and Fort Wilson 1779 ; Somerset, N. J., 1780-1781. Took the oath of allegiance to Pennsylvania June 27. 1777. When the Supreme Executive Council requested the City Troop to attend and guard the prisoners who were deported to Virginia for refusing to take the "Test Oath," they successfully plead to be sent to the front to join Washington instead; but the Council requested that two members of the Troop should proceed to Virginia. Alexander Nesbitt and Samuel Caldwell were elected to perform that duty. In June, 1779, Mr. Nesbitt was in partnership with Colonel Walter Stewart in the Dry Goods business. He was Godfather to Colonel Stewart's son Robert 1780. He was elected a member of Gloucester Fox Hunting Club 1775; the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick 1778 ; the Hibernian Society 1790. In 1786 he was a contributor to the Penn- sylvania Hospital. 68. John Lardner. Member Philadelphia City Troop October, 1775; Honorary Member October 24, 1786 ; Member Pennsylvania Association 1791-1792 ; died February 12, 1825, 69. The above appears to be a correct list of the members of the City Troop who par- ticipated in the defence of Fort Wilson. The Biographer of James Wilson gives seven only, among whom he names Major Francis Nichols and Major William Nichols. Major Francis Nichols was not with the Troop that day, but was in Mr. Wilson's house, as he stated October 19, 1779, when he surrendered himself to the Council and gave bail. (Col. Rec, XII. 137.) Conyngham shows that, instead of seven, fifteen of the Troop rallied to the rescue during the riot of the 4th instant. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 37 street, remembers large stones and bricks thrown down upon us — a large one went between Ben Davis and him in Vine or Race street, supposed from a house whose head had been elected to valuable State offices, while the writer cannot ob- tain justice as to losses and sufferings from capture and loss of property. Remembers having passed up to above Third street in the Dock, and has often received flat and boat loads of goods just below the bridge in Second street, and has seen Dr. Phineas Bond^*' shooting woodcock or snipe from Pear to Spruce street, then a marsh with shrub, elder, woods, &c. Remembers well the beautiful woods^^ to the Schuylkill; they were cut down by the British. Has often enjoyed the same in his rides ; and remembers the race of Pacolet," Childers, and Northumberland the Irish horse; the course then coming into Eighth or Ninth street. Also remembers primitive trees in Norris'^^ stable yard, and original or na- tive Walnut trees at Clark's^* ball alley, opposite the State House, now near the U. S. Bank and superb stores and shops. Coming from Martinique in the beginning of the year 1779 sailed in the "Nautilus,"^^ Captain Kellum and 2d Captain Brown, under convoy of the French frigate "Blanche"^® and "Senegal" corvette;'^ called at Guada- 70. Dr. Phineas Bond. (v. Sabine's Loyalists, I. 235 ; Col. Rec. Pa., XL, XV.; Pa. Arch., VI., IX.; Westcott, 923.) 71. "The Governor's Woods," or "Centre Woods," from Broad street to the Schuylkill and from High to South street, {v. Westcott, I. 231.) 72. The Race Course referred to, and which gave the name to Race street, was in a circular form from Arch or Race street down Spruce, and from 8th street of Delaware to the Schuylkill, two miles for a heat. (Westcott, 940 ; Hayden's Virginia Genealo- gies, 471.) The Pacolet and Childers race occurred before 1820, when the law forbid races in the city, but all efforts tq learn the exact date have failed. 73. Isaac Norris' House and Garden, (v. Watson, I. 408.) 74. Clarke's Hall. {v. Watson, L 374 ; III. 190.) 75. The "Nautilus," probably owned by Conyngham & Nesbitt. 76. Frigate "La Blanche." This was one of D'Estaing's fleet, 1778-1779, a Frigate of 26 guns commanded by M. de La Gallissonniere. It was taken from the French by 38 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. loupe and Eustatia, and while landing both there and at Guadaloupe was hurried off by the fleet getting under way and was forced to go on board ; got clear of the passages to leeward, Anegada/^ Sabra/^ etc., and in running for the coast of America parted with the convoy, passed a fleet outward bound, supposed under convey of the " Goliath," British heavy ship, and ran for the coast of America, when, on the morning of blank date, a cry was made of "land or breakers," which, as we supposed, was Hatteras, when, as the day broke, we found it was a large British fleet, and as the day increased were chased by a frigate, and had to run our brig almost under water to get clear of her; but as the wind was fair and continued fresh until ten o'clock, and we had outsailed or the frigate had rejoined her convoy, we made land and stood along shore, when the wind shifting to the westward as we neared the Cape Henry, found a large fleet of British cruisers and privateers coming out of the Chesapeake.^" We tried to stand off, but they so manoeu- vered that we could not clear them, and a fast-sailing armed schooner exchanged shots with us, finding which we "about ship" and ran on shore about eight miles above Currituck,*' and next day, having cut away our masts and having land- Admiral Rowley in the West Indies, November, 1779. Grasseand la Motte-Piquet were sent by d'Estaing with ten vessels to the Antilles. They were all dispersed in a tem- pest, "et les fregates /(I Blanche, I'Aiemene et la Fortimee tomberent aux mains des Anglais." Noailles "Marins et Soldats Francais en Amerique," 1903, pp. 104-105, 375 ; Pa. Mag., Hist., XXVII., p. 201. 77. Corvette "le Senegal," a British vessel of 16 guns, commanded by Captain J. Ingliss, taken from them by D'Estaing in 1778 {v. Pa. Mag. Hist., XXVII. 200), and while in the French fleet commanded by the Count de Gambis, she was recaptured 1780 on the River Gambia, E. I., by her former commander, {id. 202.) D'Estaing sent her, January 7, 1779, to France, at which time she, with the frigate La Blanche, conveyed the Nautilus on its way to the coast of America. Noailles "Marin et Soldat Francaise en Am6rique," 1903, p. 62. 78. Anegarda, one of the Virgin Islands. • 79. Saba, one of the Dutch West Indies. 80. Sir George Collier's Fleet, which attacked Fort Nelson and Norfolk Navy Yard, Va., May, 1779, entered Hampton Roads May 9. (i/. Lossing, II. 332.) 81. Currituck Island, enclosing Currituck Sound. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 39 ed our guns and got some powder and shot, and being joined by the MiHtia of Princess Anne, Virginia, we beat them off in the attacks of the schooners and a brig of 12 or 14 guns whose peaktye was shot off by the gun under my command and was near bringing her on shore. Our salt was lost, but saved eight bales of blankets belonging to the United States and a quantity of hardware for Mr. Cabarris^^ of North Carolina. I stayed several days with the wreck and them went up to Kemp's^ landing, where I found stores for the cargo, and went to Norfolk,^* then in ruins from the burning by the British ; purchased a horse and sulky from Paul Siemer;^ travelled through Virginia in company with Colonel Walter Stewart,^*' Colonel BalP^ of the American Army, then on furlough, and with Nicholas Low^ of New York and Captain Samuel Smith^'' of Baltimore. Remem- bers well the peach trees in blossom in Princess Anne ; and as we came on had a fall of snow that killed all the fruit that season. Passed some days in Baltimore, and was forwarded on by 82. Hon. Stephen Cabarris, born France 1754; died Pembroke, North Carolina, 1808 ; Member North Carolina Legislature from Edenton 1784-1787, and Chowan county 1788-1805; Speaker House of Commons 1800-1805; lived, died and buried at Pembroke. Cabarris county was named for him. {v. Wheeler's North Carolina, H. 94.) 83. Kemp's Landing, Princess Anne County, Va., ten miles from Norfolk. In 1783 the Assembly set off "60 acres lying at the place commonly known as Kemp's Landing to establish the town of Kempsville," at the head of tidewater on Elizabeth River, named for Mr. George Kemp. (Hening's Statutes of Va., XI. 270.) Princess Anne County is the southeast corner of Virginia. 84. Norfolk, Va., burned by Lord Dunmore January i, 1776. 85. Paul Siemer of Norfolk. 86. Colonel Walter Stewart came to Philadelphia as apprentice to the house of Conyngham & Nesbitt. {v. Friendly Sons, p. 134.) 87. Colonel Burgess Ball of "Travellers Rest," Spotsylvania County, and "Springwood," Loudoun County, Va., a near relative and volunteer Aide to General Washington ; Lieutenant Colonel First Virginia Regiment, Continental Army, 1777. (v. sketch of him, Hayden's "Virginia Genealogies, iii-ii6.) 88. Nicholas Low, merchant, New York City. {v. Barrett's Merchants of New York ; Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog., IV. 38.) 89. Captain Samuel Smith. Captain 6th Company, Smallwood's Regiment, Mary- land Line, 1776 ; Major General Militia, War of 1812. (v. Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog., V. 587 ; Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., I. 73-) 40 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. my Cousin David Plunkett,^'' who lent me a horse and ser- vant to reach Philadelphia, where I quartered with J. M. Nesbitt in Front street. Was generally introduced into all 90. Capt. David Plunkkt was the second son of Rev. Thomas Plunket of Dublin, Ireland, and his wife Mar>' Conyngham, sister of Redmond Conyngham, Esq., thus younger brother of William Conyngham Plunket, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Baron Plunket, Peerage of Great Britain. He was born Dublin about 1750, came to Philadel- phia 1766 as an apprentice to his uncle in the house of Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co. to learn the shipping business. After the expiration of his time he located, 1771, in Baltimore, Md., and in 1779, with his cousin David Stewart, another nephew of Red- mond Conyngham, began the commercial life of the firm of Stewart & Plunket. When the War of the Revolution opened he warmly espoused the American cause and entered the Regimentof Colonel Smalhvood as 2d Lieutenant, Captain Peter Adams' Company, elected by the Convention of Maryland January 2, 1776, serving to December, 1776. He was with his company in the battle of Long Island, August 22-23, 1776, where his com- mand was surrounded by the British in overwhelming numbers. When it was deter- mined not to surrender, but to cut their way through the enemy's lines. Lieutenant Plunket acted with distinguished bravery. McSherry says (201-202) : "Major Gist with 400 Maryland troops charged on Cornwallis' lines five times, each time being re- pulsed, but the sixth charge resulted in victory, but with a loss to the Marylanders of 259 officers and men." Of the charge a writer who was in the battle says : " The Ma- jor, Captain Ramsey and Lieutenant Plunket were foremost and within 100 yards of the enemy's muzzles when they was fired on by the enemy, who were chiefly under cover of an orchard." The lines of the enemy were penetrated, but Plunket was untouched. (Moore's Diary, I. 297.) The company of Captain Adams numbered 60 at the battle of Long Island. In September following only three were returned as "present fit for duty," so fearful was the fatality of that action. Lieutenant Plunket was commis- sioned Captain 4th Continental Dragoons January 10, 1777 ; was captured by the British October 20, 1777, and exchanged in 1778, but resigned March i, 1779. It was Plunket's desire at the first to enter the Navy rather than the Army, as a letter from General Richard Henry Lee to the Maryland Committee of Safety indicates. The Committee had in 1776 recommended him to be a Captain of Marines, but the place sought had long before been filled. He was, however, appointed 3d Lieutenant U. S. Navy July 20, 1781, and served until the war ended. He received from the State of Maryland ^343.9.10 compensation for depreciated pay. In 1776 he was tiie officer sent by the Committee of Safety, "as one in whose prudence and industry we can rely," to wait on Congress to receive from that body instructions relative to the seizure of the person of Governor Eden of Maryland. In 1777 he was an enthusiastic member of the Baltimore Whig Club, every one of which was "pledged to save our invaded country," and as such was prominent in the unsuccessful attempt of the Club, under Commodore Nicholson, to banish from the State the Tory editor of the Maryland Journal, William Goddard, for his treasonable articles. (Schaff's History of Baltimore.) In 1793 he was a captain of a company of mounted volunteers formed in view of war with France then threatened. He was also a member of the committee of citizens ap- pointed to provide for the French Refugees of Hispaniola. At the close of the war he resumed his connection with the commercial house of Stewart & Plunket, and subsequently realized quite a fortune. Baker, in his "Itinerary of Washington," notes his dining with Washington in Philadelphia September, 1791. (Pa. Mag. Hist., XX. 199.) He died at sea in 1793, en route for Ireland from the West Indies, leaving /"4o,ooo to be divided between the lady to whom he was engaged and his brother, Lord Plunket. (v. Life, Letters and Speeches of Lord Plunket, 2 vols., Lon- don, 1867, p. 28, ei seq.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 4 1 societies, and saw the traitor Arnold, then married to the beautiful Miss Shippen,^^ but at this day declare I never Hked or was sociable with him. If I am not much deceived or nought in my conjecture, I think if King William would allow his being in Philadelphia for one evening, I, in com- pany with Major Mercer^^ of Virginia, visiting at Dr. Red- man's^^ in Second street, we were shut out and refused en- trance. After some days it was told by some of the young ladies that a Tory of important character was drinking tea with them. G. Evans, at the Tavern,^* now the "Merchants' Coffee House," told me in confidence that an officer whom I saw on the stairs was Prince Edward, who, with a party from Canada, was travelling "incognito," it shows the con- duct of parties at this day, and to whom ought to be held up the rewards of officers, when, alack, it is all the reverse. In the year 1779 or 80, before Robert Morris was in public life, he usually had a party to dine with him on Sat- urday, or perhaps it was before and during the stoppage of the Port. The party were generally Mr. J. M. Nesbitt, Poor, Beach, and if a stranger were in town for whom he wished a compliment; the fact attending this I well remem- ber, but cannot so well fix the time or date. Dinner being on the table on a Saturday, Mrs. Morris was much embar- rassed by Mr. Morris keeping the company waiting, and when he came he said he was detained by dispatching Cap- tain Wilson in their schooner "Lyon" for the Havanna. It so happened in about three or four weeks the usual party 91. Margaret Shippen. {v. Keith's Prov. Councillors Pa., p. 64; Pa. Mag. Hist., Vols. XXIV., XXV., XXVI.) 92. Major John Francis Mercer, ist Lieutenant, 3d Virginia Regiment, February 26, 1776 ; wounded Brandywine September 11, 1777 ; Captain June 27, 1777 ; Major and Aide de Camp to General Henry Lee June 8, 1778 ; resigned October — , 1779 ; Lieuten- ant Colonel Virginia Militia October, 1780— November, 1781 ; died August 30, 1821. (App. Cyc. Am. Biog., III. 301 ; Heitman, 291.) 93. John Redman, (v. Note 128.) 94. Merchants' Coffee House, called, 1774, "The New Tavern," in Second street above Walnut. (Marshall's Diary, 10.) 42 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. were met, and just after dinner the servant introduced Cap- tain Wilson, and Mr. Morris broke out in a great rage and surprise, abusing Captain Wilson ; but on the Captain handing him his letters and papers was surprised at finding he had been to Havanna, and through a mistake had not only made a great but a quick voyage, for on looking to his orders 300 boxes of sugar were put on board in place of 300 boxes of segars, as ordered by Mr. Morris, and proved a good and fortunate voyage. In 1781, when Robert Morris was Financier and Gouver- neur Morris Assistant,^^ the Continental money was so depre- ciated that the Treasury was at a low state, when Mr. Mor- ris placed John Swanwick^^ in a room at Jacob Barge's^^ house in Market street, with power to issue notes, redeem- able with specie or bank notes ; and remember that I have, upon application from Mr. Morris, sent up from our chest, on different days, 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 dollars, which be- ing, when sent up, spread out on the counter and offered to such as had orders, on seeing the specie, would take the notes signed J. Swanwick, and gave a renewed credit to the measures of Mr. Morris as Financier. 95. Robert Morris was appointed Superintendent of Finance, and Gouverneur Morris his Assistant, February 20, 1780. (v. Life of Gouverneur Morris.) 96. John Swanwick. Of him Ritter, in "Philadelphia and her Merchants," says (p. 48) : "A shipping merchant, held a prominent position at No. 20 Penn steeet [Di- rectory of 1791 says No. 79], for in addition to his mercantile pursuits, and his general association with ships and cargoes of sugar, teas, coffee, etc., he was a politician of 1796-1798, a Democrat of some importance, and as such was elected and sent to Congress about 1795-1796, where he was also an opponent of J ay's treaty; these extraneous matters being adverse to merchandizing, drew heavily upon his prosperity which suppressed a successful issue to his labors." His Congressional term was from 1795 to 1799, but he resigned before his second term had expired, in 1798. At the death in 1783 o( Mr. In- glis of the firm of "Willing. Morris & Inglis," he was taken into partnership and the firm became "Willing, Morris & Swanwick." Sumner, in his "Financier and Finances of the American Revolution," II. 157, refers to the incident as told by Conyngham, as does Oberholtzer's "Robert Morris," 1903, 155, 156, 214, but with no mention as to who supplied the coin. 97. Jacob Barge, Gentleman, 191 High street, in 1791. Hiltzheimer's Diary, Pa. Mag. Hist., XVI., makes frequent mention of Mr. Barge. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 43 Remembers [June, 1783] Mr. Boudinot^^ frightened out of Congress Hall by the clamour of the Invalids, and leav- ing his post; and when I went home, found Mr. and Mrs. Morris at my house at "Woodford" on the Ridge Road four miles,^** where they stayed until the alarm was over, which they were sorry they had dreaded, or had been alarmed about. In his reminiscences has to record a fact fatal to him con- nectively in point of loss. Just before the Peace took place in 1783, Jonathan Nesbitt,'"*^ who had been settled in L'Ori- ent in France under the protection of Robert Morris and 98. Elias Boudinot. {v. Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., II. 274.) He was elected President of the Continental Congress November 4, 17S2, and was presiding over the session of June, 1783, when the less than one hundred disbanded soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line marched from Lancaster to Philadelphia to ask Congress for the pay due them. " The mutinous soldiers, under charge of certain sergeants, presented themselves drawn up in the street before the State House where Congress was assembled. They made no attempt to enter the building or to insult any member of Congress. • * • Although no attempt was made to compel Congress by force to grant the demands of the soldiers, yet its members became very much alarmed and adjourned to meet at Princeton." (v. Life of John Dickenson, Stille I. 244.) This was the occasion of Mr. Boudinot being frightened out of Congress and Morris' flight to "Woodford." Oberholtzer's Robert Morris, p. 182, mentions the flight of Mor- ris "to the house of a friend." 99. " Woodford," four miles from Philadelphia, 1783, was located in what is now Fairmount Park on the Ridge Road, not far from the Macpherson mansion occupied by General Arnold. Drinker'sjournal records that, "Julys, i797. this morning the elegant seat of Hayfield Conyngham, Esq., in the neighbourhood of this city, was burned down." The Mount Pleasant estate, on which the Macpherson house stood, was on the east bank of the Schuylkill, {v. Westcott, 389 ; Watson, III. 494.) 100. Jonathan Nesbitt, brother of John Maxwell Nesbitt, born County Down, Ire- land, was apprenticed to his brother. When his time had expired he sailed, 1775, in the "Charming Peggy," Captain Gustavus Conyngham, as supercargo, with a load of flaxseed for Europe. Arriving at Dunkirk, France, he went to Holland to buy powder and other munitions of war for Pennsylvania to be shipped on the "Peggy." These articles he shipped in Dutch vessels, which transferred them to Conyngham's ship, but they were lost in her subsequent capture. He then located at L'Orient, in the south of I 120.) Benjamin Fishbourne married, December 10, 1783, Annie Wiant, or Ware, of Geor- gia, who died, Savannah, 1798. He died. Mount Hope, Georgia, November 8, 1790. "He had three children who died young" ; but Hon. W. B. Reed, in the note referred to supra, says he had a daughter who married Joshua Clibborne. (Life of Joseph Reed, 112.) One of the Orderly Books of Wayne, in the handwriting of Fishbourne, from Jan- uary to May, 1782, dated at Headquarters, Ebenezer, Ga., is in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and is partly published in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History. 50 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. of our Troop brought in a wagon and a black boy belong- ing to Paddy's Ferry, as then called, and no rope could be had, when a servant sent to me came up with a stout halter on his horse, and Lieutenant Budden made the knot. The Sergeant died like a brave man, begging it should be so mentioned, "a true and faithful subject of George the 3d." Ogden was in a dreadful state, but we left him hanging and came on to Bristol and thence home. Sergeant Mason was a native of St. Johns, near Londonderry, Ireland, was mar- ried, and had promise of promotion in Colonel Delancey's "Horse." Ogden was a Jerseyman, connected with the family of Drake, then an Innkeeper at New Brunswick, New Jersey.^^ 123. The following account of this tragic incident from the first manuscript of Mr. Conyngham is repeated here as published verbatim in the "History of the First Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry," p. 28. It differs slightly from the amanuensis copy of the Reminiscences and illustrates more accurately Mr. Conyngham's style. It is given also as from the "Diary of an Unknovi'n Officer" in Pa. Arch., 2d S., XI. 670. "Upon our leaving our quarters at Mr. Schenck's house, we came upon a Picquet Guard of the Board of Sergeants, & were stopped, & taken before Sergeant Lyons & after a short detention, & explaining our orders, we were allowed to depart, the two spies. Mason & Ogden, were then in charge of this Guard. VVe proceeded on the Route to Amboy, & on a Post near South or Toms River, we fell in with Major Taylor with a party of Jersey Militia & having been instructed so to do, we told him to take up the Planks and even destroy the Bridge, if the Brittish should march that way, and ■ that we would return on the gallop if we met them ; we rode on until Night, arid lodged in a farm-house off the Road. In the morning proceeded with Mr. Rattoon to his house at Perth Amboy, & were conducted privately by him into his House, where we had our Breakfasts and fed our Horses, after which, he took us to the roof of his house, whence we saw the Brittish Army, their men indulged in playing foot Ball. At last, from a Signal from the Ship, they beat to Arms, & we had to run fast, mount our Horses & ride off; the Ship firing Guns into the Wood that we passed along, & sent their Boats on Shore, but we were soon out of their Way, & returned to Princeton, &joined the Army in the March to Trenton, we being kept in the rear by order of the Sergeants. After reaching Trenton & relating to Gen. Wayne, at Bloomsbury, what we had seen & Done, we were sent to seek quarters; & after I had just secured lodgings, I received an Order to cross the river & join the Guard at Somerset, the house of Mr. Tho' Barclay, where the Spies were sent, and Lord Sterling and Gen'l Wayne and Major Fishborn were quartered. After great trouble & difficulty from the Ice in the Delaware, I reached it, & soon after we received Orders to bring up the Prisoners. Matters were soon set- tled by the Court Martial, & they were condemned to be hung next morning before 9 o'clock, & the execution of the Order was given to Major Fishborn. Ogden was much agitated & overcome upon hearing his Sentence, but still expected it would not be effected. Mason seemed to feel his situation, but declared to the Writer that if they hung him, he was in fault, but that he would die a true and loyal Subject of George the 3d. During the Night, while on Guard, they seriously asked me if they had any hopes; CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 51 Well remember serving as Grand Jury Man in 1799, Judge James IredelP^'* presiding in the U. S. Court when Fries^^^ and the other Insurgents were brought to trial, but as I leave among my papers notes I made or took during the trial, to them refer as they perhaps way be at a future day of some importance. & I went & spoke with Gen' Wayne, who decidedly told me nothing could save them unless we let them escape, which would involve us in Trouble. I then procured a Bible from Mr. Barclay, and past the Night in Reading to them ; Mason was devout, but Ogden was in terror & distress. I got them something to eat, & in the Morning Ma- son slept a little while. After getting the best Breakfast we could obtain, and Our Troop having crossed the River and joined us, we were ordered to bring out the Spies, & their sentence being again read to them, and their hands secured by a rope, they were led to a Tree nearly back of Calvin's ferry-house, & his Waggon and a Negro pressed to hang them ; upon their being brought in the waggon to the Tree, a difficulty occurred for a Rope, when Lieut. Budden saw a New Rope Collar upon the horse my Servant was on, who had just arrived with cloaths, &c., for me from Philad.; with this, the business was soon finished, and before nine, having Orders to return home, we gal- loped off and left them hanging, & we reached home that evening, after a severe Week in Cold Weather." The following account of the affair is given by the translator of the Travels in Amer- ica of the Marquis de Chastellux. In a note on page 51 of the New York edition of 1827, in speaking of the high sense of honour in the American Army, he says ; "We all remember, when their intolerable distresses drove part of them to revolt in 1780, when Clinton sent emissaries among them, with the most advantageous offers, and made a movement of his army to favour their desertion, that they disdainfully refused his offers, appealing to their honour, and delivered up with indignation the British emis- saries, who were excuted at Trenton. Mr. Hugh Shield and Mr. John Maxwell Nes- bitt, two Irish gentlemen settled at Philadelphia, who were entrusted with the care of them, informed the translator that one of them was an officer of some note in the Brit- ish Army." This person, the translator goes on to say, made an adroit effort to escape, which failed. The narrative is then continued. " 'I see, sir,' addressing Mr. Shield, 'that you are faithful to the trust reposed in you, and that my die is cast ; but as you are a gentleman, I hope you will not fail to let General Clinton know that my fidelity is unshaken, that I die a faithful subject to George the Third, and that I hope he will not forget my family.' He then made a hearty breakfast of cold beef, and was executed with his companion on a tree near the river Delaware, full of courage, and making the same declarations. To account for the subordinate situation in which the Messrs. Nesbitt and Shield appear to have acted on this occasion, it is necessary to observe that on all emergencies the merchants of Philadelphia flew to arms and acted as com- mon soldiers." The above statement differs from the account in the Penna. Archives, 2d S., XI. 660, where it appears from the letter of Col. Matthias Slough that the care of the two spies was "committed to Messrs. Blair McClennahan and Alexander Nesbitt, who were sent by the Philadelphia Troop for the purpose." 124. Judge James Iredell, {v. "Life and Correspondence of," by G.J. McRees, 1857.) 125. John Fries, (i/. "The Fries Rebellion," by Gen. W. H. H. Davis, 1899. Mr. Conyngham's notes on this trial are not extant.) 52 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Was early acquainted with the late Richard Peters/^*' Judge of the District Court, knew him when in his father's office before our Revolution. His talents, fun and humor- ous actions made him an acceptable and desirable compan- ion to and in all parties ; his services in our war want no record from my poor pen, but can safely say that few de- served it more, than what will appear for him. General Washington always esteemed him and his family ; and I, from a connection in our families, lived in close intimacy with him until his lamented death. Numerous anecdotes, could my memory serve, would show his agreeable ones, but can only occasionally bring them to mind. There is one of Dan Clymer/^ Judge Peters and George Campbell^^as lawyers, in one of their circuits at Reading, I believe, but how it ended I cannot recollect. Remember a Mr. Roach from New Bedford entertained by Mr. Nesbitt and a number of friends with the late Clement Biddle'^^ en- joying his (Mr, Nesbitt's) good wine and company. Mr. R. challenged any one to sing the greatest number of verses to the tune of Yankee Doodle, when the Judge took him up, and although Mr. R. had in memory a great number, yet the Judge, making the verses as they went along, kept it up until upwards of forty verses each were sung, and the company called out to stop the singing. Bon mots, puns, etc., can be added by many of his surviving friends and con- nexions. When Secretary of the Board of War he gave a large dinner to a number of the Generals — Washington, etc. — during which one of the guests who had asked for roast beef or some dish near the Secretary, applied for a second cut, which was sent him at application, being asked "rare," 126. Hon. Richard Peters, (v. Appleton Cyc. Am. Biog., IV.743; Penna. Mag. Hist., XXIII. 205-209; Judge Peters' letter giving his family history, XXV. 366; Keith, 135; Hazard's Register, II. 126, 251-256.) 127. Daniel C. Clymer. (v. Penna. Mag. Hist., IX. 354 ; II. 126-251.) 128. George Campbell, (z'. F'riendly Sons, 103.) 129. Clement Biddle. (v. "Autobiography of Charles Biddle, 1745-1821," 441.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 53 he said, "You will soon make it rare enough." A third and perhaps a fourth cut was called for, to which the Sec- retary made an outcry, "You shall cut, but you will never come again." When practicing as a lawyer in 1769 Judge Peters was retained by Col. Eliphalet Dyer^^" on the side of the Yan- kees or Connecticut Claimants^^^ versus the Pennamites, and a large number having been taken by the Sheriff^^^ of old Northampton and brought down to Easton, the Gaol then being built of logs, could only hold from 20 to 30 persons, and the Judges and Lawyers not knowing what to do with so many demanding daily of the Sheriff bread and quarters, he told me he went among them and advised them to go home, and meeting Colonel E. Dyer, asked him to walk out with him to talk over the business they had in hand, and returning went to the prison, when the Sheriff told them that the whole party of Yankees had gone off The Court, I understood from him, was well pleased, as the expense was great, and the issue or rate of punishment was uncer- tain. Colonel Dyer was alarmed, and dreaded his being security for the deserters. The Judge being one day in a great hurry, and called upon to ask a party to dinner, upon going home and being told that he must go to market and send home a leg of mutton, he went and in a short time sent home five legs of mutton ; but the writer has heard him accused of sending home fourteen legs of mutton, or having bought as many. He was never asked to market again. 130. Colonel Eliphalet Dyer. {v. National Cyc. Am. Biog., XI. 172.) 131. This was in 1769, the first Pennamite War, of which Miner gives an account in his History of Wyoming, Chapter IX. 103-113, q. v. ; also Colonial Rec. Pa. IX. 588, 602, 626. 132. John Jennings, Sheriff of Northampton County, October 5, 1767-1769— No- vember 5, 1777-1778 ; Justice, November 19, 1764, March 15, 1766, March 9, 1774. (Pa. Arch., 2d S., III. 756, IX. 792-795.) His Deposition respecting Wyoming will be found in Penna. Arch., IV. 342-344. 54 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. John Riddle^^' was a tailor in Arch, near Third street, and worked for the Judge and others of that standing. How he and the Judge differed I know not, but the Judge has told me that he was determined to have some fun with or satis- faction of Riddle ; and being in the habit of hoisting his shoulders, and could readily do this same trick, upon call- ing upon Riddle to measure him for a coat, he went in and hoisted his right shoulder, and told Riddle to remember to make great allowance for the shape ; but when he went to try on the coat he hoisted the left shoulder, and showed Riddle how he was mistaken. Never was a man more astonished ; but he declared he was ruined if such a mis- take was known, or attributed to him or his inaccuracy, when the Judge let him off by his altering the coat, the shoulders being brought out right. I had this from himself more than once. In reading in Watson's "Philadelphia" I find several state- ments that I could put right, one of which is about Judge Peters. Watson says that the Rev. Richard Peters^^^ was his father, which is a mistake. I knew his Reverence well as a boy. He was Rector of " Christ Church," and was never married or had any family. The father of the Judge, William Peters,'^* came from Knutsford, in Lancashire, Eng- land ; was there an Attorney, and the Judge has told me was the first one who gave a brief to Lord Mansfield. He was Register and Recorder in my day, and the Judge acted as Clerk in his office. He went to England and died there, 133. John Riddle. "Taylor, 34 Mulberry street," Philadelphia Directory, 1791. 134. Ralph Peters, of Liverpool, Lancashire, Gent, was a Barrister, Town Clerk of Liverpool, and Sheriff of Lancashire. He had— i. IVilliam, admitted to practice Law in London ; in practice Philadelphia 1739. (Martin's "Bench and Bar," 301.) He died, England, before 1782. He had Judge Richard Peters, Jr., LL. D. Note 126. Judge Peters was the father of Ralph Peters, whose daughter was the first wife of Edward Rodman Mayer, M. D., the beloved physician of Wilkes-Barr6. ii. Rev. Richard, Wadham College, Oxford University, England : matriculated 8th April, 1731, aged 20; D. D. by Diploma 2 May, 1770, then rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's, Philadelphia. (Alumni Oxiensis, Vol. IV. 1102.) ^^. u CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 55 but I think he was never Collector here in this Port. His widow I knew ; she died and was buried in this city after the Judge had been married and had several children. Well remember Judge Peters dining with me before the election of Jackson and Adams, and our talking over old times, and making our decision against Jackson and deter- mining to vote for Adams. We then fairly put it down, as two old Washington men, that Jackson would eventually treat the Nation in such a way as either to be turned out, or perhaps brought to trial for waste of public money, or a war, or about the U. S. Bank, or some matter into which he would be run by advisers from the Western Country, or be impeached for misconduct. The fitting out of the "Hyder Alley," ^*' that captured the "General Monk"^^^ in our Bay, arose thus: John Wright Stanley'^^ of North Carolina had loaded the "Hyder Alley" with tobacco, and she had either called in here for a crew, or to arrange the consignment intended for Jonathan Nes- bitt of L'Orient, when she was so closely watched by the "Monk," or other British Cruziers in our Bay that Mr. Stan- ley could not obtain insurance, nor could he get her manned and sailed, which occurring as laid before the persons un- derwriting in Donaldson & Crawford's Insurance Office,^^ it was suggested and agreed to, that an engagement should be entered into and signed, not only to pay the expense and 135. "Hydkr Alley." {v. Watson, II. 224; Colonial Records Pa., XIII.; Penna. Ar- chives, IX. 531, 532, 621, &c.) 136. "General Monk." (v. Penna. Archives, IX. 532.) 137. John Wright Stanley, merchant, New Berne, Craven County, North Caro- lina. His ships were used during the Revolutionary War to bring supplies from the West Indies to the Continental Army. He was son of John Stanley of New Berne, 1774-1834, who was Member House of Commons 179S-1S26 ; Member U. S. Congress 1783-1787; 1801-1803; 1S09-1811. Killed Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight of North Carolina in a duel 1802. His grandson, Richard Stanley, was Speaker of the House of Commons, Member U. S. Congress 1837-1853, and Military Governor of North Caro- lina 1862. 138. Donaldson and Crawford. John Donaldson and James Crawford were part- ners in the Insurance business 1778. (Friendly Sons, 107, 108.) 56 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. abide the loss, but that the "Hyder Alley" should be armed, equipped and fitted to drive off all small Cruiziers, and to capture and destroy such as could be taken. The altera- tion, landing cargo and equipment was given to Mr. Stan- ley and John Wilcocks,*^^ and our subscription was paid too, and on capture of the " Monk" we received it back except for the 4-lb. shot, which I well recollect the delivery of from our stores. The "Monk" was captured April 8, 1782. Captain Joshua Barney"" was appointed Commander, and so secretly was the business managed that but few knew that the " Hyder Alley" had sailed until the news of the capture of the "General Monk" came to town. I saw the ships at Willing's wharf, and the blood was running from the scuppers of the English ship, whose capture was a glo- rious one for our merchants, and cleared our Bay from large and small British Cruziers. I have heard it said that besides the resolution and bravery of the "Bold Barney," as he was called, he gained an advantage by agreeing and di- recting his officers and crew to receive the word of com- mand given by him with his trumpet, "Boarders and Board- ers, prepare," and again, "Boarders, do your duty," which was meant to "fire and keep close," and which, as they neared the " Monk," the officers of that ship prepared to repel boarding, when the shot from the " Hyder Alley," then close up, killed and wounded so many that the blood ran from the scuppers, and she was forced to strike to Bold Barney and his gallant crew. The "Monk" was purchased by the United States, and the command given to Captain Barney, as a Packet and Cruzier on voyages to France, and the " Hyder Alley" again was loaded and went to Europe safely. Also well recollects the fitting out of the ship "Shille- 139. John Wilcocks, probably John Wilcocks, merchant, 30 North 3d St., 1791. 140. Capt. Joshua Barmev. {v. Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., IV. 167.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 5/ lah,""^ Captain Holmes ;"^ thinks she was the handsomest ship he ever saw ; was built by Thomas Penrose,"^ pierced for 24 guns, which were on board when she lay off Market street, but, as one of the owners, I understood they were to be put in flats above New Castle, but the Captain, and John Donaldson and James Crawford refused, supposing they would make prizes on their voyage to I'Orient, but she never arrived nor was heard of Our loss was heavy. Passengers : 2d Officer Lieutenant Barber,"* J. Benezett,^" William Erskin,"^ William Lardner,"^ Colonel Palfrey,"^ 141. Ship "Shillklah" sailed from the Delaware December, 1780. No other men- tion ofher has been found except that in a Sketch of Colonel William Palfrey, of which see Note No. 148. 142. Captain Holmes. In 1780 Captain Holmes was commander of the ship "Charm- ing Polly,"' 18 guns, and the brig "Telegraph," 18 guns. 143. Thomas Penrose, "Ship Carpenter, 108 South Wharves, 27 and 36 Swanson St., 85 Peiin St.," Philadelphia, 1791. Was employed by the Executive Council July, 1776, with Arthur Donaldson, to fix the piers near Fort Island, &c. (Col. Rec, X. 648.) 144. Lieutenant Barber, unknown. 145. J. Benezet. John or James Benezet, Philadelphia; alive 1780; dead 1781, as per Philadelphia Tax Lists. Penna. Archives, 3d S. {v. Note 51, p. 211.) 146. William Erskinh, merchant of Philadelphia ; native of Ireland ; Member Friendly Sons of St. Patrick 1780. {v. Hist. Friendly Sons, no.) "He died about the end of the year 1781. He was lost at sea." No mention is made in the brief sketch, of the vessel in which he was lost. Will probated January 5, 1782. Names William West, John Donaldson and J. M. Nesbitt executors. Names also his mother, Mary Erskine, of Muff, near Derry, Ireland, brother John, sisters Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, and aunt Jane Reed. 147. William Lardner was a taxable, Mulberry Ward, Philadelphia, 1779-1781, but dead 1781 ; probably he was the one who was lost at sea. 148. Colonel William Palfrey, born Boston February 24, 1741 ; died December, 1780 ; an enthusiastic patriot ; Major and Aide de Camp to General Charles Lee July 16, 1775 ; Lieutenant Colonel and Aide de Camp to General Washington March 6, 1776; Lieutenant Colonel and Paymaster General April 27, 1776; U. S. Consul General to France November 4, 1780. No sketch appears of him except in Sparks' Am. Biog., 1848, 2d S., pp. 335-448, which states that "on the 20th of December, 1780, he went down to Chester, Pa., to embark on board the Shillalah, an armed ship of sixteen guns. On the 23d he put on shore, at Wilmington, a few lines of farewell to his family. This was the last of William Palfrey. The Shillalah was never heard of after she left the Capes. Bar- low has some lines in the "Columbiad" (Bk. I. line 627) referring to the supposed man- ner of his loss, beginning "Say, Palfrey, brave, good man, was this thy doom," &c. 58 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. and I believe his son,"^ and William Gorman, servant to Mr, Benezett. The Shillalah sailed December, 1780. Went from Cork to Bordeaux in the brig "Bacchus," Cap- tain Sullivan, in 1784, and was received by Mr. Delap^^° and lodged in his house on the Chartron ; passed, by advice of Mr. Delap, the summer at Clairac, a town situated at the meeting of the Lotte with the Garonne, about 15 leagues above Bordeaux, abounding in Hugenots, and fruits, say peaches, grapes, plums, prepared there in abundance, in ovens, for prunes, as exported. In November went to Paris, and as usual with strangers, saw the curiosities of that great city; among others, or first. King Louis, the 15th; Louis i6th, then Dauphin; Louis i8th, or Monsieur; Charles loth, then Count D'Artoix. Went over to Eng- land by Havre de Grace, Dieppe and Calais, and stopped at the Devill Tavern in London, and being called off thence by accounts and letters from Dublin that his father was ill there, went off by post chaise and crossed at HoUyhead, when he found that his father had recovered. Remembers when in England he saw George, the King, and Queen Charlotte, George, Prince of Wales, 4th King. Went to Portugal from Falmouth in the Packet, passing in his way by Plymouth, Exeter, and the route from Lon- don. Saw the King and Queen of Portugal,^*^ also Pedro and his Infanta, after King and Queen, being uncle and niece, being married by a Bull from the Pope. Saw in England the King of Denmark*^^ on a visit, also Pascal Paoli of Corsica.'^^ Joseph, the 2d Emperor of Aus- 149. This must be an error. The sketch of Colonel Palfrey in Sparks' American Bi- ography was written by the son of Colonel Palfrey, who makes no mention of any other member of his family having been lost in the Shillalah. 150. Delap, one of the firm of Samuel and J. flans Delap, merchants, Bordeaux. 151. Joseph Emmanuel, and Dom Pedro III. and his wife Maria I., daughter of Jo- seph and niece of Pedro. 152. Christikrn Vn., 1749-1808. 153. Pascal Paoli, 1726-1807, the Corsican hero, a pensioner of England after 1770. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. $g tria, travelled incognito, as Count of Lichtenstein ; saw him in Bordeaux. In the year 1775, being on business in Holland, saw the "Stadholder"^^* and the present King of Holland,"® as Prince of Orange. Was personally acquainted with Louis Philippe, present King of France, as Duke of Orleans, who stayed four days in my house on his arrival here.^^^ Thinks he once saw King William of England, as an officer in the British Navy. He was also acquainted with, or could say that he had shaken hands with most, if not all, of the members of Con- gress who signed the Declaration of Independence. He has shaken hands with six generations in two respectable fami- lies in this city. Was in habits of intimacy and social intercourse with General Washington and family during their residence in Philadelphia, and received his thanks in Jersey, at Somerset Court House, by General Moylan,'" as a member of the ist City Troop of Horse, and particularly and personally the same from him at Carlisle, Penna., when he left his station and gave them to me as having marched under his call and orders on the Western Expedition. Was told on the street that a person passing by was Jo- seph Bonaparte, King of Spain. Saw Jerome Bonaparte when in this country — several times the King of Westphalia. Well remember and was at the Ball given by the Cheva- Her de Luzerne^^^ [July I5. ^7^^] on the birth of the Dau- phin, son of Louis i6th. Knew the Marquis Fayette^**^ well, 154. William, v. 155. Leopold, King of Belgium, made King of Holland 1831. 156. Louis Philippe, (z/. Note 201.) 157. General Stephen Moylan of Pennsylvania, Aide de Camp to General Wash- ington 1776. (v. Heitman, 303; Nat. Cyc. Am. Biog., L 56.) 158. Chevalier de La Luzerne, (v. Sketch by Hon. E. L. Dana, the fullest ever published, Proceedings Wyoming Hist. -Geolog. Soc, VL 69-96; Watson, L 104, 377 ; Westcott, 855,922; Stone's "Our French Allies," 1884,505-508, speaks of the Ball at length.) 159. La Fayette (v. "Marquis de La Fayette in the American Revolution," Tow- ers, 1895.) 60 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. and at his desire I gave a party to the officers of the French Army during their stay on their route to Yorktown. Count Rochambeau^'''' refused to attend, but Count Chastellux^®^ alludes to it in his "Book of Travels." Was well acquaint- ed with the Duke of Lauzun/^^ the Counts Dillon'^' (old and young), the Duke de Enghien,^*'* then known by "Prince Gimini," and, as before, Chastellux and others, and, in fact, with all or most all of the French officers. Was at a Ball given by Captain Latouche,^^ on board the frigate "Hermione," off the Drawbridge Wharf j^"^ went off in boats and flats, and had a most agreeable and pleasant dance and entertainment. Was intimate and in confidence with Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane when in Paris, having visited that city with Cap- tain Gustavus Conyngham,^*^^ and obtained jointly with Wil- liam Hodge'^^ the commission for him to sail as commander of the cutter "Revenge," for which Mr. William Hodge was put in the Bastile, and I escaped under the pass of Count de Vergennes^^" to carry despatches to Nancy for schooner "Jeniser,"^" Captain Hammond, that was lost and never heard of after she sailed. i6o. Count de Rochambeau. (v. "The French in America," Balch, 213; "Our French Allies," Stone, 521 ; "Marins et Soldat Francaise en Amerique," &c., de Noa- illes, 1903, 141-251.) 161. Chevalier de Chastellux. {v. Balch, 77-79; Chastellux "Travels in North America," 1780-1782, New York, 1828, 9-10.) 162. Duke de Lauzun. (v. Balch, 160-163.) 163. Counts de Dillon, {v. Balch, 102-104.) 164. Duke de Enghien, 1772-1804. (v. Larousse Biog. Die, VII. 572.) 165. La Touohe-Treville, 1745-1S04, commanded the Frigate "Hermione," in which, 1780, he brought back to America, Lafayette and other officers. He attained the rank of Vice Admiral 1801. The "Hermione" under him engaged in several brill- iant actions. She accompanied the Viscount de Rochambeau to France October, 1780. (v. Balch, 239-240 ; "Marins et Soldat Francais en Amerique," 1903, 173, &c.) 167. Drawbridge Wharf, {v. Ritter, 40; Watson, I. 336.) 168. (v. Note 10, p. 197.) 169. Captain William Hodge, Jr. {v. Note 232.) 170. Charles Gravier Vergennes, Count de, 1717-1787. 171. Schooner Jeniser, unknown. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 6l The first Flag or Stripes^^^ had been hoisted up the Brit- ish Channel by Captain G. Conyngham when he captured the "Harwich" Packet. The death of Stephen Girard^^^ has occasioned a great agitation in our city, and not without great reason. I be- lieve I am the only old or first acquaintance he had here. I remember his arriving in a sloop or schooner from Charleston in 1779 or 1780; he had letters to Ramsey and Coxe/''^ our next door neighbours, and from them or from Lawrence & Morris,^^^ was applied to assist Stephen Girard to sail for Charleston from the want of provisions, and hav- ing some beef and pork in the cellar on same account as the supply mentioned by me as given to General Washington, spared him some barrels, for which I can say we are not paid to this day. His funeral was uncommonly large ; and his success be- ing greater than could generally attend merchants, I add to his character my belief that he was worthy thereof in every respect. Remembers, December 4, 1779, being married at White- marsh on Saturday. The month being cold and wind N. E. Friday was dark and heavy and cold. Sunday, the 5th, snow began and continued falling until Monday, after which he went out and passed over fences and ravines (the places that are now turnpikes and frequently travelled), back and forward to the city, and until March 13th never saw earth or ground, the snow and ice being firm.^^^ Thinks he can well recollect the rejoicing for the success 172. Flag of Stripes, (v. Jones' "Captain Gustavus Conyngham," who thinks this was the rattlesnake flag.) As one of the executors of Captain Conyngham, D. H. Con- yngham presented this flag to the State of Pennsylvania. It once hung over the Speak- er's chair in the Hall of the Pennsylvania Assembly. Dr. Egle sought for it in vain. 173. Stephen Girard died December 26, 1S31, aged 84. {v. Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog.; National Cyc. Am. Biog., VH. ii ; Ritter, 71, 143.) 174. Ramsey & Coxe, 92 or 98 Front St.; not in Ritter. 175. Lawrence & Morris, not in Ritter. 176. Watson gives no account of this fourteen weeks of snow, II. 347-369. 62 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. or capture of Cape Breton^"^ (or peace of 1763) from the circumstances of a stage off Market street wharf, having stuffed apparent bodies of men, being blown up into the water with gunpowder, which we as boys rejoiced and shouted at. Although very young, remembers the troops returning after Braddock's defeat; Colonel Dunbar,^^^ Colonel Leslie,"* and particularly Captain John Conyngham,^^" being wound- ed in his arm, lodged with my father, and I have often talked with him, when under his care at school at Mr. Brady's, William street, Dublin (he my Guardian). A horse that had been saved and used to the drum had nearly hurt my mother when driving him in a chaise, by 177. Caps Breton was re-ceded to England by France, 1763. 178. Colonel Thomas Dunbar, {v. History Braddock's Expedition, Sargent, 267.) 179. Captain Matthew Leslie, {v. idem, 243.) 180. Captain John Conyngham of Cranford, grandson of Adam Conyngham of Cranford, who died 1749, who was brother of Captain David Conyngham of Letter- kenny. He was a cousin to David H. Conyngham, Captain of H. M. 63d Regiment, serving with Braddock, probably on leave of absence. He was severely wounded in the action of July 9, 1755. His name does not appear in the List of Officers published in Sargent's History of Braddock's Expedition. But the author especially notes his presence (p. 243) thus, after describing the rescue of Captain Treby of the 44th by Mr. Farrell of his company : "And equally magnanimcus was the enthusiastic bravery of the men of Captain John Conyngham's Company. At the first fire his horse was shot down and he he himself severely wounded. Falling beneath the animal's body, all his efforts to ex- tricate himself would have been in vain had not his soldiers, 'for the love they bore him,' rushed to his relief; and while many of their number were shot dead in the attempt, succeeded finally in bearing him in triumph from the spot." Mr. Sargent derives his knowledge of this incident from a letter written by Captain Matthew Leslie of the 44th, which is given below. He adds : "In 1763 there was no one of this name in either the 44th or the 4Sth regiment ; but in 1765 a John Conyngham appears as Lieu- tenant Colonel 29th Foot, date of commission February 13, 1762, and a John Conyng- ham as Captain in the 7th Foot, October 15, 1759." As there were two of the name, father and son, it is difficult to determine which one was with Braddock. Captain John of Cranford of H. M. 63d Regiment is referred to by his uncle. Rev. William Conyng- ham, in a letter to his nephew. Lord Plunket, in 1778, and his son. Captain John of H. M. 43d Regiment, was A. D. C. to General Sir Charles Grey at the taking of the West India Islands 1762, where he distinguished himself and received the special thanks 01 his Commander-in-Chief. The following letter from Captain Matthew Leslie to a responsible merchant of Philadelphia, supposed to be Redmond Conyngham, is from Hazard's Register, V. 191 : Captain Matthew Leslie to . "July 30, 1755. Dear Sir: You have heard the disastrous termination of our expedition, with the loss of our General and most of CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 63 attempting to join the drummer and his party in Market street. Horse was presented to my father or lent on the occasion for a ride. Remembers well the approach and threats in 1764 of the Paxtang Boys^^^ to murder the Indians who were lodged in the wings or rooms of the State House (now public offices) ; has often been up there and seen them in their natural habits. Companies were formed and paraded to resist the attempt, and Captain Bradford's'*'^ Company, Lieutenant Joseph Wharton,'^' was admitted by the friends into the Quaker meeting, then at the corner of Second and Market streets, for shelter, it raining very hard, and upon an alarm being giving that they were coming into town, the army. What could bravery accomplish ag^ainst such an attack, as sudden as it was unexpected? The yell of the Indians is fresh on my ear, and the terrific sound will haunt me until the time of my dissolution. I cannot describe the horrors of the scene ; no pen could do it, and no painter could delineate it so as to convey to you with any accuracy our unhappy situation. Our friend. Captain John Conyngham, is severely wounded ; his horse fell on the first fire, and before he could be disengaged from the animal, which had fallen on him, received a wound on his arm ; and his life was saved by the enthu- siasm of his men, who, seeing his danger, rushed between the savages and him and carried him in triumph from the spot. I need not tell you that the Captain is indebted for his life to the love his men had for him. Many had sacrificed their lives before he could be extricated from the horse. If you have an opportunity please to communicate the sad intelligence to our friends in Ireland. Tell them I live, but that my feelings have been dreadfully wounded. To tell you what I did I cannot ; suffice it I acted as all brave men placed like me in a similar situation would act. We have lost gallant officers and generous friends, not in battle, for that we could bear, but by murder, by savage butchery. The French dared not openly meet us ; ours is the loss, theirs the disgrace. When we meet 1 will give you the particulars. Captain Conyngham is doing well. I hope we shall soon be nnder your hospitable roof in Philadelphia. "With great regard, your distressed friend, Leslie." Captain Leslie, "Matthew Lesley, Gent, Assistant Qm. G." (Gentlemen's Mag.), was probably a relative of Mr. Conyngham. The Rt. Rev. John Leslie, the Bishop of Raphoe, married Katherine, fourth daughter of Alexander Conyngham, Dean of Ra- phoe, and the descendants intermarried, and it was probably to Mr. Conyngham's home he went on his return to Philadelphia. Captain Conyngham returned to Dublin, where in 1767 and 1768 he was the Guardian of David H. Conyngham during the latter's attendance on his studies in connexion with the University of Dublin. 181. Paxtang Boys. {v. Egle's Hist. Dauphin Co., Pa., pp. 59-78; Col. Rec. Pa., vol. IX ; Watson, II. 167; Graydon, 46-50; Westcott, 240-1.) 182. Capt. William Bradford, 1719-1791. {v. N. Y. Bio.-Gen. Rec, IV. 185-186; Pa. Arch., 2d S., 179.) 183. Lieut. Joseph Wharton, {v. Pa. Mag. Hist., I. 457.) 64 CONYNGIIAM REMINISCENCES. Captain Ben. Loxley'^* of the Artillery had his fusee Hghted and was ready to fire, but it proved to be Captain Hoff- man's^*' Company or Troop of Horse. Mounted guard at the old Battery, now Navy Yard, 1772, when it was supposed that the "Gaspee"'^® British schooner, or King's schooner, was coming up, and seeing a vessel come round the point, turned out the guard, having stood senti- nel two hours at the Schuylkill gun,^^^ being a soldier in Captain John Cadwalader's Company of green light Infan- try or Silk Stockings.^^ Bringing down my reminiscenses, or rather occurrences, to January, 1832, have to observe that the winter set in with uncommon severity and earlier than usual ; snow, sleet and severe cold prevailed, and our river was filled with ice and the country covered with snow. It, however, had be- gun to give way, and a partial opening for navigation has taken place, January 24th. News has come from Wilkes-Barre of an uncommon ice fresh, '^'' such as has not happened for 50 years ; great dam- age is known to be done to bridges, etc., and much dread still of further accounts. Shall suspend my writing until more and fuller intelligence reaches us. Well recollect the fresh on the Schuylkill,^'''' when the colt was taken out of the house of Mr. Ogden, southeast corner of the permanent bridge ; the damage was great, but much fear the present ones will be greater in the Susquehanna. 184. Capt. Benjamin Loxley. (v. Watson, III. 266; Graydon (1S46), 47.) 185. Capt. Hoffman, unknown. 186. "Gaspek." (v. Lossiiig, I. 628-630.) 187. Schuylkill Gun. {v. "History of the Schuylkill Fishing Co., &c., 1732-1888," PP- 300-321.) 188. Silk Stocking Co. (v. Note 9, p. 196.) 189. Wilkks-Barre Icf, Flood, 1832. There is no record of this flood. Pearce mentions the flood of January, 1831, and May, 1833. Ice floods have been common on the Susquehanna. The great floods that have done most damage occurred in 1784, 1786, 1807, 1865 and 1902. These were historic in their severity ; that of 1S65 was the highest, and that of 1902 did the most damage. 190. Schuylkill Flood, {v. Watson, II. 366-368.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 65 My reminiscences occurring daily can only place them as they occur. The present Duchess of Sussex^^^ was at an Assembly then held in Lodge Alley /^^ now by the Bank of Pennsylvania; danced in a contre dance with them. Mr. John Ingliss^^^ was usher. She was the daughter of Lord Dunmore. Lady Dunmore was with her. Remember the Ball given to General Washington at Oel- lier's Hotel/''* or Swanwick's Tavern/^' one of the most ex- cellent in very respect. Remembers skating to and from Gloucester Point several times as a boy, and an attempt made to go up to Burling- ton, but could not succeed, owing to the breaks at dif- ferent places ; but was told that General Cadwalader had left Burlington and brought a loaf of bread warm from thence to Philadelphia, he being on skates. He (General Cadwalader), Governor Mifflin and Samuel Massey were the best skaters in my boyhood.^^* Went several times in 1779-80 on the ice at the Draw- bridge, and in sleighs to Gloucester Point, Remembers that at least two oxen^^'^ or more were roasted on the ice, and ruts were made of several inches deep, carrying wood and marketing across from Jersey. 191. John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, 1732-1809, Governor of Virginia 1772- 1777, married, February 21, 1759, Charlotte Stewart, daughter of Alexander, Sixth Earl of Galloway. Their second daughter, Augusta de Ameland, married, Rome, Italy, April 4, 1793, Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, and was re-married to the same Decembers, 1793, at St. George's Church, Hanover Square. By an Act of Parliament the marriage was so far invalid as to cut off its issue from a right of succes- sion to the throne. 192. Lodge Alley, on the west side of Second street, between Chestnut and Walnut streets. 193. John Ingliss, one of the firm of Willing, Inglis and Morris, 1778-1783. He died September 15, 1783. In March, 1759, he was appointed one of the Commissioners to settle the accounts of the Expedition against Fort Duquesne. (Col. Rec. Pa., VIII. 323.) 194. Oellers' Hotel, the "King of Poland Hotel," kept by Philip Oellers, Vine street, between Fifth and Sixth. (Watson, III. 345.) 195. Swanwick's Tavern, not in Watson or Wescott. 196. Skating. Graydon says, p. 60 : "The two reputed best skaters of my day were General Qohn] Cadwalader and Massey, the biscuit baker." 197. Ox Roast, (v. Graydon, foot note, p. 60.) 66 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Well remembers when Negro slaves were brought from Africa, and Captain Badger (and others not recollected) had them over at Cooper's ferry in Jersey, where houses on the shore were built to keep them in daytime, when the schooner or vessels lay off; a railing or pens were run into the water to keep those allowed to swim from running off, and knew and remembers several bought from those cruel merchants. Remembers the Negro Burial Ground,^^® now improved into Washington Square ; a spring then in it used to give us minnows or small fish to go out to the Schuylkill to fish with as boys. A piece of wood marked one grave as fol- lows: " Here lies Dinah, Sambo Wife Sambo lub him like he Life Dinah died 3 weeks agoe Sambo Massa tell he so." Some others and even memorials of strangers were there, but the writer cannot remember them. In continuing my reminiscences, how a connexion with Walter Stewart,™ afterwards General in the American Army, came about, and will perhaps furnish the best historial facts relative to him with exception of those in field of battle. My father Redmond Conyngham, then of Letterkenny, Ire- land, knowing my apprenticeship would end in 1772, agreed with the mother and friends of Mr. Stewart that he should come out as apprentice to the house of Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co., which actually took place during my voyage to Eu- rope before designated. His character, handsome appear- ance, etc., not only secured him friends, but on the breaking out of the troubles with England were enhanced by his tak- ing a decided part in favour of America, and he was one of 198. Negro Burial Ground, then a part of "Potter's Field," now "Washington Square." {v. Westcott, 2356.) 199. Colonel Walter Stewart, (r^. Note 86). CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 6/ the first in Captain Cadwalader's Company,^'^ and proved an uniform and steady one, opposed to British Tyranny. His active conduct procured him a commission in the Army, and on the calling out a Battalion, he got the command of a Regiment, I think the 2d Pennsylvania, serving with hon- our, beloved by all the Army, and particularly by General Washington. I shall now refer to my meeting him on fur- lough at Norfolk, when I was driven on shore by the enemy. He always quartered with us at Mr. Nesbitt's house, and many pleasant and alarming days we have spent together. Leaving the campaign, etc., of the Army, I shall come round to the time that General Stewart was married to Mr. McClenachan's^'^^ daughter. Mr. McClenachan was supposed to be a rich and successful speculator in Privateers, etc., from whom I believe we did receive large supplies, not only for support, but at the peace of 1783 to enable him to enter a mercantile engagement with Alexander Nesbitt,^*^^ a brother of John M. Nesbitt, by which connexion our houses were led into many engagements. My feelings for and trust in the honour and real friend- ship of Walter Stewart was shown him through life, and I had his hand in mine when he died, and took his wife out of the room ; old Mr. Stamper^"^ being then present. Having mentioned the fact of Louis Philippe'"^ being one of my acquaintances, will state the cause and means that led thereto. 200. Captain Cadwalader's Company, {v. Note 9, p. 96.) 201. Blair McClenachan. (z/. Friendly Sons, 126; Simpson, 736.) 202. Alexander Nesbitt. (z/. Note 67.) 203. Stamper, probably Henry Stamper, mariner, 39 Catherine street, 1791. 204. Louis Philippe, 1730-1850. King of France 1830-1848 ; fled to America under a Danish passport as L. P. B. Orleans and arrived in Philadelphia October 21, 1796. He paid 35 guineas for his passage, {v. Westcott, 485; Watson, I. 555; Abbott's History of Louis Philippe, 1899, and Grand Dictionaire Universel du XIX Siecle, Larousse, 2, 438.) 68 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Our ship "America," ^"^ Captain Ewing, being expected from Hamburg, October, 1796, the writer with some friend, was in the usual habit of walking down to where the Navy- Yard now is, and seeing a ship come round the point, it grew near dark, but followed her up, and along the wharf was told it was Captain Ewing, who anchored his ship off Walnut street, and upon coming up there some one told him that I was there ; when Captain Ewing heard it he ran up to me, and took me to one side, telling me he had the Duke of Orleans as a passenger, saying he did not know where to take him to lodge, as he, the Duke, objected to going to any public tavern, or lodging house, upon which I asked him to introduce us to one another. Upon my speaking to him in French he seemed quite delighted and seemed to ask my protection. Assuring him that he had nothing to fear, but that, if he would accept a room and bed in my house, I offered it to him willingly, and fixing that his servant should also be accommodated. I was walking off with him when he, in a feeling manner, told me had promised not to part with a young Frenchman whose name I forgot; but again told him I would have him accommodated for the night, and walked up with him to our house in Front street, where my family received him, and his stay with us was some days. After sending him in the morning to the French Minister, Mr. Fauchet,^"^ and on his return from the visit in my car- riage, he told me he was pleased and secure as he thought from any insult. I remember his stay here, his visiting in my family, and when his brothers arrived they dined with me, and were always social and intimate. The youngest of 205. Ship "'America," Captain Ewing, owned by Conyngham & Nesbitt, command- ed probably by James Ewing. The only account book of Conyngham & Nesbitt ex- tant is a Journal, beautifully kept, from June, 1790, to March, 1797. It shows the "America" in commission 1795 ; names James Ewing, but unfortunately does not reach late enough to cover Louis Philippe's arrival. 206. Fauchet, Jean Antoine Joseph, (v. Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog., II. 421.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 69 them, Beaujolais,^"^ has told me anecdotes of Madame Gen- Hs,^°^ under whose care they were educated as boys, but memory will not serve to repeat them. Count Montjolie™ came out passenger in another voyage, and can nowhere find that he paid his passage (30 guineas), returned to us unpaid by Captain Ewing. Talon^^" went passenger in the "America" to Hamburg ; remembers seeing him on board that ship, and the Captain and crew were much pleased with him. Remembers Tallyrand^" when here. Dined with him at John Mifflin's.^^^ Mr. Madison,"^ Mr. Giles^^^ and some other members of Congress in com- pany, which, I well recollect, passed off rather sombre. Having made an acquaintance with him there, I was applied 207. Beaujolais (Louis Charles D'Orleans, comte De). Larousse says, under Louis Philippe, 10, 718 : "II se fixa a Philadelphie, ou ses freres, les dues de Montpensier at de Beaujolais vinrent le rejoindre." {v. Larousse under Montpensier and Beaujolais; also Watson's Annals, II. 132-135.) 208. Genlis (Stephanie-Felicite-Ducrest-de Saint Aubin conitess De) "femme de letters, institutrice du roi Louis Philippe." {v. Larousse, 8, 1162-1163.) 209. Marquis de Montjoye, or Montjoie, not Montjolie. In a letter from General James Wilkinson to Captain Guion, at Natchez, Miss., dated Pittsburg, Pa., January 2, 1798, and published in Claiborne's "Mississippi as a Province, Territory and State," 1880, I. 194, I find this reference to this gentleman : "I send this letter by the Marquis de Mountjoye, an exiled noble of France of high rank. He has been a professional soldier and has greatly interested me with the de- tails of his military life. He attended the Duke of Orleans and his brother, who are bound, I understand, to New Orleans to seek a passage to the Havana, from whence they expect to go under convoy to Spain to join their mother, who has escaped to that Kingdom." 210. Talon, Antoine Omer, born Paris January 20, 1760; died in France. He was one of the founders of Asylum, Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Very interesting ac- counts of him will be found in Proceedings of the Wyoming Hist.-Geolog. Society, Vols. V. 75-110, and VIII. 47-86; also in " The Story of Some French Refugees and their 'Azilum,' 1793-1800," by Mrs. L. W. Murray, Athens, Pa., 1903, pp. 14-50. 211. Tallyrand (Prince De Benevent), statesman and diplomat, {v. Larousse, 14, 1419-1422.) He arrived in America February, 1794, with La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, and returned to France September 4, 1785, 212. John Mifflin, {v. Note 57, probably John F. Mifflin.) 213. James Madison, (v. Appleton's Cyc. Am. Biog., IV. 165.) 214. William Branch Giles, seventh Governor of Virginia, {v. National Cyc. Am. Biog., V. 447-) JO CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. to shortly after by a Mr. Vail,^^'^ a Frenchman from His- paniola, who was going to Hamburg in a brig consigned to Ross and Simpson, the "Two Friends" or "Two Brothers," but the Bill of Lading in our book will show it. His re- quest was how to send securely his own and Talleyrand's papers to Europe in safety, and we recommended him to let us ship for him five hogsheads of tobacco suitable for the Hamburg market, and being shipped by us to order, on our endorsement or order they would be his on arrival. This being agreed to, we had the tobacco put in our cellar, and then he, Talleyrand, Vail and some others had their papers put in tin cases and we had them put into the middle of one the hogsheads of tobacco, a square place in the middle of them being cut out by our coopers, and they arrived safely at Hamburg, so that Mr. Talleyrand, as well as Louis Phil- ippe, owes me for favours which he said in talking of an estate in Champaigne, he would send me for the claret he drank while staying with me. Still continuing my reminiscences, that the Privateer "Hero" ^^^ was built in a very short time, commanded by 215. Aaron Vail, United States Consul at L'Orient, France, 1790-1813. He was as- sociated with John F"itch in the latter's steamboat enterprise. In an agreement be- tween the two dated March 16, 1791, he called himself "Aaron Vail of the Kingdom of France, but at present in the City of Philadelphia, in the United States of America, Merchant." (Life of John Fitch, 320; Watson, HI. 445.) Fitch in his will, June 25, 179S, makes "Eliza Vale, Daughter of Aaron Vale, Consul of the United States at L'Orient," one of his legatees. Vail died at L'Orient, France, 1813. His widow made application to the i8th Con- gress for money expended by him in the discharge of his Consular duties, with ad- verse result. This claim was pressed by his heirs to six successive Congresses, with final favorable report April 13, 1842, passed and approved May 10, 1842. The Report of the House, 26th Congress, states that "The claimants' ancestor was consul of United States at L'Orient, France, until he died there in 1813. While in office he drew upon officers of United States for money from time to time to defray charges of destitute sea- men, and he now stands charged with $6,305.69 balance of such moneys unaccounted for by him." Justice prevailed, however, and in 1842 his claim was recognized and settled. Aaron Vail, Jr., doubtless his son, was iti 1842 Chief Clerk of the War Department of the United States. Aaron Vail was also Secretary of Legation, Great Britain, 1831 and 1836, and Charge- d' Affaires 1832. (v. Lanman's Dictionary of Congress ; Poore's Catalogue, and U. S. Public Documents, 655, 744.) 216. Privatekr "Hero." Letter of Marque, commissioned August, 1762. (i/. Pa. Arch., 2d S., ii. 630.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 7 1 Captain Appower,-^'' owned by Willing and Morris,^^^ made a short cruize in 1762- 1763; had some success, but the peace took place, and she was sent to Amsterdam for pas- sengers, and brought some in here ; also Captain McPher- son^^^ in the "Britannia," ^^'^ who was very successful, and heard of several of his prizes, falling in with a number of Bermudean "Flags of truce," as they were called, he brought them in and made them pay for a trade they carried on with Hispaniola. This was the French War ended in 1763. Remembers two vessels built by David Franks,"^^ a mer- chant of this city, of logs, planks, etc. One of them broke up at sea, but one, I think, arrived safely in England ; but I think heavy loss attended the experiment. They were built and fitted at Kensington. Recollects a boat built by a Mr. Fitch^^^ that went round Petty's Island and back, propelled by paddles or oars forced by a machine on board. This was earlier than ever was attempted by steam in my remembrance. 217. Captain Samuel Appower, or Appowen, commissioned August, 1762. {id. 630.) 218. Willing and Morris. Thomas Willing and Robert Morris. (Of Willing v. Simpson, sketch by Thomas Balch, Esq., 960 ; also Penna. Mag. Hist., V. 452-455, and Griswold's Republican Court, 17; Watson, III. 448.) 219. Captain John Macpherson of Mount Pleasant, opposite Belmont, (v. West- cott, 253, 302-303, &c.) 220. Ship "Brittania." Letter of Marque commissioned October 30, 1762 {v. Pa. Arch., 2d S., ii. 630), twenty guns. Westcott says, p. 253 : "She met with no success" in 1757, but in 175S, "after a long and fruitless cruise, came up with a well-manned French frigate of thirty-six guns, and a desperate battle ensued, in which the 'Brit- tania' was worsted, losing all her ofificers and seventy of her crew, her cannon, masts and ammunition, and left to drift a helpless and shattered hulk to Jamaica." 221. David Franks, (v. Sabine's Loyalists, I.' 444; Keith, 136.) 222. John Fitch, the inventor of the steamboat, (v. "Life of John Fitch," by West- cott, 1857.) This incident was the first trial by Fitch of his invention on the Delaware River, May, 1787, and is the first statement of the extent of the trial. The "Life of Fitch" states, p. 192 : "The boat was tried near the place where it it was built. * ♦ It went but slowly, however." No intimation is given as to "where it went." Con- yngham states that it "went round Petty's Island," that is it started at Kensington, where it was built, steamed around Petty's Island, opposite Kensington, and near the New Jersey shore, and returned to its starting place. Fitch's second trial with his boat was made July 26, 1788, when it steamed as far as Burlington, N. J., and dropped backed with the tide to Kensington, {id. p. 250.) 72 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. Dr. Kearsley^^^ was carted by the mob in September, 1775, and saw him afterwards severely hurt and forced to keep his bed. Jabez Fisher^^^ and the Doctor were both helped out of their difficulties and terrible situation by me and the friends I made to get them relieved. The former thanked me afterwards when I met him in London ; the latter, persevering in his Tory principles, suffered, and being sent back to Carlisle, died and was buried there. Saw a Mrs. Taggart throw a pillow out of the window of the house northwest corner of Strawberry Alley to throw upon a prior Tory in a cart, covered over with tar, but cannot recollect what was his committance nor fate. After his parade up Market street, terrible times and violence. This being written on the 2 2d of February, 1832, the Cen- tennial Anniversary Birthday of General George Washing- ton,^^^ a day usually celebrated by me when in health, must refer to the papers and persons employed to report the pro- ceedings in general, and can only say the little I did see was well and regularly conducted, and having made one in the general federal procession, think there was improvement in the general appearance, dress and behaviour of the trades or professions that came in my view, but which being partial, cannot venture to go further. The conduct of such as were before me was correct, and free of dispute, and shall con- tinue my remarks when the day is over. Society has so greatly changed and the mixture of the people so great, that a difference must be observed from that day when we were as one American family, having mostly been educated and brought up together. I had served in the field or other stations, whereas the present offers a mixture of strangers who cannot feel as we did, as a band 223. Dr. John Kkarslev.Jr. {v. Note 6, p. 195.) 224. Jabez Maud Fisher, (v. Sabine'sLoyalistsof the American Revolution, 1. 424.) 225. Centennial of Washington's birth, (v. Westcott, 633-634.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 73 of brothers joined, we could and did health and safety find. God grant, I beseech Him, a continuance. In my walk this day, 23d February, I am confirmed in my general observations made yesterday, in every way that of temperance, with a few exceptions, and those carried to strangers, especially foreigners, both male and female, and some quarrels that were placed to local jarrings and ended without any serious consequence. I have heard the illumi- nation spoken of various ways ; that at the Bank of the United States praised by some and thought of differently by others, who thought the hotels opposite had a better effect. The State House was spoken of by a friend as an affair without anything to please. Not being able to go out and not seeing it, I must leave it to others to decide. The streets were quiet early, but a friend informing me that a balloon was seen on fire by him in the air, shows that in future such juvenile efforts should be stopped by authority of the Mayor, etc. The Federal Procession was on Friday, 4th July, 1787 or 8, all which I saw and part of which I was.^^^ Observations continued and lead to confirm my general opinion of the great change in the inhabitants of our great and growing city as far back as 1826, when I lived at No. 109 South Fourth street. On the 4th of July of that and every year since, it being a holiday, or a day of parties in all directions, I think the number of intoxicated persons I had seen or known in the time of our Revolution was but five or six, and since then on the last 4th of July in Spruce street I think I saw but two or three, and yet the streets were apparently full. March 20th, 1832. Have to refer for several freshes in our great rivers, but the accounts daily received from every part of the Western rivers exceed almost credibility ; from the great rise in the waters and the loss of property which cannot yet be more than partially ascertained, nothing can 226. (V. Note 30.) 74 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES, exceed the damage, loss and derangements to some public works. To general record must refer for more particulars. It is worthy of observation that the Delaware has done less apparent damage than the Western rivers, at least in com- parison. Accounts daily coming in bring sad marks of the damage done in all the waters. Particulars would be too tedious, but as the papers state from Albany and the Mo- hawk river, reference to them can give the best statement. March 21, 1832. A fire last night was attended with a very distressing accident to several persons. Lives were lost, but great credit is due to our Fire Association--'' for saving the neighbouring houses and property on Chestnut street and Exchange alley. Having made some remarks on the effects of the freshets and stops to canals, shall now remark that our Assembly has stopped the supply of funds to carry on the canals al- ready granted ; but can it surprise any one when a person in my situation and standing in society declares he knows but one of our representatives in the Assembly, Judge Joseph Hemphill, and the two Senators. Surely this proves the al- teration in the inhabitants before alluded to, and foretells the change and Democratic measures prevailing will ruin the country and overset the highest prospects for which we Fed- eralists fought and argued. I must leave my objections to the shameful bilP"*^ passed by the Assembly, granting "license to sell liquors" to the oyster cellars, as habits become sec- ond nature, and seeing the persons who use them, am con- vinced that they will ruin thousands. Recollects when in Lisbon a grand obsequies for to pray for Louis 15th of France, then just dead. The ceremony was grand and imposing ; the King, Queen and Royal Fam- ily were present ; her diamonds in and on her dress were 227. Fire Association, {v. Westcott, 636.) 228. License to sell liquor, {v. Laws of Penna., Session of 1831-1832. No. 51. "A supplement to an act entitled 'An act to regulate inns and taverns,' passed April 7, 1830," making it lawful for Courts in Philadelphia to license oyster cellar keepers, p. 7.) CONYNGHAM REMIMISCENCES. 75 supposed to be valued at i^ 10,000 by a person who was acquainted with their value. Could my mind and memory recur to the many proofs of hospitality, kindness and friendship received on a tour through Ireland from Sligo to Derry, thence to Belfast and Dublin, enjoying the beauties of Wicklow Mountains, the Dargle, etc., and thence to Waterford and Cork, and after some days to Killarney by the route of Baltimore, and en- joying the view of the lake, with the echoes of Paddy Blake : "How are you, Paddy Blake?" "Very well, I thank you," says Paddy Blake. A laughable story. Enjoyed dancing and dinner on Innisfallen of fresh salmon, just caught, and having nine with us, can reckon it a treat seldom met with by travellers, says David Hayfield Conyngham, Oliver Birch, a merchant of Antigua, and Thomas Ewing, merchant of Baltimore, Maryland, where we parted, indeed, for life. Memory cannot serve me for anecdotes, fun, etc., but one I will put down. Dining at Alderman Hogg's in London- derry, Mrs. Hogg says : " Mr. Hogg, help Miss Bacon (an agreeable young lady at the table) to a piece of pig." When I went into Luzerne county the roads were so bad, or not opened, that on going to Nescopeck Valley I had to give a man half a dollar to show me by Indian path the cor- ner tree of one of the surveys in right of J. M. Nesbitt, Isaac Coxe^^^ and Boyle & Glen,^^" and where now stands the town of Conyngham^^^ the titles to the latter's share came to me 229. (v. Note 49, p. 210.) 230. Boyle & Glen. This was a firm organized in 1771-1772 by John Boyle, an orig- inal member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Robert Glen. Boyle died 1783 and Glen 1792-1793. (v. Friendly Sons, Boyle, p. 100; Glen, p. 113.) 231. Conyngham, Sugar Loaf Township, Luzerne County, a town of 14J0 inhabi- tants, was named in memory of Captain Gustavus Conyngham. {v. Note 10, page 197.) It is located on land granted by patent, July 4, 1787, to John Maxwell Nesbitt '; a State Bank was established alter Mr. Conyngham's visit. The population now is 9,000. From 1793 to 1873 Frankfort had eight State Houses of which four were destroyed by fire. (v. Collins II. 245.) CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. IO5 Schuylkill. The State offices were well built, but from par- simony of the Assembly are going fast to ruin. I think the Capital is wrongly fixed. Either Louisville, below the Falls, where a port would give great circulation, or else Lexing- ton should have been the place. I renewed my acquaint- ance with Governor Greenup f^ he is allowed fifteen hun- dred dollars per annum with a house, garden and fire wood. This pitiful compensation prevents his living as a Governor, and Democraay is carried too far in every department in my mind. Frankfort is a fine situation for a few stores and a Tobac- co Inspection, but can never be a great place. The Peni- tentiary deserves high commendation, its labour nearly pays its support. Nails, chains, etc., are worked there to a great advantage from the convenience of excellent coal, at one shilling per bushel, brought down the Kentucky. There were twenty-one persons confined ; three were foreigners, the rest natives. Mr. Snead superintends it with great judg- ment. I dined, going and coming back, at Dailey's inn ; he is a free black man whose house would prove excellent for neat- ness, attendance and propriety. Yesterday, 4th of July, was a partial holiday, it was cele- brated by the parade of some Militia Uniform Companies, and several orations delivered in several public buildings. The one I heard was languid ; not a word of our worthy Washington nor to his memory. Several public dinners were then resorted to. Whiskey alone was drank, but I saw little riot, and few drunkards. Rains were very frequent and roads bad; on the 5th it rained towards evening and again before day of the 6th, and during the morning, at 10 o'clock, it became stronger and fell with such violence as to raise the Branch, a small incon- 333. Christopher Greenup, born Virginia 1750, died Frankfort, Ky., April 24, 1818. Governor of Kentucky 1804-1807. {v. Collins II. 303-304.) I06 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. siderable rivulet at common times, so high as to carry down houses, hay scales, logs, fences and everything in its way. Besides great damage in the country, it overflowed the town of Lexington, rushing into stores and cellars, most of which were full of water. Several merchants suffered heavily by the loss of sugar, salt, etc., and I think if it had continued half an hour longer it would have destroyed the trading part of the Main street. This rain was accompanied with but little thunder, lightning or wind. It continued so very wet with heavy gusts that I was not able to proceed to the Mud Lick or Olympian Springs^^^ until the 9th, when I went part of the way, dining at Winchester^''^ situated in a rich spot of land where they cultivate more tobacco than I had seen in any other place. I slept at Watts' and breakfasted next day at Mount Sterling,'^* County town of Montgomery, Here is an artificial hill or mound of earth thrown up about 30 feet high and about 300 feet in diameter, trees grow up from it, but whether it was a burial place or a fort I could not fix in my mind. Hence to the Springs, about fourteen miles below, through a dark and lonesome road, I went on safely, and found Mr. Banks had done a vast deal to accommodate company. The lick is in a hollow, around which he has built a good house for a tavern, a room for billiards, and a large house for dining in and for dancing. This is piazzaed on both sides and is cool and airy. Round about are a number of cabins where you sleep and assemble to meals 334. Olympian Springs, Bath County, eight miles southeast of Owingsville, a popu- lar watering place with three springs. Sulphur, Salt-sulphur and Chalybeate. 335- Winchester, Clark County, named for Winchester, Va., 1793; incorporated 1793. Population now 5, 000. 336. Mount Sterling, so called because of the ancient mound which stood in the town limits. This mound was not so large as stated, supra. In 1806, Josiah Espy, a Philadelphia merchant, described it as "a remarkable Indian mound, about 25 feet high, almost 125 feet in diameter at the base and perfectly circular." It was cut down 1846 and a large residence built on the spot. {v. Collins II. 632.) It is probable there- fore that the mound described by Mr. Conyngham was the one outside the town limits 35 feet high connected with a circular work 350 feet in diameter by a terrace 100 feet long. CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. 10/ in the big building. Tiiese springs are remarkable ; the large well is called a salt spring; it is mixed with sulphur and magnesia, and is used for baths and many purposes. It smells and tastes so disagreeably that my stomach would not admit it. About ten yards from the pump is a fine large spring of vitriol water. It tastes quite acid, and was to me pleasant and agreeable. Within five yards of this spring is a larger one, so strong of copperas that it can only be applied outwardly to sores, etc. Salt after rain is seen on all the ground, and cattle come many miles in droves to lick it. About 400 yards around a small hill of gravel and stone is as fine a running stream of chalybeate or water from iron ore, clear and cold, and within ten yards of it a clear fine spring of pure water. About three miles from these is a spring of sulphur, very strong and clear, so that perhaps in the world there is no combination ol so great a variety of mineral waters. I passed a week with great satisfaction, although the rains were still too frequent. I was pleased with the company, and made up an intimacy with General Scott.^^ I procured some papers and information from Mr. Banks and returned to Lexington, where I heard the news respecting the Chesapeake frigate, and Burr's being found guilty by the Grand Jury. I also found that Blennerhas- sett was in gaol here, and saw him marched off for Rich- mond under the Deputy Marshal and an escort of six men. Little business occurring for some days, and few en- gagements, being urged by numbers to take a view of the Cliffs of the Kentucky river,^*^ I went down on Saturday, the 31st of July, to Mr. Delham's, at the mouth of Hick- man, in company with Mr. Nicholas and G. Bickham ; we were joined there by J. Gratz ; we dined pleasantly and set 337. Genkral Charles Scott, 1733-1813; distinguished as a soldier; Governor o Kentucky 1808-1812. {v. Appleton Cyc. Am. Biog., V. 435.) 338. The Cliffs of the Kentucky River, (v. Collins' Kentucky, II. 397.) I08 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. off exploring the hills, which are truly remarkable. The rock is of marble and exceeds 300 or 400 feet in height on both sides. There are numbers of caves, some of which our party visited and found some of the earth from which the saltpeter is made. We returned in the evening, contemplating our arrange- ments for next day's amusements, which were unfortunately frustrated by the death of poor George Bickham,*^^ who went in with young Delham to bathe, and intending to cross the river, was carried into the vortex of a fishtrap, and whether he was seized with cramp or illness, or fell and hurt himself against the wood, we know not, he disappeared and was drowned. Darkness prevented our seeing him, and the noise of the water must have prevented our hearing any cries if he made any, nor could we even examine the place ; the only canoe within two miles being taken away by a boy. We found the body next afternoon about 400 yards down the stream in deep water, and had it conveyed to Lexington and there buried. I saw two catfish that weighed one 60 pounds and the other 34 pounds. They are very palatable when dressed. Some Indian corn is so very strong and high as to run up to 14 and 15 feet, and some few fields up to 19 and 20 feet high ; in many places I could not reach the ears. 339. George Bickham. The following notice from The American Register for 1807, Vol. II., p. 83, confirms the above : " Drowned, Lexington, Ky., on July 30, George Bickham, jun., of Philadelphia, only son of George Bickham, Esq., merchant, of that place. " On Friday morning Mr. Bickham and several of his acquaintances went on a visit to the Kentucky river; they had spent the afternoon in exploring the cliffs of the river, near the mouth of Hickman (the object of their visit), and in the evening he, with an- other gentleman, went in to bathe. In attempting to swim across the river, he unfor- tunately got into a current, which precipitated him over a fish dam a short distance below, and no eflbrts of his anxious friends could save him. The body, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Moore and Mr. Blythe, attended by a large number of his friends and acquaintances, was interred in Lexington. In no instance have we wit- nessed such universal sympathy as was excited by this lamentable occurrence. To eulogize the deceased is unnecessary. Humane and generous, all who knew him loved him. In him society has lost a valuable member, an aged father the consolation of his declining years, and an amiable family a tender and affectionate brother." CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES, IO9 APPENDIX B. (See pagb 259.) Secret Committee of Congress to Captain Hodge. Philadelphia, May 30, 1776. Sir : As you are now bound on a voyage to Europe with a view of procur- ing sundry articles that are wanted here, and have expectations that your friend Jean Wanderwoordt will supply such as we may desire, provided he is assured of being duly paid the cost, with interest for the time he remains in advance, we, the subscribers, being a quorum of the Secret Committee appointed by the honourable the Continental Congress, and authorized to procure from foreign countries supplies of arms, ammunition, and other articles on the best terms we can, being sensible of your deserving character, and knowing that your attachment to the liberties of your native country entitles you to our confidence, have concluded to authorize and empower you to contract with any person or persons in Europe, for ten thousand stand of good soldiers' muskets, well fitted with good double bridled gun-locks, and good bayonets ; ten thousand good double bridled gun-locks ; two hundred thousand gun-flints ; one thousand bar- rels of the best pistol powder ; one thousand barrels of the best common pow- der; and for two fast-sailing, well-armed cutters, such as you may think best calculated for a good and safe passage to this country, and for making good cruisers on this coast afterwards. You are to make your contracts in writing; stipulate the prices, not to exceed the current rates for each article, and make it your business to be well informed on this point. We are sensible that it is difficult to extract arms and ammunition from many parts of Europe, and that penalties are inflicted on such as are detected in doing it ; consequently a pre- mium beyond the first cost and common commissions must be allowed to those that undertake it ; and, in this respect we are rather at a loss how to limit you, being willing to allow what might be reasonable compensation, but unwilling to submit to extortion. However, as it is not in our power to judge of this point with precision, we exhort you to make the best bargain you can for the continent, and we conclude to allow you a commission of two and one-half per cent, on the amount of the invoice of the goods, and on the cost and outfit of the cutters ; but you will observe this commission is the whole of what we are to pay you, being the only compensation you are to expect for transacting this business, and expect and hope it will afford you a very handsome reward for your services. Our design is, to pay for those goods and cutters by remitting to the con- signation of those that supply them cargoes of this country's produce, such as tobacco, rice, indigo, furs, skins, flour, lumber, iron, etc.; and we hereby pledge the thirteen United Colonies for the punctual discharge of the debt or debts you may contract, in virtue of and conformity with these orders. We agree to allow such rate of interest as you may agree for, not exceeding five per cent, on the amount of the debt or debts, from the time the goods are shipped until I 10 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. payment is made, and this interest to cease on such partial payments as may be made from time to time. In confirmation of these orders, we deliver herewith a letter to your friend, Mr. Jean Wanderwoordt, attended with a certificate of our being a quorum of the Secret Committee, properly authorized to transact such business for the public, which you may avail yourself of with Mr. Wan- derwoordt, or any other person necessary for effecting the purchase. It is our understanding that the goods you contract are to be at the risk of the contractors until they are shipped on board, and bills of lading granted for them, after which they become our risk ; and if the risk from that time until the ending of the voyage can be covered by insurance, at a premium not ex- ceeding twenty per cent., we would wish to have such part insured as is to come from Europe direct out for this coast ; the insurance to be against all risks whatever, at and from the shipping port to any place of delivery in the thirteen United Colonies of America. When you have accomplished the business so far as to make the contracts and purchase cutters, you must cause to be shipped three thousand stand of arms, six hundred barrels of powder, three thousand gun-locks, and sixty thou- sand gun-flints, on board each cutter. Take bills of lading, deliverable to us in any part of the United American Colonies, and dispatch them for this coast. These cutters must be well armed and manned. You should procure, if pos- sible, masters that are acquainted with the sea-coast of America, men of intelligent understanding and firm minds, well attached to the American cause; many such there are in Europe, pining to return and serve this country in the present glorious contest. You will also pick up as many American seamen as possible, and if sufficient of those do not offer, complete the number with the best you can get ; and in fitting these vessels it will be well done to put on board each three or four tons of musket balls, suited to the bore of the ten thou- sand stand of arms. As the operations of our enemies are uncertain, it is hard for us to point out what part of the coast these cutters should push for. We believe the inlets between New York and Virginia may be as safe as any. They must get into the first place of safety they can, and give us immediate advice by express of their arrival ; and by these vessels you will transmit us any pub- lic news, or any useful intelligence in your power. The remainder of the goods we think it most prudent to order out in foreign bottoms to some of the foreign Islands in the West Indies, where you can send for them with ease and toler- able security. You will consult with your friends what Island may be safest to make use of; and also obtain recommendation to a proper house for receiv- ing and reshipping the goods, transmitting us the name and address by the cutters, and we shall send them funds to pay the freight and charges. Those goods going in neutral bottoms need only be insured against the common risks of the sea, etc. We are, sir, etc., etc. To Mr. William Hodge. (Force's Archives, 4th Series, VI. 618.) CONYNGHAM REMIMISCENCES. Ill No. I. Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Hodge, Jun. Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1776. Sir : We deliver you herewith copies of the letters and credentials you had from us when you sailed on your late unfortunate voyage, the originals whereof we understand you destroyed on being taken by the "Orpheus" man-of-war. We have since that time taken other measures for procuring arms and ammuni- tion, which probably may have succeeded ; therefore we request you will lay those copies and this letter before Silas Deane, Esq., at Paris, and follow such advice and directions as he may give respecting arms and ammunition ; but with respect to the cutters we approve much of that plan, and wish it to be ex- ecuted and even enlarged. We therefore propose that you should consult with Mr. Deane and Mr. Thomas Morris on this subject, and if you find it will be in your power to procure seamen and obtain permission to arm and fit out vessels in France, Spain, or Holland, that you should, if possible, buy a frigate of twenty to forty guns, have her completely fitted, armed and manned, putting in a gentleman of unexceptionable good character, being also an able seaman, to command her, for which purpose we give you herewith a blank commission, to be filled up with his and the ship's name, which may the "Surprise." The Captain and you may appoint the officers necessary for this ship, giving to each a certificate showing his station. When this ship is completed you must give orders to the Captain, signed by Mr. Deane, to cruise in the channel against the enemies of the United States of America, making prize of all British property as he can meet with. He may send his prizes into such ports in France as may be most convenient, and you will there demand protection for them, or rather let Mr. Deane demand this, and also liberty to make sale of such goods as he, Mr. Morris, and yourself may think best to sell there. Direct the Captain to take out any dry goods he finds on board his prize into his own ship, and when by this means he has got a considerable quantity on board, let him come away for this coast, and get into the first place of safety he can in the United States of America. The Captain must, before he goes, give bond duly to observe all rules and regulations of Congress ; and herewith we deliver you a blank bond, with a book of those rules, and a list of the Continental agents. Any prize that he sends into France you must send forward from thence to some of these states, unless Mr. Deane, Mr. Morris and yourself agree it is more for the publick good to sell in France ; and if you sell them there apply the net proceeds to pay the debts you contract in this business. Besides this ship, we approve also of the two cutters, as mentioned in our former letters. You may arm, fit and man them, and dispatch them hither as soon as possible, either with arms, ammunition, or such other goods as Mr. Deane and Mr. Morris may recommend or provide. We deliver you commis- sions, etc., for these vessels also, and recommend to you to be very attentive to 112 CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. the choice of Captains. They should all be good seamen, men of good character and principles, strongly attached to this country and its cause ; and prefer Americans, thus deserving to any other country. If such Americans are not to be found, seek for good men of other countries that have been here or have connexions among us. We know tliat there are many such in Europe that would be glad of the employ. The ship must make but a short cruise in the Channel, and a short one will do the business, for she will daily meet prizes ; but if she is long there, they will have men-of-war in quest of her. We hope you will meet with some fine, fast-sailing ship for this purpose, and be able to purchase and fit her on reason- able terms. We shall desire Mr. Deane and Mr. Morris to join you in the necessary assurances to those you deal with of being faithfully reimbursed. W^e again repeat that we shall make remittances in the produce of this country for that purpose. We shall also make you a proper compensation for your trouble and services hereafter, when they can be better ascertained. Therefore, wish- ing you success, we remain, sir, your humble servants. To William Hodge, Jun. P. S. — It is absolutely necessary that you observe the utmost secrecy in all this business, and make use of every cloak or cover you can think of to hide the real design. (Force's Archives, 5th Series, II. 851.) No. 2. Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Hodge, Jun. Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1776. Sir : We commit to your care sundry despatches delivered you herewith, and you are immediately to repair on board the sloop "Independence," John Young, commander, now waiting for you between this and Reedy Island. This sloop will carry you and said despatches, with the utmost expedition, to the Island of Martinico, where you must apply to Wm. Bingham, Esq., delivering to him all the letters and packages directed for him. This gentleman will assist in procuring you an immediate passage from thence to some port in France, on board a French vessel. Choose a good one if you have a choice, and a man-of-war or a packet, in preference to a merchantman. The General of Martinico will give you a letter to the commander of the port you sail for, requesting him to grant you a passport, and to expedite you immediately to Paris. On your arrival there, you must find out Silas Deane, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Morris, and deliver to each the letters and packages directed for them. If you arrive at Nantz, apply to Mr. John Daniel Schweighauser; at Bor- deaux, to Messrs. Samuel and John Hans Delap; at Havre de Grace, to Mr. Andrew Limozin; at Dunkirk, to Messrs. P. Stival & .Son, in the name of Willing, Morris & Co., to furnish you with the address of Mr. Deane and Mr. Morris, at Paris, as it will be well known to them all, and they will also ren- CONYNGHAM REMINISCENCES. II 3 der you any other services you may stand in need of. Should you go to Paris without previously finding out the address of these gentlemen, apply to Messrs. , bankers in Paris, who can direct you to Mr. Deane. The letters and packets directed for him and Thomas Morris you are to con- sider as despatches of the utmost importance. You must never suffer them to be out of your possession one moment until you deliver them safe, with un- touched seals, to those two gentlemen, unless you should unfortunately be taken, and in that case you must throw them overboard, always keeping them ready slung with a weight to sink them if that measure should be necessary, and for your faithful discharge of this trust, you are answerable to your God, your country, and to us that have reposed this confidence in you. We have desired Mr. Bingham to supply you with what money you want at Martinico, and to transmit us your receipts for the amount. Mr. Deane will supply you with any sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty pounds sterling in France. You will keep an account of your expences, which will be paid by the Congress, who will also compensate you hereafter generously for your time, trouble and risk, in this voyage. Should Mr. Deane think proper to send you immediately back with despatches for us, you will no doubt take charge of them and proceed according to his instructions. Your must cautiously avoid letting any person whatever know what is your business, or that you have the least connection with publick business. We wish you a safe and successful voyage, and are, sir, your obedient and humble servants. To Mr. William Hodge, Jun. (Force's Archives, 5th Series, II. 852.) No. 3. Committee of Secret Correspondence to their Commercial Houses in Europe. Philadelphia, October 3, 1776. Gentlemen : The bearer hereof, Mr. William Hodge, Jun., is a young gentleman we esteem ; he now goes for France, via the West Indies, and is un- certain at what port he may land. He has business with Silas Deane, Esq., and Mr. T. Morris; we beg, therefore, you will furnish him with their address, and render him any other service he may stand in need of. If he wants money for expenses, please to advance it, and his draft on Mr. Deane will be hon- oured. Your compliance will oblige, gentlemen, your obedient, humble ser- vants. To Mr. John Daniel Schweighauser, at Nantz; Messrs. Samuel & J. H. Delap, at Bordeaux ; Mr. Andrew Limozin, at Havre ; Messrs. P. Sleval & Son, at Dunkirk. (Force's Archives, 5th .Series, II. 853.) INDBX. Adair, Dean, 6. Adams, John Q., 55. Adam, Peter, Capt., 40. Addison, Alexander, 93. Allen, James, 33. Alricks, Hermann, 17. Alricks, William, 98. Ameland, Augusta, 65. Andre, John, 47. Annandale, Earl of , 6. Appower, Samuel, Capt., . 71- Archer, John, 49. Arnold, Benedict, 43, 45, 47- Badger, Capt., 66. Ball, Burgess, 39. Banks, 105, 106. Barber, 57. Barclay, Mr., 57. Barclay, John, 35. Barclay, "Thomas, 46, 50. 98. Barge, Jacob, 42. Barnes, James, 19. Barney, Joshua, 56. Barr, Mr., 99. Barr, Robert, 103. Barrington, Admiral Samuel, 27. Blake, Paddy, 75. Brackenridge, H. H., 92- 93, 94- Braddock, General Ed- ward, 62. Bradford, David, 90. Bradford. William, 63. Brady, Mr., 62. Brassieurs, Dr., 100. Beaujolais, Count Louis Beck, Paul, Jr., 33. Bell, Thomas, 43. Bell, William, 33. Benezet, John, 43. Benezet, J., 57, 58. Beveridge, John, 23. Blennerhasset, Harmon, loi, 107. Bickham, George, 107, 108. Biddle, Capt. Charles, 85, 86. Biddle, Clement, 52, 92. Biddle, Capt. Nicholas, 207. Bingham, Hannah, 33, 75. Bingham, William, 112. 113- Birch, Oliver, 75. Bonaparte, Jerome, 59. Bonaparte, Joseph, 59. Bond, Phineas Dr., 37. Bonham, William, 31. Boudinot, Elias, 43. Boyle, John, 75, 76. Boys, Capt. Nathan, 28, 29. Brown, Charles B., 104. Brown, Capt., 37. Brown, John, 90. Brown, Capt. Moses, 44. Brown, Samuel, 23. Budden, Lieut. James, 32, 36, 48, 50, 51. Bunner, Murray & Co., 80. Bird, Col. Mark, 33. Burd, James, 194. Burr, Col. Aaron, loi, 107. Blythe, Mr., 108. Cabarris, Stephen, 39. Cadwalader, John, i8, 35, 64, 65, 67, 78. Caldwell, James, 48. Caldwell, Samuel, 36. Calvin, Mr., 51. Campbell, George, 33, 52. Campbell, Lieut. Robert, 32, 33- Carmichael, Wm., 83-83. Chambers, Stephen, 33. Charles I, 6. Charles X, 58. Charlotte, Queen, 58. Chastellux, Marquis de, SI, 60. Clay, Henry, 107. Crawford, James, 55, 57. Crawford, Wm., 94, 96. Christian VII, 58. Clibborne, Joshua, 49. Clinton, General, 42. Collier, Sir George, 38. Connolly, Katherine, 7 Conyngham, Alice, 10. Conyngham, Andrew, 7. 8. Conyngham, Adam, 8, 60. Conyngham, Alexander, 6-10, 19, 63. Conyngham, Sir Albert, 7. Conyngham, Catherine, 10, 63. Conyngham, Capt. David, S, 6, 19. Conyngham, David Hay- ^ field, i-i 13. Conyngham, Elizabeth, 8. Conyngham, Gabriel, 19. Conyngham, George, 7. Conyngham, Capt. Gus- tavus, 8, 10, 13, 18, 19, 26, 43, 60, 61, 7S, 78, 81, 83, 84. Conyngham, Hannah, 46. Conyngham, Helen, 98. Conyngham, Isabella H., 8. Conyngham, John, 8, 18, 46, 62, 63. Conyngham, Col. J. B., 21. Conyngham, Hon. J. N., Conyngham, Lydia, 8. Conyngham, Margaret, 8. Conyngham, MarthaiA., 8. Conyngham, Martha E., 9. Conyngham, Mary, 40, 98. Conyngham & Nesbitt, 4-13- Conyngham, Redmond, 5-16, 62, 66, 75. Conyngham, Richard, 7. Conyngham, Willam, 5-8, 19, 62. Cook, Capt., 83. Copperthwait, Capt., 18, 96. Corbley, John, 95, 96. Cornstalk, loi. Cowan, James, 99. Coxe, Isaac, 32, 35, 47, 75. Cummings, Archibald, 9. Cruize, Capt., 83. Clymer, Daniel C, 33, 52. Clymer, George, 33, 92. Clymer, Meredith, 92. Daily, 105. Davis, Ben., 36, 37. Davis, Gen. W. H. H., Si- Dean, Joseph, 30, Deane, Silas, 60, 81-85, 109-113. D'Estaing, Count, 26, 27, 37, 38. Delancy, Col., so- Delaney, Sharp, Capt., 33- Delap, John Hans, 112, 113- Delham, Mr., 107, 108. Delap, Hans. J., 58. Delap, S., s8. Dillon, Count, 60. Dobbins, Mr., 25. Donaldson, John, ss, 57, 97- Donaldson, Arthur, 57. Dunbar, Thomas, 62." Duncan, David, 36. Dunmore, Lord, 39, 6s, lOI. Dunlap, John, 36, 96. Dunscombe, Thomas, 23. Dyer, Elizabeth, 53. Eden, Sir Robert, 40. Edwards, Ninian, 104. Edward. Prince, 41. Ellery, Wm., 20. Ellis, Catherine, 9. Ellis, Martha, 9. Ellis, Robert, 9, 23. Elliott, Andrew, 11. Elliott, Mrs., 90. Enghiem, Duke de, 60. Erskine, Elizabeth, 57. Erskine, Mary, 57. Erskine, Sarah, 57. Erskine, William, 57. Espy, Josiah, 106. Evans, G., 41. Evans, Miss, 29. Ewing, Capt., James, 68, 69. Ewing, L. James, 97. Ewing, Thomas, 75. Eyre, Manuel, 29. Farrell, Mr., 62. Fauchet, Jean. A. J., 68. Faulkner, Capt., 10. Faulkner, Ephraim, 51. Franks, David, 71. Franks, David S., 33. Franklin, Benj., 19, 44, 60, 83-85. Fell, Major Robert E., 10. Fredrick, Augustus Prince, 65. Fishbourne, Benj., 49, 50. Fishbourne, Elizabeth, 49. Fishbourne, Mary, 49. Fishbourne, Sarah, 49. Fishbourne, William, 49. Fisher, Jabez, "jz. Fitch, John, 70, 71. Fries, John, 51. Forbes, Wm., 21. Fuller, Benj., 76, 98. Gallatin. Albert, 87. Gallissonniere, M. de La, Galloway, Alexander, 65. Galloway, Charlotte S., 65. Gambis, Count de, 38 Gamble, Mr., 12, 24. Gardner, Theophilus, 9. Gratz. J., 107. Grayson, Alexander, 19. Grayson, Col. Wm., 34. Geddes, Geo., 44. Genlis, Comtesse de, 69. George III, 50, 51, 58. George IV, 58. Glen, Robert, 75, 76. Greenup, Christopher, 105. Gressell, Col. U S. A., 33- Grey, Charles, 62. Gibbes, Capt., 31. Gibson, 93. Gibson, John, 92. Gibson, George, 92. Giles, Wm. B., 69. Girard, Stephen, 61. Gist, Major Mordecai, 40. Guion, Isaac, 69. Goddard, William, 40. Gordon, Harry, 11. Gorman, W., 5,8 Gurney, Francis, 77. Grundy, Felix,- 104. Hacker, Isaiah, 21. Hale, Rev. Edward E., 19, 84. Hall, William, 35, 94, 96. Hamilton, Andrew, 30. Hamilton, James, 6, 13. Hamilton, John, 95, 96. Hamilton, William, 12. Hammond, Capt., 60. Hand, Gen. Edward, 21, Hart, Charles Henry, 19. Havden, Horace E, 1, Sg. Haytield, Matthias, 17. Hemphill, Joseph, 74. Henderson, Capt., 20. Hildreth, Richard, 87, 88. Hiltzheimer, Robert, 97. Hockley, Ann, 19. Hodge, Andrew, Sr., 17, 19, 81, 83, 8s. Hodge, Alexander A., 17. Hodge, Andrew, Jr., 17. Hodge, Rev. Dr. Chas., 17 Hodge, Rev. F. B., 17. Hodge, Hannah, 17. Hodge, Hugh, 17. Hodge, Margaret, 17. Hodge, Mary, 17. Hodge, Wm.. Jr., 17-19, 60, 78, 81-86, 98, 109- 113- Hoffman, Capt., 64. Hogg, Alderman, 75. Holker, John, 45. Holmes, Capt., 57. Hooper, William, 81 Hopkinson, Francis, 23. Howe, Gen. Lord, 45, 80. Howell. Samuel. 96. Hows, Mr., 100. Hutchinson, R., 23. Ingliss, Capt., J., 38, 42. Ingliss, John, 42, 65. Iredell, James, 51. Irvin, Thomas, 47. Jack Saucy, 94. James V, 6. Jay, John, 42, 81. ackson. Gen Andrew, Jennings, John, 53. Tones, Chas. H., 19, 26. Jordan, John W., 4. Joseph II, 58. Kearsley, Dr. John, Jr., Keliumr'Capt., 37. Klein, R. Theo., 99. Kingston, Duchess of, 28. Knox, Francis, \2 Knox, John, 13. Knox, Robert, 13. La Fayette, Marquis de, 59. 90 Lang, Alexander, 10, 11. Lardner, John. 36, 96. Latouche-Treville, 60. Lauzun, Duke de, 60. Lawrence, & Morris, 61. Lawrence, John, Jr., 34. Lawrence, Thomas, 34. Lawrence, Staats, 34. Lawrence, William, 46. Lee, Richard Henry, 20, 40, 41, 81, 84. Leiper, Thomas, 36, 96. Lenox, David, 31, 35, 96. Leopold, of Holland, 59. Leslie, John, 63 Leslie, Matthew, 62, 63. Lewis, Gen. Andrew, loi. Lichtenstein, Count von, 59- Limozin, Andrew, 112- 113- Louis, Philippe, 59, 67, 70. Louis XV, 58, 74. Louis XVI, 58. Louis XVIII, 58. Low, Nicholas. 39. Loxley, Benjamin, 64. Luzerne, Chevalier de la, . 59- ^ Lyons, Sergeant, 50. McAuslan, Baron, 47. McCausland, Hannah Conyngham, 8. McCausland, Oliver, 8, McClennachan, Blair, 27, SI. 67. McConnell, Matthew, 34 McCulloch. Mr., 33. McClure, John, 95. McClure, Margaret, 95. McKean, B. J., 91, 97. McKean, Thomas. 91. McKee. John, 91. McLane, Capt. Allen, 33, 34- MacPherson, Capt. John, 7i- Madelian, 94. Madison, Tames, 69. Mackey, Wm., 23 Magonnagil, Catherine, Mansfield, Lord, 54. Maria I, 58. Marsli, John, 14. \farshair, John, 87, 88. Massey, Samuel, 65. Mason, Sergeant, 47-51. Martin, N., Capt., 79. Matlack, Timothy, 31. May, John, Col., loi, 102. Maxwell, John, 36. Mayer, Edward R., 54. Mease, John, 97, 98 Mercer, John F., Maj., 41. Meredith, Elizabeth, 92. Mifflin, John. ^19, 69. Miffln, John F., 34. Miffin, Samuel, 31. Miflln, Gov. Thomas, 34, 6S. 77- Mitchell, John, 79. Mitchell, kandall, 48. Montjolie, Marquis de, 69. Moore, Rev. M., 108. Moore, Francis, 23. Morris, Robert, 21, 33, 34. 41. 43. 45. 71. 80, 81, 83 Morris, Gouverneur, 42. Morris, Mrs. Robert, 21, 41,. 42, 43. Morri^s, Samuel, 33, 34. Morris, Thomas, 82, 83, 85, 100-113. Morris, Thomas C 36. Morrow, Adam C., 90. Motte-Piquet la, 38. Moylan, Stephen, 59. Munroe, John, 104. Murray, Mrs. Louise Welles, 100. Murray, John, 6. Murray, Marian, 6. Murray, Richard, 7. Murrey, John, 65 Nesbitt, Alexander, 10, II. 36, 37- Nesbitt, Elizabeth, 10. Nesbitt, Esther, 10. Nesbitt, Francis, 10. Nesbitt, George, 10. Nesbitt, James, 10. Nesbitt, John Maxwell, 3, 5, 10-12, 23, 40, 51, ^52,_ 67, 75-79, 98. Nesbitt, Jonathan, 10, 11, 18, 20, 26, 41, 43, 45, 53- Nesbitt, Sarah, 10. Nichols, Francis, ^4, 36. Nichols, William, "34, "36. Nichola, Lewis, 34. Nicholson, James, 35, 40. Nixon, John, 29, 76. Noailles, Viscount de, 38. North, Lord, 78. Norris, Isaac, 37. O'Brien, M. M , 35. Oollers, Philip, 65. Ogden, Mr., 64. Ogden, James, 47-50. Palfrey, Col. Wm., 57, 58. Pancake, Philip, 30. Paoli, Pascal, 58. Pedro, 58. Penrose, Thomas, 57. Peters, Richard, 4, 9, 19, 52-55, 80. Peters, William, 54, 55. Phillips, Henry, Jr., 19. Potts, John, Jr., 34. Potts, Dr Jonathan, 34. Potts, Matthew, 34. Potts, Nathaniel, 34. Putman, Rufus G., 100. Putnam, Israel, 100. Plunkett, David, 8, 40. Privateers and Armed Vessels of Penn'a: Andrew Doria, 29. Brittania, 71. Charming Peggy, 13, 18. Charming Polly, 43, 78. Charming Sally, 43, 78. Chatham, 29. Congress, 44, 43. Franklin, 28. General Greene, 27. Hero, 28 Hannah, 29. Holker, 44. Hyder_ Alley, 55. Intrepid. 44, 45. Lion, 29. Nesbitt, 13, 79. Polly's Revenge, 13. Renette, 13, 44, 45. Revenge, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27. 78, 81 Shilalah, 13, 56, 57. Speedwell, 13, 44. Surprise, 28. Viper, 29. Gen'l Washington, 28. See Vessels. Plunkett, Marv C, 8 Plunkett, Thomas, 8, 16, 40. Plunkett, Wm. C, 40, 45, 46, 62. Ramsey, Captain, 40. Ramsey & Coxe, 61. Rattoone, Thomas, 47-50. Rankin, Moses, 25. Redman, John, 41, 46,47. Reed, Gov. Joseph, 28, 30-34, 46-48, 85. Riddle, John, 54. Ritter, 52. Roach. Mr., 52. Robeson, John, 97 Robeson, Jonathan, 97. Roberts, Mr., 92, 93. Robinson, Andrew, 34. Rochambeau. General, 59. Rochefoucauld-Lian- court, Duke de La, 69. Ross, Catherine, 8. Ross, David, 8, 16. Ross, Hugh, 32. Ross & Simpson, 70. Ross, Mr., 85. Rowley, Admiral, 38. Rush, Benj., 75. Sanderson, Captain, 25 Sargent, Mr., 62. Saucy, Jack, 94. Schaffer, John, 34. Schweighauser, John D., 112-113. Smallwood, William, 40. Spaight, Richard D., 55. Stamper, Henry, 67. Stanley, John W., 55, 56. Stanley, Richard, 55, 57. Swanwick, John, 42. Sedgwick, 97. Shea, Col John, 35. Skeene, Major Philip K., 28. Sterling, Lord, 46, 48-50. Stewart, Andrew, 10, 25. Stewart, Col. Charles, Stewart, David, 8, 10, 40. Stewart, Isabella C, 8. Stewart, Robert, 36. Stewart, Gen'l Walter, 10, 19, 21, 36, 66, 67, Stewart & Barr, 99. Schenk, Mr., 47, 50. Sinncol, John G., 48. Simpson, Capt., 86. Simpson, 70. Shield, Hugh, 51. Shippen. Margaret, 41. Smith, Robert, 96, 97. Smith, Capt. Samuel 39. Smith, William, 17. Spinnenberger, George, 30. Snead, Mr., 105. St Clair, Arthur, 49. Stirling. Capt. C, 44, 49- Stival, P., 112-113. Scott, Gen. Charles, 107. Slough, Matthias, 51. Scull, Joseph, 23. Sullivan, Capt., 58. Taggert, Mrs. 72, 79. Tallman, Mary, 49. Tallyrand, Prince, 69, 70. Talon, Antoine Omer, 69. Tannehill, Andrew, 95. Taylor, Maj. Jas., 48, 50. Treby, Captain, 62. Trenchard, Jane, 94. Tinker, John, 23. Trimble, John, 104. Todd, Thomas, 104. Thompfon, Gen. Wm., 34 \'ail, Aaron, Jr., 70. Vale, Eliza, 70 Veech, James, 88, 89. Vergennes, Count de, 60, 84. Vessels, American, (see Privateers). America, 68, 69. Alexandria, 12. Hamilton Galley, 12. Hannah, 18. Hayfield, 12, 13, 17, 23. Isabella, 12 Jeniser, 47. John & Mary, 12. Minerva, 25. New Culloden, 13. Prince William, 12. Rainbow, 13. Sally, 25. Two Friends, 70. Two Brothers, 70. Vessels Foreign: Harrington, 28. Diana, 44. Fantesque, 27. Friendship, 44. General Monk, 55, 56 Goliath, 38. Harwick, Packet, 61, 78. Hermione, 60. La Blanche, 37, 38. Morson, 44. Nantilus, 37, 38. Orpheus, 81. Prince of Wales, 27. Savage, 44. Senegal, 37, 38 Vulture, 20, 47. Wadhams, Richard, 54. Wallace, George, 92, 93. Waltman, Michael, 30. VVanderwoordt, 109- no. Ward, Townsend, 14, 31, 87, 89. Washington, General, 52, 59, 61, 65, 67, 72, 80, 90, 91. Watts, Mr., 106. Watson, John F., 14, 16, 18, 54- Wayne, General Anthony 35, 46-49- Wharton, Francis, 87. 88. Wharton, Joseph, 63. West, Ann, 17, 92. West, i-'rancis, 17, 21,98, 99 West, Benj. F., 99. West, John, 21, 98, 99. West, Mary, 17. West, William, 57, 92, 98. Wiant, Annie, 49. Wilcox, John, 56. VVilkins, John, 92. Wilkinson, Gen. Tas., 69. William IV, 59. William, Jonathan, 97. Williamson, Hugh, 20. Willing, Thomas, 71. Willing, Morris, 100, 112- 113- Wilson, Hon. Tames, 30. Witherspoon, Rev. John, 87. White, Bishop William, 3-2- Wood, James, 1 1. Wood, John, 95. Woods. John, 92. Wood, Col. Joseph, 49. Young, John, 112. Zenger, John, P., 50.