BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF 
 
 MAJOR JAMES POTTS, 
 
 BORN 1752, DIED 182 2, 
 
 TO WHICH IS APPENDED COPIES OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 
 
 PAPERS RELATING TO HIM, AND TWO 
 
 ANCESTRAL CHARTS. 
 
 By THOMAS MAXWELL POTTS. 
 
 u 
 
 PRINTED PRIVATELY BY THE AUTHOR. 
 1877. 
 

 '? 
 
 f 
 
 / 
 
 ^^ /ft^^ 
 
Ob 
 
 To 
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON POTTS, 
 
 My Revered and Venerable Father, the youngest and only 
 
 ' living child of Major James Potts, now yerging on 
 
 four-score years of age, as a slight token of 
 
 my love and esteem, is this little volume 
 
 respectfully inscribed" by 
 
 The Author. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Every right minded person feels a greater or less interest 
 in knowing something of the personal history of his ances- 
 tors, and if they have lived honorable lives and devoted 
 their energies in the promotion of some high calling or 
 praiseworthy purpose, he feels an honest pride in cherishing 
 their memories. 
 
 During a number of years past, while engaged in making 
 researches regarding our branch of the Potts family, I 
 became acquainted with a number of interesting incidents 
 in the life of my grandfather — Major James Potts, and 
 latterly, many papers in some way relating to him, have 
 fallen into my hands. To preserve to his descendants, 
 the little that I have been able to rescue from oblivion, 
 I have prepared the following biographical sketch. Had 
 the idea of preparing this sketch, occurred to me ten or 
 
6 Introduction. 
 
 fifteen years sooner, sources of information would then 
 have been available that are now gone forever in the 
 decease of his elder children and other aged persons, more 
 or less familiar with his history. 
 
 I had hoped, even with the facilities remaining, to collect 
 a fuller account of the Major's Revolutionary history, but 
 in the absence of documents, probably lost, I am able to 
 present only a very fragmentary sketch. 
 
 I wish here to acknowledge having received valuable 
 information from William John Potts,* a very intelligent 
 and courteous gentleman of Camden, New Jersey, who, for 
 more than six years past, has been collecting materials for 
 a history of the first settlers of the name of Potts in the 
 United States. 
 
 Should any one, into whose hands this volume may 
 come, be in possession of any additional facts relative to 
 the subject of this sketch, I hope they will at once be 
 communicated to me. 
 
 Canonsburg, Pa., May, 1877. T. M. P. 
 
 * William John Potts was the first to discover that Thomas Potts who 
 came to this country in the "Shield" in 1678, was not the ancestor of the 
 Pottstown fuuiilv as was for a long time siipi)0sed, though no credit is 
 given in the valuable "Memorial of Thomas Potts, Junior, etc., Cam- 
 bridge, 1874," by Mrs. Thomas Potts James. 
 
JAMES POTTS. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 'AJOR JAMES POTTS, the subject of this 
 sketch, was a native of Philadelphia county, 
 Pennsylvania, as were his father and grand- 
 father before him. He was born at German- 
 town on Saturday, June 17th, 1752, (O. S.,) 
 "at 30 minutes after 2 o'clock in the morning, at the house 
 of William Ashmead, opposite the market house." So 
 reads the old family record. 
 
 He was the son of Samuel and Ann (Rush) (Ashmead) 
 Potts, grandson of Daniel and Sarah (Shoemaker) Potts, 
 and great-grandson of David and Alice (Croasdale) Potts. 
 It is related in the family that David Potts came to this 
 country from Wales in company with three others. Major 
 Potts's mother, Ann Rush, was the daughter of James and 
 Rachel (Peart) Rush, granddaughter of William and Aure- 
 
 lia ( ) Rush, and great-granddaughter of Captain John 
 
 and Susannah (Lucas) Rush. Ann Rush was first married 
 to John Ashmead, grandson of the original settler John 
 Ashmead, by whom she had four children. The ancestors 
 of Major Potts were members of the Society of Friends 
 and settled in the Province of Pennsylvania about the 
 time of the formation of the Colony 
 
lo Biographical Sketch of 
 
 In the family record to which I have had access, and 
 which was commenced in the year 1777, the date of his 
 birth is o;iven as "April 17th, 1752" instead of "June 17th, 
 1752," the correct date. It will be seen that he was born 
 but a few months before the chanp;e in the calendar from 
 the Old to the New Style. It is quite probable that the 
 first record of his birth was written in the style in use a 
 mong- the Friends prior to the change, in which the months 
 were numbered, beginning with March as the first month. 
 In that case it would have been written, ••4th mo. 17th, 
 1752." After 1752 the churches and monthly meetings 
 adopted the legal calendar and numbered the months, 
 commencing with January. It will be seen how readily, a 
 quarter of a century later, in changing from the number to 
 the name of the month, the 4th month would be given as 
 April instead of June. 
 
 Until the year 1808, Major Potts resided a short dis- 
 tance north of Philadelphia. From the records of the 
 births of his children and other papers it appears that he 
 resided in Oxford township, Philadelphia county, with the 
 exception of the years 1805, 6, and 7, when he resided on 
 a farm in the edge of Montgomery county near Milestown, 
 five miles from his former residence and six miles from the 
 State House. In 1808 he removed to Chester county 
 where he spent the remainder of his days. Ht- was by 
 trade a blacksmith — which he learned from his father — 
 but he followed the occupation of forming for the most 
 part. 
 
 Major Potts was of small stature, very active and of 
 rather quick temper. While he never had the advantage 
 of a liberal education, yet he was a man of no mean attain- 
 
Major James Potts. n 
 
 ments and possessed a good sound judgement. He early 
 took strong grounds in favor of the temperance movement, 
 and sometimes offended his neighbors because the custo- 
 mary decanter was not always brought from the sideboard. 
 He always took a very great interest in political and mili- 
 tary matters, and during the Revolutionary War took an 
 active part in the cause of the Colonies. He was a sol- 
 dier, being an officer in the militia service. He not only 
 served his full time but frequently tendered his services 
 when off duty. 
 
 Notwithstanding his long service, he escaped without a 
 wound, though he had many narrow escapes. He fought 
 in but few battles, but was engaged in a number of skir- 
 mishes. He took such strong ground in favor of the 
 patriots' cause and such an active part in everything per- 
 taining to the welfare of the American army, that strenu- 
 ous efforts were made on several occasions to make him a 
 prisoner, but without success. During the occupation of 
 Philadelphia by Howe's army, British officers would fre- 
 quently ride up to his house and inquire, "Is Mr. James 
 Potts at home.?"— they having been informed of his senti- 
 ments and actions by his tory neighbors. On one occasion 
 he only escaped capture by getting away from his house 
 through a back window and secreting himself among the 
 rocks along the Delaware river. 
 
 On another occasion, as he was standing upon the shore 
 watching the English fleet as they were evacuating the 
 Delaware river, he had a narrow escape from being shot. 
 During the passage of these vessels, there was more or 
 less random firing from the ships and by the Americans on 
 shore, when a ball from the river whizzed by him in such 
 
12 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 close proximity to* his person that he considered it prudent 
 to seek safer quarters. 
 
 The writer has in his possession a large number of 
 military papers, letters, etc., which belonged to Major 
 Potts and which throw much light upon his actions and 
 character. It is possible that many important papers and 
 documents have not been preserved, having been either 
 lost or destroyed. The papers now in my keeping were 
 found, after his death, in a drawer in his private desk. 
 The desk became the property of the Major's youngest 
 son, and the papers remained, almost undisturbed, in the 
 same drawer for nearly half a century. 
 
 The first paper of any importance in the order of date, 
 is a letter addressed to " Miss Sally Wessell, in Oxford 
 Near the Wheat Sheaf" [Oxford was a township of Phil- 
 adelphia county, along the Delaware river. The Wheat 
 Sheaf was the name of an inn.] Miss Wessell afterwards 
 became the wife of Major Potts. The following is a copy 
 of the letter. 
 
 Trentown, August the 3, 1776. 
 Miss Sally. We arrived all well and in good spirits in 
 this Town, and I hope this may find you all the same. 
 We are to march from here on Monday or Tuesday at 
 farthest. I have given over the notion of going in the 
 flying Camp. We are stationed in a commodious Church 
 in this Town. I cannot tell where we are to be stationed 
 when we leave this Town. I have nothing strange to 
 send, but my best wishes to you and my good friends. 
 I expect to have opportunitys to write often, so no more 
 this time. From your sincere friend and wellwisher. 
 
 James Potts. 
 
Major yames Potts. 13 
 
 The first official paper of any importance is a Lieuten- 
 ant's commission. The following is a copy of it. The 
 Italics indicate the parts written with a pen in the body 
 of the commission. 
 
 "In CONVENTION for the State o^ PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 To jfames Potts, Gentleman, Sept. the St/i, 1776. 
 WJ^ repofmg efpecial Truft and Confidence in your Pa- 
 triotifm, Valour, Conduft, and Fidelity, DO, by thefe 
 prefents, conftiiute and appoint you to be Second Lievten- 
 ant of a Company of Foot in Coionel 7ohn Moore's Battal- 
 ion of P/iiladJpkia County in the Flying Camp for the 
 Middle States of America, for the Protection of the faid 
 States againft all hoftile Enterprizes, and for the Defence 
 and eftablifhing of American Liberty. You are therefore 
 carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Second 
 Lievtenant as aforesaid by doing and performing all Man- 
 ner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do ftri6lly 
 charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your 
 Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Second Lievten- 
 ant. And you are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and 
 Directions, as you fhall receive from the Convention du- 
 ring their Seffions, from the Government now eftablifhing, 
 or from the Council of Safety for this State, or any other 
 your fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and iDiici- 
 pline of War, in Purfuance of the Truft repofed in you. 
 This Commiffion to continue in Force until revoked by 
 the Government now eftablifhing for this State, the Council 
 of Safety, or by this or any fucceeding ("onvention. 
 By order of the Convention, 
 
 B. Franklin, Presid." 
 
14 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 Whether this was the first Commission issued to James 
 Potts, the writer has found no means of certainly knowing, 
 but from the letter of August 3rd, given on page 12, it is 
 very evident that he was in the army prior to the date of 
 this commission. Jt is also evident that he had reconsid- 
 ed his former decision not to go into the Flying Camp, as 
 stated in that letter. 
 
 I have in ray possession two parchment pouches, which 
 were made out of an old drum-head by Lieut. Potts while in 
 camp at Trenton, New Jersey, for the purpose of holding 
 his papers in. One is nine inches long by three and a 
 half inches wide ; and the other, four and a half inches 
 long by three and three quarters wide. To the latter is 
 attached a silk ribbon, probably for the purpose of wearing 
 around the neck. These pouches were still filled with pa- 
 pers when they fell into my possession five or six years 
 ago. 
 
 The next paper in the order of date is a furlough or 
 leave-of-absence as follows : 
 
 "pERMIT Lieut. James Potts 
 
 To pafs to Philadelphia Coufity, he having Leave of absence 
 for eight days. GIVEN at Head Quarters, Amboy, 
 
 October the 13, 177 6. 
 
 David Ross, 
 Brigade Major." 
 
 This leave of absence being for eight days, would expire 
 on the 2 1st. On the 23rd of October are dated two 
 letters. To whom the following was addressed I have no 
 means of determining. 
 
Major yames Poits. 15 
 
 "Newark, October 23rd, 1776. 
 Dear Friend. I cannot miss so good an opportunity of 
 informing you of my arrival in good health at this place 
 and hope you are all the same. I expect we shall go from 
 here soon but I cannot tell when. I have nothing note- 
 worthy to write of at present, but I shall not miss any 
 opportunity to write that may offer. On my return I 
 found our people in good health, thanks be to God for his 
 mercy. I shall be glad to hear from you as often as may 
 suit. Please remember my love to all inquiring friends. 
 No more at present from 
 
 Your faithful friend, 
 
 James Potts." 
 
 The other letter of this date is addressed to Miss Sal- 
 ly Wessell. It is so much defaced as to make it quite 
 diflficult to decipher it. In several places pieces are worn 
 or torn out so that words are missing. The following is as 
 correct a copy as it seems possible to reproduce — the mis- 
 sing words being supplied where the context made them 
 evident. 
 
 "Newark, Octob. the 23rd, 1776. 
 My Dearest Sally. I thought I should be to blame if 
 I did not send you a few lines, to inform you of my present 
 situation. I arrived at this Place in good health, hoping 
 this may find you the same for which I am not wanting in 
 prayers for you day and night. I am not without a sensi- 
 ble feeling for your sufferings on my account and hope to 
 merit your prayers to have God to spare my life however 
 * * it shall be my latest endeavour to deserve your 
 good will. I hope all the designs of my enemys may be 
 
1 6 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 frustrated and that we may enjoy many days with more 
 satisfaction than our enemys. I should be glad to hear of 
 your wellfare whenever any opportunity should offer. 
 Please remember me to all inquiring friends. 
 From your faithful friend and great admirer, 
 To Miss Sally Wessell. James Potts." 
 
 The following letter is dated at Fort Lee, which was sit- 
 uated on the west side of the Hudson river, in the town of 
 Hackensack, Bergen county, New Jersey, and about ten 
 miles above New York City. The letter is addressed "To 
 Hannah Wessell in Oxford Township." 
 
 "November 7th, 1776 Camp at Fort Lee. 
 
 Respected Friend I can only inform you I am in good 
 health, through mercy, thank God for his goodness, praying 
 this may find you the same. I should be glad to hear from 
 you. It gives me great pleasure you must think, being so 
 far from home and I believe will soon be farther. I wrote 
 you a letter the first of this month. I have not heard 
 whether you got it or not. It was enclosed in one I sent 
 to my father. I received one from him last night. It does 
 not mention anything about it. I beg you will neglect no 
 opportunity that may offer of letting me know how you are 
 as my affections are entirely in your family it is a great sat- 
 isfaction to me. Be pleased to give my love to Andrew, 
 John and Patty Keen and to Billy and Edmund Peart. 
 I must conclude with my best wishes and heartv prayers 
 for you all, hoping I may yet see you all. Adieu. 
 
 From your trusty friend and well wisher 
 
 James Potts. 
 
 Be pleased to direct your letters this way. 'To Lieut. 
 
Mcjor James Potts. 17 
 
 James Potts in Col. John Moore's Battalion of Philadel- 
 phia County Flying Camp.' " 
 
 On the outside of the same sheet he seems to have com- 
 menced a letter to his father but having omitted part of a 
 sentence, scratched it out with a pen after he had written 
 three or four lines. It reads as follows : 
 
 " Camp at Fort Lee. 
 Honored Parent. I have an opportunity We arrived 
 at this place on the 2nd of this month, all in good health 
 and I believe we shall cross the North River soon." 
 
 From general history, we learn that the forces in camp 
 at Fort Lee, were under the command of General Nathan- 
 iel Greene. The main body of the army under General 
 Washington, after being defeated on the 28th of October, 
 at White Plains on the other side of the river, and some 
 eight or ten miles north-east of Fort Lee, retreated to the 
 heights of North Castle, about five miles farther north on 
 the night of the 31st of October. 
 
 General Howe, commander of the British troops, dis- 
 continued his pursuit in that direction and turned his at- 
 tention to the American posts on the Hudson, with the 
 apparent design of penetrating New Jersey. Washington 
 therefore, anticipating his design, crossed the Hudson and 
 joined General Greene at Fort Lee. This juncture must 
 have been formed within a day or two after the letter given 
 on page 16 was written. 
 
 On November i6th, the British attacked Fort Washing- 
 ton on Manhattan Island on the other side of the river from 
 Fort Lee and about three miles above it, and forced the 
 
i8 Biop-aphical Sketch of 
 
 garrison to surrender. On the 20th, the British under 
 Cornwallis crossed the Hudson at Dobbs Ferry, some ten 
 or twelve miles above Fort Lee, and proceeded against that 
 Fort, the garrison of which onl}' saved themselves by a 
 hasty retreat, losing, however, all their baggage and milita- 
 ry stores. 
 
 Now commenced a series of reverses to the American 
 army which made the next five or six weeks the darkest of 
 the war. Newark, New Brunswick and Trenton, succs 
 sively fell into the hands of the enemv, and there seemed 
 to be nothing to prevent the British from a speedy occupa- 
 tion of the city of Philadelphia. So rapidly had the 
 pursuit been urged that the rear of our army was fre- 
 quently within sight and shot of the enemy's van. The 
 bold and victorious attack made by Washington at Trenton, 
 upon the night of the 25th of December, 1776, was the 
 turning point in the great struggle and so reassured the 
 people, that the army, which had become decimated, was 
 suddenly increased to quite formidable dimensions. 
 
 Beyond the fact that young Potts was with the army 
 during this memorable retreat and was at the surprise at 
 Trenton, nothing now remains from which a detailed ac- 
 count of his experience and actions during those unhappy 
 weeks, can be drawn. 
 
 The next record we have of any action in the life of 
 Lieut. Potts is one of a very tender and interesting char- 
 acter. On the 22nd day of March, 1777, he married Miss 
 Sarah Wessell, daughter oi John and Hannah (Wells) 
 Wessell of Philadelphia county. At the time of their 
 marriage, Lieut. Potts was twenty-five years of age and 
 Miss Wessell in her nineteenth year. 
 
Major y antes Potts. 19 
 
 The following is a copy of a commission issued to James 
 Potts, bearing date of May 12th, 1777. 
 
 "In the Name and by the Authority of the FREEMEN 
 
 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
 The SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 
 of the faid Commonwealth, 
 To jfames Potts, Gentleman, 
 ^,^7^E, repofing efpecia! Truft and Confidence in your 
 Patriotifm, Valour, Condudl and Fidelity, DO, by 
 thefe Prefents, conftitute and appoint you to be Second 
 Lieutenant of a Co7npany of Foot in the Third Battalion of 
 Militia, in the County of Philadelphia. You are therefore 
 carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Second 
 Lieutenant by doing and performing all Manner of Things 
 thereunto belonging. And We do ftri6lly charge and re- 
 quire all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be 
 obedient to your Orders as Second Lieutefiant. And you 
 are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions as 
 you (hall from Time to Time receive from the Supreme 
 Executive Council of this Commonwealth, or from your 
 fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and DifcipHne of 
 War; and in the purfuance of the A6ls of Aflembly of this 
 State. This commiffion to continue in Force until your 
 Term, by the laws of this State, fhall of Courfe expire. 
 GIVEN under the leffer Seal of the Commonwealth, at 
 Philadelphia, this Twelfth Day oi May in the Year of 
 our Lord One Thoufand Seven Hundred and Seventy 
 Seven. 
 No. 2. Attest. Tho Wharton jun Prest 
 
 'T. Matlock Secy " 
 
20 Biog7-aphical Sketch of 
 
 The following certificate of oath of allegiance next 
 appears. 
 
 "1 DO hereby Certify, that James Potts of Oxford Toivn- 
 ship Phila. County Hath voluntarily taken and fubfcribed 
 the OATH of Alkgiance and Fidelity, as dire6led by an 
 ACT of General Affembly of Fennfylvania, paffed the 13th 
 day of June, A. D 1777. ^Witnefs my hand and feal, the 
 Second clay of July A. D. 1777 . 
 (l. s.) John Knuwles" 
 
 Lieut. Potts was engaged in the battle of Germantown 
 on the 4th of Octobof, 1777. As this was within the vi- 
 cinity of his home, his wife and nearest kindred were com- 
 pelled to experience the terrible ordeal of listening to the 
 horrible din and roar of the battle, with the perfect knowl- 
 edge that a dear friend was in the midst of carnage, and 
 might at any moment be suffering the pangs of terrible 
 wounds or lying a mangled corpse. But notwithstanding 
 the great loss to the American forces, he came out unharm- 
 ed. Mrs. Margaret (Wessell) Watson, sister of Mrs. Potts, 
 then only eight or nine years of age, and who died in Phil- 
 adelphia in 1862 at the age of ninety four, always retained 
 a vivid remembrance of that dreadful day and used fre- 
 quently to relate her recollections and experience of the 
 battle. 
 
 Although no documents remain to show, yet there is 
 little doubt that Lieut. Potts was also at the battle of Bran- 
 dywine which took place a few weeks before. The army 
 under Washington had abandoned operations in New Jer- 
 sey and after passing through Philadelphia, took up a 
 
Major jfames Potts, 21 
 
 position on the Brandyvvine at Chad's Ford for '^he purpose 
 of harassing the advance of the British from the Chesapeake 
 to the City of Philadelphia. The engagement took place 
 on the nth of September. On the next day after the de- 
 feat, the two armies again came within sight of each other 
 near the Warren tavern, but after a little skirmishing, a 
 heavy rain set in, and the Americans finding their powder 
 wet, retreated to Warrick furnace. 
 
 During his absence in the army after his marriage, his 
 young wife for greater protection, resided at the house of 
 her father-in-law, Samuel Potts, who kept an inn. This 
 was probably the " Rising Sun Tavern" in Oxford township, 
 Philadelphia county, as in the record of births in 1778 and 
 again in 1780, mention is made of this place. Upon one 
 occasion when he had a leave of-absence from the army, 
 he went to his fither's house on a visit, and upon arriving, 
 left his horse and chaise standing at the door. In the 
 course of a few minutes, a company of British soldiers 
 came up and seeing the horse and vehicle, immediately 
 surrounded the premises and instituted search, suspecting 
 the presence of the young patriot ofBcer. When the fam- 
 ily were asked "Is Mr. James Potts at home?" they evad- 
 ed a direct reply, and to account for the presence of the 
 horse and chaise, said ihey were about to send to the city 
 upon a shopping errand for the house. Not being satisfied 
 with tlie answers, a most rigid search of the entire premises 
 was at once carried out. 
 
 In the meantime young Potts, having no other means of 
 escape, made his way to the attic and concealed himself in 
 a dark recess behind a low partition separating the attic 
 from the eaves of the roof. This proved to be quite a safe 
 
22 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 hiding place, as the soldiers either did not discover it or 
 failed to see him in the darkness. During the presence of 
 the soldiers, some members of the family persisted in 
 frequently going up stairs to assure themselves of his safe- 
 ty, when he begged them " for God's sake to keep away and 
 not arouse any suspicion of his where-abouts." The sol- 
 diers searched in vain, but to make sure that he was not 
 concealed in any of the beds, they thrust their swords 
 through them, cutting ihem up so badly as to render them 
 almost beyond repair. 
 
 There is one paper that is much worn by age, having 
 several holes in it where it has been folded. I have sup- 
 plied the missing words as 1 believe to be correct. In the 
 following copy the missing words are printed in Italics in 
 order to distinguish them from those that remain legible. 
 The month and year of the date are also gone, but it is 
 quite probable that the order was given about the year 1777. 
 
 "To Lieut. James Potts of 
 
 Oxford Township. 
 
 Sir You are hereby authorized by the Commonvi&sXih of 
 Pennsylvania to collect as many blankets from the Inhabit- 
 ants of your District as you can. Yori are also desired to 
 receive no blankets but such as are suitable for field use, 
 and when collected you are to appoint three Freeholders to 
 appraise and fix the Value of each Blanket in order that 
 Owners may receive ^payment for the same 
 
 Given under my hand this 29th day of 
 
 Benjamin McVeagh 
 
 Comm " 
 
Major James Potts. 23 
 
 The following memoranda of money collected next appears. 
 
 "Oxford, Septr. 9th, 1778. 
 A Return of those Persons who have paid their Substitute 
 money in the second and third Classes of Militia in Cap- 
 tains Dungans and Harpers Companys in Col. McVeaghs 
 Regt. Collected by James Potts. 
 
 SECOND CLASS 
 
 Alexander Edwards 
 William Buzby 
 James Glan 
 James Wilson 
 
 THIRD CLASS 
 
 John Adis 
 Mosses Grub 
 Isaiah Worreli . 
 John Roberts 
 Isaac Buzby 
 Nathan Whitraa;i . 
 William Eve 
 Jacob Castor 
 William McMutry 
 
 PINES 
 
 I 12 6 
 I 12 6 
 
 I 00 
 176 
 
 5 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 12 6 
 
 7 6 
 
 SUBSTITt'TK 
 MONEY 
 
 23 O O 
 23 O O 
 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 23 o o 
 
 17 o ,6 253 o o 
 17 o 6 
 
 Total 
 
 270 06" 
 
 The following paper appears with the corner containing 
 the year of the date torn ott 
 
24 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 " Pennsylvania, ss. 
 
 In General Assembly November 
 
 To James Potts, 
 You are hereby Commanded to appear before the General 
 Assembly on Tuesday the twenty seventh Day of Novem- 
 ber instant at ten oClock in the forenoon to answer such 
 Questions as you shall be asked relative to the late Elec- 
 tion for Members of Assembly for the County of Philadel- 
 phia and hereof fail not at your peril. 
 
 By Order of the House. 
 Fredk. a. Muhlenberg, Speaker." 
 
 On the back of this summons is the following address, 
 ^'Col McVeagh Battalion Near the Old Sheaf Wheat Tav- 
 ern Bristol Road." 
 
 From an examination of the calendar and the minutes 
 of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, it is evident 
 that this summons was issued in the year 1781. 
 
 From the Archives of the State it appears that, on the 
 loth of November, 1781, a complaint of the citizens of 
 Philadelphia county was laid before the Assembly regard- 
 ing the election in the said county. The complainants 
 stated that "upon the 8tli day of October, a part of the 
 militia marched under the command of Col. Bitting to 
 Wentz's tavern and the remainder of them under Col. 
 M'Vaugh for Germantown, at which place the said elec- 
 tions were held, and before their arrival there the said 
 tickets were delivered them by the said Cols, and by their 
 orders " etc. 
 
 On the 1 2th of November, the consideration of the com- 
 plaint was made the order of the day for Tuesday the 27 th, 
 
Major yames Potts. 25 
 
 and the Speaker of the House, (F. A. Muhlenberg,) direct- 
 ed to summon persons to testify before the House on 
 that day. The case was postponed from day to day on 
 account of the non-attendance of witnesses. Several wit- 
 nesses were examined before the House, whose names are 
 given, but Potts's name does not appear among there. 
 From the evident reluctance of the witnesses to appear, it 
 would seem as though the investigation was obnoxious to 
 them. The examination was finally remitted to a commit- 
 tee who heard the testimony and reported to the House 
 the general result of the investigation. The case was 
 finally disposed of by the House on the 8th of April 1782. 
 Beside those given on pages 23 and 24, I have found no 
 other papers between the years of 1777 and 1783, except 
 the following entries in an old orderly book. 
 
 County of Phil^ to James Potts Dr. 
 
 1780 To. Serving Col. McVeigh's BatU as Adju- 
 
 tant o 15 o 
 
 1 78 1 To 2 days serving " . • 015° 
 
 1782 To Ditto 2 Days . • • . o 15 o 
 
 There were doubtless many other papers relating to the 
 Revolution, but whatever may have been their importance, 
 they do not seem to have been preserved, at least !• have 
 not been able to find them. From my earliest recollection, 
 I had been led to believe that James Potts had held a 
 commission as Major during the war, but the absence of 
 any documentary evidence among his papers, would seem 
 to place the matter in some doubt. It is possible that his 
 subsequent promotion to Major may have been confounded 
 with his active service in the war. 
 
2 6 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 A few years ago, the writer accidentally discovered a 
 commission in the office of the Secretary of the Common- 
 wealth at Harrisburg, dated April 6th, 1776, appointing 
 James Potts, Esquire, "Major of the Battalion of Musket- 
 ry in the service of this Province." Attached to this com- 
 mission is the resignation of Major Potts, bearing date of 
 July nth, 1776, at Philadelphia. I then supposed that 
 the commission and resignation related to the subject of 
 this Sketch, but I have found nothing to positively verify 
 this supposition. Sufficient facts may yet be developed 
 to make the case clear. 
 
 Among the papers, are four Captain's commissions. 
 The following is a copy of the first one, bearing date of 
 May I St, 1783. 
 
 "In the Name and by the Authority of the FREEMEN 
 
 of the Commonwealth of Pennsyhania, 
 The SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 
 of the faid Commonwealth, 
 To James Potts Esquire 
 ^^7E, repofmg efpecial Truft and Confidence in your 
 Patriotifm, Valour, Condu6l and Fidelity, DO, by 
 thefe Prefents, confiitute and appoint you to be Captain 
 of a Company of foot in the First Battalion of 
 
 Militia, in the County of Fhiiadelphia. You are therefore 
 carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Cap 
 tain by doing and performing all Mai^ner of Things 
 
 thereunto belonging. And We do ftri6lly charge and re- 
 quire all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be 
 obedient to your Orders as Captain And you 
 
 are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions as 
 
Major ymnes Potts. 27 
 
 you fhall from Time to Time receive from the Supreme 
 Executive Council of this Comm.onwealth, or from your 
 fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and Difcipline of 
 War, and in the purfuance of the A(?ts of Affembly of this 
 State. This commiffion to continue in Force until your 
 Term, by the laws of this State, fhall of Courfe expire. 
 GIVEN in Council, under the hand of the F/i^Prefident, 
 and the leffer Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, 
 this first Day of May in the Year of our Lord One 
 Thoufand Seven Hundred and eighty three. 
 No 6. Attest 
 
 James Trimble for John Armstrong jun Sec'ry" 
 
 This commission is signed by the Vice President of the 
 Supreme Executive Council of the State, James Ewing, 
 which is written in the upper part of the left hand margin 
 under the seal. 
 
 The second of these commissions is dated at Philadel- 
 phia, the first day of May, one thousand seven hundred 
 and eighty six, appointing "James Potts, Esquire," to be 
 " Captain of the first Company of foot in the first Battalion 
 of Militia in the County of Philadelphia." It is signed by 
 Cha. Biddle, the Vice President of the Supreme Exec- 
 utive Council of the State and attested by "James Trimble 
 for John Armstrong junr. Secy." The State Coat-of-Arms 
 appears upon this commission. 
 
 The third of these commissions is dated at Philadelphia, 
 the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and eigh- 
 ty nine, appointing "James Potts, Esquire," to be "Cap- 
 tain of a Company of Infantry in the second Battalion of 
 
28 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 Militia in the County 'of Philadelphia." It is signed by 
 Tho. Mifflin, I'residentof the Supreme Executive Council 
 of the Commonwealth, and attested by James Trimble for 
 Charles Biddle Sec'ry. 
 
 The fourth of these commissions is dated at Lancaster, 
 the second day of August, one thousand eight hundred, 
 and sets forth that "James Potts of the County of Phihidel- 
 phia," being duly elected, is "commissioned Captain of the 
 Light Infiintry Company attached to the first Battalion in 
 the Eightieth Regiment of the Militia of the Common- 
 wealth of Pennsylvania, the second Brigade of the first 
 Division composed of the Militia of the City and County 
 of Philadelphia," for a term of seven years. It is signed 
 by the Governor, Thos. M:Kean, 'and attested by James 
 Trimble, Deputy Sec'ry. 
 
 Bearing date of September 13th, 1802, is the following 
 certificate of election: 
 
 "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
 Philad. County, Ss. 
 
 These are to certify that you have been duly elected and 
 returned Major of the 2nd Battalion, 80th Regt. Pennsyl- 
 vania Militia at an election held this day at the House of 
 Robert Hamilton at Frankford. You will be commission- 
 ed to that office and you are to take upon you the duties of 
 said office from this date. 
 
 Witness my hand at Frankford, Sep. 13th, 1802. 
 
 Fred'^ WoLBERTj Brigade Insp. 
 
 James Porrs, Esq." 
 
Major 'James Potts. 29 
 
 The following is a copy of the next and last commission 
 in my possession. - 
 
 "In the Name, and by the Authority of the Commonwealth 
 
 of Pennfylvania, 
 
 THOMAS McKEAN, Governor 
 
 of the faid Commonweath, 
 
 To yames Potts of the County of Philadelphia, Greeting : 
 
 #^Up'^ ^' -T^NOW, That you, the faid James 
 CT^wV^^JF^.l.p Potts, (being duly eledled and returned) 
 are hereby commiffioned Major of the 
 Second Battalion hi the Eightieth Regiment of the Militia 
 of the Commonwealth of Pennfylvania, in the Second Brig- 
 ade of the jirst Divifion "compofed of the Militia of the 
 county of and city of Philadelphia To have and to hold 
 this Commiffion, exercifmg all the powers, and difcharging 
 all the duties thereto lawfully belonging and attached, for 
 the term .of feven years, from the second day of August 1800 
 if you fhall fo long behave yourfelf well. 
 
 In Testimony whereof, I have fet my Hand, and 
 caufed the Less Seal, of the State to be affixed to 
 thefe Prefents, at Lancafter, the thirteenth day of 
 September in the year of our Lord one thoufand 
 eight hundred &= two, and of the Commonwealth 
 the t■^&vA^^-seve7lth. 
 By the Governor, 
 
 T. M. Thompson, Sec." 
 
 The signature of the Governor, Thos. M : Kean, is writ- 
 ten in the upper left hand margin above the seal. 
 
30 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 Beside the papers already given or referred to, I have 
 a large number of others, consisting of muster rolls, let- 
 ters, orders, etc. The most important of these will be 
 found in the Appendix attached to this Sketch. 
 
 The three following papers are not without interest. 
 The first is a notice of election to membership in the Dem- 
 ocratic Society. 
 
 "Philadelphia, June 5th, 1794. 
 CITIZEN, 
 
 T 
 
 A K E notice, that you have been duly ele6ted 
 a Member of the Democratic Society of Pennsylvania, held 
 in the City of Philadelphia ; and that you are requested 
 to attend at the next meeting, at such place as shall be 
 notified in the public papers, for the purpose of subscrib- 
 ing the (IJonstitution. 
 
 Geo. Booth, Secretary. 
 To Citizen James Potts." 
 
 The second paper has the following address on the back : 
 " From John Cope To Citizen James Potts." The con- 
 tents are, as follows: 
 
 "July 30. 1799 
 BROTHER, 
 
 You are requested to attend a meeting of the TAM- 
 MANY SOCIETY, or COLUMBIAN ORDER, to be 
 held at No. d^ N. South Street, on Thursday next at the 
 going down of the sun, 
 
 By order of the Society, 
 
 Daniel Groves, Secretary." 
 
Major jfames Potts. 31 
 
 The third paper reads as follows : 
 
 "Sir: — I am dire6led by the Tamany Society or Colum- 
 bian Order, to inform you that your having been elected a 
 member of the said Society some months past, it is neces- 
 sary, if you wish to be considered as a member, that 
 you attend at the next stated meeting which will be held at 
 the Sign of Columbus, No. 85 Race Street, on Thursday 
 evening, the ist Jan^ 1801. Otherwise your name will be 
 erased from their lists. 
 
 I am sir, your humble servt, 
 
 Andrew Geysers, Junr. Secty. 
 to the 
 Tamany Society or Columbian Order. 
 Philad'' 15, 1800. 
 
 Mr. James Potts." 
 
 The Tammany Society or Columbian Order, was a soci- 
 ety which grew out of certain customs and practices of the 
 Pennsylvania troops during the Revolutionary war, and 
 was named in the double honor of Tamane or Tamanend, 
 a fabulous Indian sachem of great fame, and Christopher 
 Columbus, the discoverer of rhe new world. The original 
 object of the society was chiefly festivity. It eventually 
 culminated in the famous and powerful modern Tammany 
 Society which has its wigwam in New York City. 
 
 He was a great admirer of Thomas Jefferson and of 
 the political views, which that eminent patriot held and 
 advocated. This is evidenced in the following note ap- 
 pended to the record of the birth of his youngest son — 
 Thomas Jefferson Potts : " He was so named in honor of 
 
32 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 Thomas Jefferson, one the Signers of the Declaration of 
 Independence, and at all times an illustrious defender of 
 the rights and liberties of America." 
 
 He was at one time named by his friends and neighbors 
 as a suitable person to represent them in the councils of 
 the state, but he was too modest to advocate his own 
 claims in opposition to more ambitious and self laudatory 
 aspirants, and in consequence was not honored with a 
 position he was so well fitted to fill with credit to himself 
 and his constituents, and to which his arduous services had 
 entitled him. 
 
 Major Potts was a man of very modest disposition and 
 was rather inclined to withdraw himself from the society 
 of his more wealthy and aristocratic kinsmen, than to place 
 himself in the way of their favors. His half brother, John 
 Ashmead, a noted sea Captain — the hero of a hundred 
 voyages — often chided him because he did not visit him 
 more frequently. He was, however, always on the most 
 intimate terms with his cousin Judge Jacob Rush, LL. D.,* 
 and between them a lifelong friendship was maintained. 
 Judge Rush was a younger brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush,t 
 an eminent physician of Philadelphia, and one of the sign- 
 ers of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 For many years. Major Potts had it in mind to purchase 
 a farm somewhere in the country farther from the city. 
 
 * Foi- w Sketch of the lilo of Jacob Kush, LL. D., see Livex of Eminent 
 PhiUtdelphians, p. 851. 
 
 f For Sketch of the life of Dr. Benjamin Rush, see Lives of Eminent 
 Philndelphians, p. 849, Lossing's Lives of the tiigners of the Declaration 
 of Independence^ p 99, and othei- works. ■ ' 
 
Major y antes Potts. 33 
 
 With a view to find some location suited to his taste, he 
 made several prospecting tours through the surrounding 
 counties, and was generally accompanied by his friend the 
 Judge. One of these journeys was made to Muncy valley 
 and another to Chester county. As both of these gentle- 
 men dressed in the old Continental style, with cocked 
 hats, knee breeches, etc., they attracted considerable at- 
 tention in their travels. I have heard my father relate 
 that during their journey to Chester county, they stopped 
 over night at a tavern at a place now called Youngsville, 
 on the Strasburg and Westchester road. Judge Rush 
 being a man of jovial disposition, made considerable sport 
 at the expense of an Irish hostler which put him in a very 
 bad humor to the great amusement of the bystanders. 
 The hostler was, however, greatly pleased with the modest 
 demeanor of the Major, and manifested a willingness to 
 render him every attention in his power. 
 
 On the back of a letter, which bears date of February 
 14th, 1787, is the memorandum of expenses of a journey 
 to Lykens valley. As the letter bears evidence of having 
 been carried in the pocket for some time, it is very likely 
 that the journey was made during the spring of that year 
 and that this letter, still being in the pocket, happened to 
 be the most convenient thing to note the list of expenses 
 on. The memorandum is headed, "An account of Expen- 
 ses on our Journey." It seems quite probable that this 
 journey was made in company with one David Derrickson, 
 as part of the items of expenses are charged, sometimes 
 to David and sometimes to Derrickson. Derrickson's 
 name will be found in some of the papers given in the 
 Appendix. The following is a copy of the memorandum. 
 
34 Biographical Sketch of 
 
 
 An Account of Expenses on oub 
 
 : Journey. 
 
 
 
 Miles 
 
 i 13 Sheers Tavern 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 D 
 
 
 23 Clines Ditto 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 P 
 
 
 30 Boyers Do. . . . . 
 
 
 5 
 
 6DP 
 
 
 46 Private House 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 Above Reading Sinking Spring 
 
 Tavern 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 P 
 
 
 12 Do. Spread Eagle Tavern . 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 David paid to the Carpenter 
 
 . 
 
 2 
 
 ID 
 
 
 
 James Potts Ditto 
 
 
 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 13 Williams Store 
 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 at Ditto for Ots 
 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 P 
 
 
 55 In Likens Valley 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Potts paid .... 
 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 Derrickson Do . . . 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Ditto .... 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Potts Williams Store 
 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 D 
 
 Adam Weglee Tavern 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 P 
 
 Tulpehocken Creek 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 D 
 
 Red Lion Tavern 
 Oats I Bushel mine 
 David I Ditto 
 
 • 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 On another blank page is the following: "To Likens 
 Valley turn to the Left hand on the Broad Montain." Be- 
 low this is found the following additional memorandum. 
 
 D ferry over Scuylkill . , . . .16 
 
 P Potts Grove 11 
 
 P Ditto 50 
 
 D Ditto over Manatawny . . . . 05 
 
 D Klines . . . . . . .06 
 
Major James Potts. 35 
 
 In another place is the following note: "at the Junktion 
 of Point Creek & Deep run on the Shamokin road George 
 Layers Land." There are beside, several names which may 
 be those of land owners who had farms for sale. They are 
 the following: "Peter Reglee," "Ludrick Scheets," "Cole- 
 man," "George Teeter," " Conselman," * Stutsman," and 
 "Jacob Wenger." 
 
 In this connection it will be well to give the letter it- 
 self. On the outside it is addressed to Capt. James Potts. 
 
 "Frankford, Feby 14th, 1787. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I have to inform you of a Meeting to be held to- 
 morrow in the afternoon at 2 O'Clock in Germintown at 
 the House of Winwood Niu, concerning the Militia Law. 
 Should be glad you would attend. Captn. Burrows & Mr. 
 Niff will be glad of your Company, and as for myself it is 
 Impossible for me to attend as I am preingaged ; I promis- 
 ed Coll. Holgate that I should be there, but did not think 
 of my ingagement. I thought I should be short of my du- 
 ty, if I did not Write you on the Occasion. 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 Isaac Worrell. 
 Capt. Potts." 
 
 He finally decided to remove, to Chester county, Penn- 
 sylvania, which he did in the year 1808. He settled in 
 West Fallowfield (now Highland) township. He first re- 
 sided upon a rented farm known as "Bell's Plantation," 
 afterwards the property of Joshua and James Hartshorn. 
 After a short residence at this place, he removed to his 
 
36 Biograpkical Sketch of 
 
 own farm, about three miles north of this and two miles 
 south of the " Fountain Inn " which was situated within 
 the limits of the present borough of Parkesburg on the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad. This firm is situated a short dis- 
 tance west of the " Limestone Road," and was afterwards 
 owned and occupied by James Fearon, Wilson Hershberg- 
 er, and others. For this farm he exchanged two houses in 
 Frankford, Philadelphia county, in part payment. He gave 
 considerable attention to the culture of peaches, having 
 a large and productive orchard. He frequently hauled 
 them to Philadelphia in a wagon where he found a profit- 
 able market. 
 
 The Major's house was a very popular place of visita- 
 tion by the Philadelphia relatives, and especially by the 
 younger members of the families ; and in return the mem- 
 bers of the Major's household made frequent visits to 
 their city friends. This intimacy was kept up for many 
 years — the great delight of the city cousins, being to \ isit 
 at Uncle Potts's. Of the many cousins who were then so 
 intimate, but four remain at this writing, and they are ei- 
 ther above or verging on four score years of age. 
 
 It is worthy of note, in this place, that this farm was 
 part of a large tract of land taken up by warrant by Ar- 
 thur Park, who came from Ballylagby, in the county Don- 
 egal, Ireland, prior to the year 1724. He (Park) probably 
 built the homestead, as he died there in 1740. The man- 
 sion is still standing, and is built of logs, consisting of a 
 main building and a wing extension occupied as a kitchen. 
 In this kitchen is an ancient fire-place of huge dimensions, 
 as large as a dozen modern ones. In the time of Major 
 Potts, he had, during the summer time, a board partition 
 
Major yames Potts. 37 
 
 erected in front with a door openino- into it, thus forming a 
 side roona of no small dimensions, and which during- the 
 warm season was used as a lumber room, and sometimes 
 even as a place in which to do considerable work apper- 
 taining to the household. This house is in all probability 
 the oldest homestead now remaining in this section of the 
 country. 
 
 Being by trade a blacksmith, be erected a small shop 
 near the house, in whicli he did such smithing as was 
 needed about the farm. 
 
 Major James and Sarah (Wessell) Potts were blessed 
 with twelve children — six sons and six daughters. They 
 were as follows : * 
 
 1 Rachel Potts, born, 1778; died, 1861 ; married, 1802, 
 
 Eneas Hughs; six children. 
 
 2 David Potts, born, 1779; died, 1779. ] 
 
 3 Daniel Potts, born, 1779 ; died, 1779. \ Triplets. 
 
 4 John Rush Potts, born, 1779 ; died, 1779. J 
 
 5 Hannah Potts, born, 1780; died, 1789. 
 
 6 James Wessell Potts, born, 1782; died, 1859; mar- 
 
 ried, 1812, Margaret Stroud; eight children. 
 
 7 Ann Potts, born, 17S6; died, 1867; married, 1816, 
 
 Thomas Mclntire ; six children. 
 
 8 Eliza Potts, born, 1787 ; died, 1856 ; single. 
 
 9 Samuel Potts, born, 1790; died, 1823; married, 
 
 Margaret Sheaffer; two children. 
 
 * For a detailed account of the Potts Family, see Genealogy of the I>e- 
 HcendanU of Daniel Potts, by the author, MS. 
 
38 Biographical Sketch 
 
 10 Hannah Potts, born, 1792 ; died, 1875 ; married, 1834, 
 
 Isaac D. Tarrance; no issue. 
 
 11 Sarah Potts, born, 1795; died, 1846; married, 1829, 
 
 Joseph Tarrance ; no issue. 
 
 12 Thomas Jefferson Potts, Dorn, 1798; married, 1835, 
 
 Margaret Carter ; seven children. 
 
 Major Potts died on Sunday the 28th of July, at 40 
 minutes after two o'clock, p. m., in the year of our Lord, 
 1822, after a severe illness of ten days, which he bore with 
 Christian fortitude He was aged 70 years and i month. 
 He died honored and respected by all who knew him. 
 His remains were interred in tlie Grave Yard of the Upper 
 Octorara Presbyterian Church in Sadsbury township, Ches- 
 ter county, Pennsylvania. A plain marble slab marks the 
 spot where his ashes repose, upon which is carved the fol- 
 lowing inscription : 
 
 In 
 
 Memory of 
 
 JAMES POTTS 
 
 who departed this life 
 
 July 28th A. D. 1822 
 
 in the 7 ist year of his age. 
 
 Sarah (WesseH) Potts survived her husband eleven years 
 and died in 1833 in the 75th year of her age. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 -^SIS"[IIHt- 
 
 Beside the papers given in this appendix, there are two 
 other relics that deserve mention. The sword carried by 
 Major Potts, during his service in the Revolution, was be^ 
 queathed to his grandson and namesake, James Potts, now 
 and for many years past a resident of Lancaster, Pa. One 
 of the epaulets worn by him is in the possession of the 
 author. 
 
 In giving the following copies of letters, and other pa- 
 pers of Major Potts, the orthography and punctuation foun^l 
 in the original, have been followed as closely as possible. 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 Sir: Please to deliver to Capt° James Potts or Order, 
 all the Arms &c that was left by the Militia of the County 
 of Philad. at New Town, which will Oblige Sir your Hum- 
 ble Servant Wm. Coats, Lieut. C. P. 
 
 Philad. County. October 29th, 1783. 
 
 Mr. Hart, Treasurer of the County of Bucks. 
 
42 Appendix. — Letters. 
 
 On the outside of the following letter is the address, 
 " Captain James Potts" 
 
 Sir : Coll Coats will deliver the arms tomorow, at my 
 Request he is to wate at Home for that purpose till 12, O,- 
 Clock. Capt"* Potts and Heaton will be so good as to at- 
 tend to their promis. I will do myself the pleasure to go 
 with them on that business. Your sending word to Capt" 
 Heaton will be Required — fetch your Drums along if you 
 please I will endeavour to gel them Exchanged for new. 
 with Respec' yours &c 
 
 Frankford, April 24lh 88 Isaac Worrell. 
 
 Capt" Potts. 
 
 Sir, as it is Requested that the diferent Light Compa- 
 nys apear on the parade with the Standard of iheir Respec- 
 tive Regiments. I think it will sett of your Company 
 and also inlarge it to have ours, with the Ensign of Capt" 
 Dearmans Company to bear it as he is in uniform. I have 
 sent a verbel Request to Capt° Dearman by his wife. Re- 
 questing his attendance and officers in uniform — if Capt° 
 Potts will be so good as to send or go for it & at the same 
 time Request Ensign Shearer to attend with it — or perhaps 
 Capt° Dearman will interceed and iform them it is my par- 
 ticular Request. 1 have had no oport unity as yet to send 
 Liutan^ Dyer word for his early attendance. Should you 
 have an oportunity let him know if you can. With Respect 
 yours &c. Isaac Worrell. 
 
 Thursday morn 9 oClock. 
 Capt^ Potts. July 3. 88. 
 
Appendix. — Letters. 43 
 
 Phi.i.ad^ County, Nov. 13th, 1790 
 
 StR. I do hereby request you wili please to bring in your 
 Returns of Absentees as quick as possible, which if not 
 Comply'd with, I shall be under the disagreeable Necessity 
 of putting the Militia Laws of this State in force against 
 you. I am Sir Your hb^*^ Serv' 
 
 Capt" James Potts. Wn\. Coats. Lieut. Cs. 
 
 Frankford, March 5th, 1791. 
 
 Sir In consequence of a Circular Letter, from the Gov- 
 ernor, inclosed to me by the Lieutenant, of the County, I 
 am requested to make an [mediate return of the arms and 
 acoutrements in my Battalion. 
 
 Therefore you are hereby requested to make a return to 
 me on or before the 15th Instant of all the arms and acou- 
 trements belonging to your Company and the state & Con- 
 dition they are in. 
 
 I am sir with respect yours &c. 
 
 Isaac Worrell, Col. 
 
 Capt° James Potts. 2nd Batt"^ P. C. M. 
 
 Sfr, General Morgan & Major Kerr will meet the offi- 
 cers of our Battalion on Monday next at 2 O tJlock P. M. 
 at the Jolly port in Frankford at which time & place your 
 are requested to attend if possible. 
 
 I am respectfully your most obedt, &c.. 
 
 Frankford, July 17. 1793. Isaac Worrell, 
 
 Capt"* James Potts. 
 
44 Appendix. — Letters. 
 
 The following is addressed to "Captain Potts of the 
 Frankfort light Infantry Compan)'." 
 
 Philadelphia 24 June 1800 
 Dear Sir At a meeting of the Legionary Officers last even- 
 ing, I was desired to communicate to you the unanimous 
 wish of the Corps, that your Company would join the Le- 
 gion on the anniversary of our glorious independence. The 
 line will be formed at 7 o'Clock in the morning on Ches- 
 nut, immediatety above twelfth street, where with pleasure 
 you will be received, and by no one with more sincerity 
 than by him who with esteem & respect has the honor to 
 be, dear sir Your Obed, hum serv 
 
 Jn Shee Commandant 
 Captain Potts of the Phil^ Mi. Legion 
 
 June 30 1800 
 Sir Mv Company dines on 4 July in a pleasant Grove 
 about 34 miles from the Town House North'^ Liberties 
 the fare will be a Cold Colation with Liquor assorted the 
 Expence will not exceed One Dollar pr. man. It is the de- 
 sire of the Company & my wish to invite you & your Com- 
 pany to Join with us. In respect to my proceeding to Le- 
 gionary Parade I propose to leave my Quarters precisely 
 at 6 o Clock as the Legion is to be form at 7. If it meets 
 your pleasure, I shall be happy in your Company by 6 O- 
 Clock. Your Friend J Kessler 
 
 N B. Ensign Miles the Bearer hereof is one of the 
 Committee of arrangement & will more particularly com- 
 municate with you. 
 
 Captn. Potts. 
 
Appendix. — Letters. 45 
 
 The following letter is addressed "To Capt Potts or 
 Lieut Peart Oxford township Philadelphia County. The 
 Care of Major Sullivan in Frankford. In haste." 
 
 Germantown, September 3'"'^ 1800 
 
 Dear Sir Many Objections have been started by the 
 Companies attached to the Legion, on our meeting on Mon- 
 day next. The General wish appears to be for a post- 
 ponement untill the first muster day appointed by Law 
 (which will be on the 4th day of October next) when (ac- 
 cording to the Opinion of Gen^ Shee, Capt. Kesslar, Capt. 
 Goodman & others) a muster of the whole Legion may be 
 made at Germantown. I am sorry that we have made an 
 appointment without consulting our Republican Brethern, 
 but we must submit to imperious Circumstances, and defer 
 our meeting untill it is announced by Genl. Shee in a pub- 
 lick advertisement. I have not yet written to Capt Snyder, 
 but as it is probable he may have heard of the intended 
 meeting. I will thank you to inform him of the postpone- 
 ment. I am, Dear Sir, with Respect your most Obedient 
 Servant Matt^ Huston. 
 
 Sir The Republican Committee are requested to meet 
 cm Wednesday next 3. o Clock P. M, at Sniders tavern on 
 the subject of the Election. Please to inform those in 
 your neibourhood. Yours &c 
 
 Isaac Worrell. 
 
 Capt. Altemas, Mr. Jacob Carter & yourself. Committee. 
 
 Captn. James Potts. 
 
46 Appendix. — Orders, 6^^. 
 
 Mr. Shee's Compliments to Captain Potts, his officers 
 and men — at a meeting of the Gentlemen of the Legion 
 last evening, Mr. S. was desired to inform our friends in 
 the country of the intended parade on the fourth of March 
 to celebrate an event that fills us all with joy; and to testi- 
 fy the pleasure it will give them to be joined by your Com- 
 pany on the occasion. 
 
 February 25th, 1801. 
 
 Regimental Orders. 
 
 The officers of the 80th Regiment will parade on Satur- 
 day the 25^^ Ins* at Snyders Tavern, 2 o Clock in the af- 
 ternoon in Regimentals, side arms, & a muskit each, in or- 
 der to practice themselves in Military discipline all delin- 
 quents must account for there neglect as a Court of Inquiry 
 will be call** on all such persons without respect. The 
 Captains will give orders to their subaltern officers. 
 
 July 17th, 1801. Isaac Worrell 
 
 Capt. James Potts. Lie* Coll. 80*^ Reg. P. M. 
 
 Dear Sir. I have issued Regimental orders for the 
 meeting of the officers of our Regiment on Saturday next 
 3 o Clock P. M. at Sniders Tavern Regimentals, side arms 
 & Muskits. I will thank you to inform Capt. Proxontain 
 tho, I have issued the orders as he lives remote, perhaps 
 he may not here of it and likewise his Ensign. 
 With due Respect Yours &c. 
 
 March 31st. 1802. Isaac Worrell. 
 
 Capt. James Potts. 
 
Appendix. — Letter, &=€. 47 
 
 To THE Judges of Appeal. The Militia Officers. 
 
 May the 4th 1802. 
 Gentlemen not presuming to dictate to you, in the 
 present case, I would be much gratified if you would exam- 
 ine well, the case of those men in Capt. Fesmire's Company 
 who left the ranks at Snyders, because their Arms was 
 taken from them. Tho I am very shure that their Conduct 
 was bad that they behaved in a very unsoldier-like manner, 
 and as I have told them so, deserve to be fin'd for disobe- 
 dience of the order of their officers, yet something can be 
 said, as a mitigation in their behalf, that they each man 
 had contributed towards the purchase of powder, and ex- 
 pected to have the pleasure of fireing it away, that they 
 fully expected to keep the Arms And wlien taken away 
 they thought it an imposition. They now see their error 
 and appear sorry they disobey'd. Weather it would not be 
 good policy, as they are men who generally attend muster, 
 and. is their first Crime in that way, to lean to the mild 
 measure and overlook the first offence, and substitute a 
 reprimand instead of fine, these Gentlemen are Consider- 
 ations entirely submitted to you, and I doubt not but will 
 have your strictest attention. 
 
 With much respect I am yours &c. 
 
 Joshua Sullivan. 
 
 Major Potts is requested and Directed to give immediate 
 Notice to all the Officers of his Battalion, That the meeting 
 of Officers agreeable to Law on the 4th of September next, 
 is to be at Snyders Tavern at i O Clock in the afternoon 
 
48 Appendix. — Certificates., &=€. 
 
 please to request particular attention as the Militia Law 
 , and Discipline will be Delivered with the proceedings and 
 Manovres of the next field Day. 
 
 Sept. 13*^ i8o2 Joshua Sullivan, Lt. Col. 
 
 The Commonwealth Pennsylvania. 
 
 Philad^ County ss 
 
 These are to Certify that you have been Duly Elected 
 and Returned Ensignn of the 3** Company 80^^ Regiment 
 Pennsyl^ Militia at an Election held this Day at Shallcross's 
 School House Oxford Township You will be Commission- 
 ed to that Office, and you are to Take uppon you the duties 
 of said Office from this Time. 
 
 Witness my hand at said place October 21^', 1802. 
 
 James Potts Major 
 
 Michal Carman . 2^ Batt. So*** Regiment P M. 
 
 August 27th, 1803. 
 Sir An Election for a Capt° in the first Company late- 
 ly-Commanded by Capt? Shearer will be held on Saturday 
 the 3^ of September next between the hours of 10 & 5 
 O Clock at my house on the Road from Frankford to Ger- 
 mantown, at which time & place you will be so oblidging 
 as to attend. 
 
 Yours with due Respect &c. 
 
 Henry Shouch Ensign. 
 Major James Potts. 
 
Appendix. — Certificate, ^'C. 49 
 
 Recieved May 2 1803 of Major James Potts one Milita- 
 ry Book for the Use of the Volunteer Company attatcht to 
 the 80^^ Regiment Pennsylv^ Militia as Witness my hand 
 the Date Above. 
 
 Cap. David Altemus 
 
 The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
 Philad^ Coqnty ss 
 
 These are to Certify that you have been duly Elected and 
 returned Ensign of the 8th Company in the 80th Regiment 
 Pennsyl* Militia at an Election held 21 april 1804 at the 
 house of Lewis Smith in said distric You will be Commis- 
 sioned to that office and you are to Take upon you the 
 dutys of said Office from this Time. 
 
 Witness my hand the date & place above mention^ 
 
 James Potts Major 
 
 Mr. Jacob Baker. 2^ B. 80^^ R. 
 
 ENROLLING ORDERS. 
 
 To Captain James Potts of the Township of Uper Ox- 
 ford. 
 State of Pennsylvania \ A/" O U are hereby required and 
 Philadelphia County ss\ ^ commanded in the name of 
 this COMMONWEALTH, forthwith to make a fair list of 
 the names and surnames of all male white persons residing 
 within your Township, between the ages of Eighteen and 
 Fifty-three years, capable of bearing arms (Delegates in 
 Congress, Members of the Supreme Executive Council, 
 
5© Appendix. — Enrolling Orders. 
 
 Members of the General Assembly, Judges of the Supreme 
 Court, Attorney General for the State, the Judge of the 
 Admiralty, Treasurer of the State, Sheriffs, Goalers and 
 Keepers of the Work-houses, Ministers of the Gospel of 
 every denomination, Professors and Teachers in the Uni- 
 versity, Post-masters and Post-riders, belonging to the Gen- 
 eral Post-office, Menial Servants of Ambassadors, or Min- 
 isters and Consuls from foreign courts, and of Delegates 
 in Congress from other States, registered with the secreta- 
 ry of the Supreme Executive Council of this State, and 
 servants purchased bona fide and for a valuable consider- 
 ation, only excepted) and make a return thereof to me, on 
 or before the 22nd day of This Instant as you must answer 
 the same upon oath or affirmation. Given under my Hand 
 and Seal, this Third ^-ac^ of May 1784. 
 
 Wm. Coats, Lieutenant C P 
 
 Bearing date of April ist, 1785, is a similar order direct- 
 ed to "James Potts Esqr. Captain of the Township of Ox- 
 ford & Upper District," the return to be made "at my 
 office in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia County, on 
 or before the Sixteenth day of April." There is also an- 
 other of the same form, dated March i6th, 1786, and 
 directed to "James Potts Esqr. of the Township of Oxford 
 upper Division," the return to be made "on or before the 
 loth day of April next." 
 
 The following is a copy of a fourth and last enrolling 
 order. 
 
Appendix. — Enrolling Orders, &'C. 
 
 51 
 
 Philadelphia County, ss. 
 
 YOU are hereby requested and commanded, in the 
 name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to deliver to 
 me, on oath or affirmation, within ten days from and after 
 the date hereof, a true and exact list of Names and Sur- 
 names of each and every member of your Company. And 
 for so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant. 
 
 Given under my Hand and Seal in the County aforesaid, 
 this 3d day of March 1800 
 
 Fred"^ Wolbert (l. s.) 
 Brigade Inspector to Philadelphia County. 
 To the Commanding officer Light Infantry Compy attach- 
 ed to 5 th Reg. 
 
 MUSTER ROLLS. 
 
 A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford In the first 
 Regi* Phi^"^ County Militia Commanded by Lieu' Coll Bej. 
 McVeagh 1784. 
 
 Commissioned, Non Commissioned 
 
 James Potts. David Altemus. 
 
 John Knowles. Christopher Lince. 
 
 David Derrickson. Richard Johnson. 
 
 Fife — Jacob Folkroth. 
 Drum — Jacob Altemus. 
 
 Privates. 
 Joseph Tomlinson. 
 
 John Shallcross. 
 John Salter. 
 William Johnson. 
 Frederick Castor. 
 Philip Moor. 
 
52 
 
 Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 Conrod Snyder. 
 John Quee. 
 John Harper. 
 Barnet Cofman. 
 Lenord Shallcross. 
 Joseph Yeates. 
 Isaac Lile. 
 George Kentton. 
 John Keen. 
 Jacob Caster. 
 PhiHp Smith. 
 John Snyder. 
 Arthur Neismith. 
 Benjamin Cotman. 
 Christopher Fismire. 
 John Lince. 
 Mathias Yance. 
 Henry Hartly. 
 Peter Hartly. 
 James Tison. 
 Joseph Kerkner. 
 Isaac Eedwards. 
 
 Benjamin Vandgrief. 
 Joseph Ashton. 
 Joseph Howell. 
 Timothy Hick. 
 Joseph Taylor. 
 Henry Brings. 
 George Folkroth. 
 Samuel Wells. 
 John Nagle. 
 George Tomlinson. 
 John Addis. 
 Henry Mires. 
 George Caster. 
 Conrod Ox. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 Isreal Kentton. 
 Thomas Smith. 
 Lewis Griffy. 
 Elisha Keen. 
 Christopher Hartly. 
 George Farrah. 
 
 A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford Militia In 
 the first Reg* Phil^ County Commanded by Lieut. Coll 
 Benj° McVeagh. April i8'^ 1785 
 
 The above is the heading of the next muster roll. The 
 list of names is the same as the last except that the follow- 
 ing are omitted: Jacob Altemus, Philip Smith, Philip Moor, 
 
Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 53 
 
 Henry Brings, Samuel Wells, George Tomlinson, George 
 Caster, Conrod Ox, Lewis Griffy and George Farrah ; and 
 the following added: Philip Crisnian, Benj. Fisher, Jacob 
 Snider, John Comly, Richard Keys, Lenord Altemus and 
 John Storer. 
 
 A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford 6th Com- 
 pany First Battalion Philad. County Militia Commanded 
 by Lieut Coll Benj McVeagh for April and May 1786. 
 
 Commissioned. 
 Capt., James Potts. 
 Lieut., Joseph Davis. 
 Ensign, David Derrickson. 
 
 Fife, Jacob Folroth. 
 
 David Altemus. 
 Joseph Tomlinson. 
 Conrod Snider. 
 John Quee. 
 Leonard Shallcross. 
 Joseph Yeats Junr. 
 Isaac Lile. 
 George Kentton. 
 John Keen. 
 Jacob Caster. 
 John Snider. 
 Arthur Neismith. 
 Benjn. Cotman. 
 
 N(w Commissioned. 
 Christopher Lince. 
 Samuel Dungan. 
 Michal Braydy. 
 
 Thomas Smith. 
 Elisha Keen. 
 Christopher Hartly. 
 Benj" Fisher. 
 Samuel Emlen. 
 Larence Buskirk. 
 William Elviston. 
 Harman Wyly. 
 Richard Skeys. 
 John Comly. 
 John Edgington. 
 Jacob Livensetter. 
 Will'" Shallcross. 
 Jacob Keen. 
 George Street. 
 
54 
 
 Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 Christopher Fismire. 
 John Lince. 
 Mathias Yance. 
 Henry Hartly. 
 Peter Hartly. 
 Isaac Edwards. 
 Will'" Johnson. 
 Benj" Vandegrift. 
 Joseph Ashton. 
 Joseph Taylor. 
 George Folkrod. 
 George Caster Jun. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 Isreal Kenton. 
 Levi Kenton. 
 
 William Crips. 
 Jonathan Jones. 
 Jonathan Ray. 
 Benj° Tomlinson. 
 John Storer. 
 Lenord Altemus. 
 Danil Glenn. 
 George Tomlinson. 
 John Cofify. 
 Frederick Caster. 
 Sebastian Spencer. 
 Richard Tomlinson. 
 John Duffy. 
 Jesse Newport. 
 Robert Orchard. 
 
 A Role Call of the upper Division of Oxford first Com- 
 pany first Batt^ Philadelphia County Militia Comanded by 
 Major Isaac Worrell for October 1786 
 
 Commissioned. Non Commissioned. 
 
 Capt. James Potts. Samuel Dungan. 
 
 Lieut. David Alternus. Fife (5^ Drum. 
 
 Ensighn, Beni Vandegrieft. Jacob Folkrod. 
 
 The roll of privates includes all on the last list except 
 Peter Hartly, Wm. Johnson, Harman Wyly, Jacob Keen, 
 George Street, Jonathan Ray, Lenord Altemus, Daniel 
 Glenn, John Coffy and Frederick Caster, beside the follow- 
 in": in addition. 
 
Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 55 
 
 William Johnson. John Faremire, 
 
 Johm Carman. Jacob Ramack. 
 
 Jacob Riffert. David Newport. 
 
 John Lorton. George Farrow. 
 
 James Fryer. Andrew Scott. 
 
 Thomas Gordon. Richard Duffield. 
 
 John Bavington. John Knowles. 
 
 Arthur Burns. Isaac Keen. 
 
 Joseph Johnson. Samuel Howell. 
 Henry Caster. 
 
 In the above roll, Arthur Neismith is mentioned as de- 
 ceased, and eighteen others are marked "Gone" opposite 
 their names. 
 
 In several of the muster rolls, the list of names are al- 
 most entirely the same. It, therefore, seems unnecssary 
 to repeat them. In such cases, only the heading and such 
 new names as appear, will be given. 
 
 A Role Call of the upper Division of Oxford first Com- 
 pany first Batt^ Philadelphia County Militia Comanded by 
 Major Thomas Homes for October 1787. 
 
 The following new names appear. 
 
 John Fesmire. Charles Biles. 
 
 John Taylor. William Lear. 
 
 Simon Crews, (or Cruzen.) James Eliot. 
 
 'George Myers. James Wallace. 
 
 Sereck Fox. Jonathan Babington Jun. 
 
56 
 
 Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 A Role Call of Upper Division of Oxford First Compa- 
 ny first Batti Phild^ County Militia Commaned by Lieut. 
 Coll Isaac Worrell for October 1787 
 
 The following names appear for the first time. 
 
 Thomas Welden Watson. Henry Marr. 
 
 Andrew Carman. 
 William Eddinger. 
 
 Daniel Carson. 
 William Lardner. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
 fantry of the first Batt^ of Philad^ County Militia Com- 
 manded by Isaac Worrell Esq"" October 1787 
 
 Commissioned. Non Commissioned. 
 
 James Potts Capt. Thomas Chappell. 
 
 John Dyer Lieut. Christopher Lintz. 
 
 MusiCK. 
 Jacob Folkrod. 
 Francis Terrell. 
 
 Privates. 
 Richard Duffield. 
 Jeremiah Ward. 
 Samuel Dungan. 
 Isaac Staats. 
 William Walton. 
 John Ramboe. 
 John Elveston. 
 Patrick Crangle. 
 
 Frederick Past. 
 Thomas Filpott. 
 Joseph Davids. 
 Levi Kenton. 
 Peter Keen, 
 Benjamin Boar. 
 Jaques Holmes 
 Samuel Neff. 
 William McGargle. 
 Joseph Taylor. 
 Richard Tomlinson. 
 Joseph Strickler. 
 Mathew Orrison. 
 
Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 57 
 
 John Matcliener. 
 Thomas Peart. 
 Henry Helt. 
 John McVeagh. 
 Joseph Johnson. 
 Thomas McDowell. 
 John Patton. 
 Mathias Waxier. 
 Cornelias Sullivan. 
 Henry Bowers. 
 Fredrick Baugh. 
 
 Simon Kruzen. 
 Daniel Street. 
 David Boor. 
 John McRoy. 
 Samuel Briggs. 
 Thomas Grooms. 
 William Suterland. 
 Joseph Dyer. 
 Joseph Tomlinson. 
 Jonathan Walton. 
 Tacob Ramak. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
 fantry of the first Batt! of Philad* County Militia Com- 
 maned By Lieut. Coll Isaac Worrell June 1788. 
 
 The following new names are added : — Jacob VanDer- 
 grieft, John Plunket and John Homls. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
 fantry of the first Batt^ of Phil^ County Militia Commaned 
 By Isaac Worrell Esqr. 1789. 
 
 Commissioned. Musick. 
 
 James Potts, Capt. Fife Jacob Folkrod. 
 
 John Dyre, i Lieut. 
 Joseph Taylor, 2 Lieut. 
 
 The following new names appear in this Roll. 
 
 William Walton. Michal Yonker. 
 
58 
 
 Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 Nathaniel Gohun, 
 Thomas Davids. 
 
 Jesse Elveston. 
 Henry Shearer. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
 fantry of the Second Batt^ Phila. County Militia Com- 
 manded By Isaac Worrell Esquire for 1790. 
 
 In this Roll no new names appear. 
 
 A List or Role of the Light Infantry Company Atached 
 to the 5^^ Regiment of Philadelpa County Militia Com- 
 manded by Lut Coll Isaac Worrell November 1799. 
 
 Commissioned. 
 James Potts Capt 
 Samuel Paul Liut 
 Samuel Duncan Ens 
 
 Thomas Gilbert. 
 Lawrence Scetes. 
 Joseph Guilky. 
 Joab Gaw. 
 Martin Richards. 
 Benjamin Dungan. 
 Henry Rutzer. 
 John Worrell Ju^ 
 John Henry. 
 Andrew Shoch. 
 Bare'^ Shoch. 
 John McGargle. 
 
 John Herratage. 
 Jacob Lessly. 
 Samuel Felty. 
 John Lile. 
 Jesse Jackson. 
 Josiah Walton. 
 Jacob Harper. 
 Benjamin Lawrence. 
 William Peart. 
 Clement Smith, 
 Corneliou Tunison. 
 Isaac Burton. 
 Will"! Engard. 
 Chris'' Lutz. 
 Thomas Peart. 
 John Enoch. 
 
Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 59 
 
 The bottom of the sheet upon which the foregning Roll 
 is written, is torn off. It is probable that it may have con- 
 tained eight or nine additional names. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of light In- 
 fantry Attached to the 80* Regiment of Pensylvania Mili- 
 tia Commaned by Lieut. Coll. Worrell for 1801. 
 
 Commissioned. 
 James Potts Capt. 
 William Peart Lieut. 
 Samuel Dungan Ensin. 
 
 MUSICK. 
 
 Edward Well Drum 
 
 Names of Privates. 
 Andrew Shoch. 
 Jacob Harper. 
 John McGargle. 
 Samuel Felty. 
 Henry Retzer. 
 Joseph Gilky. 
 John Henry. 
 Barnard Shoch. 
 John Herretage. 
 John Enoch. 
 Jacob Lesly. 
 Enoch Lott. 
 Martin Richards. 
 
 NoN Commissioned. 
 i^* Job Gaw. 
 
 2 Thomas Gilbert. 
 
 3 John Worrell Jun"^ 
 
 Benjam" Worrell. 
 Bernard Vanhorn. 
 Joseph Hughes. 
 Joseph Bender. 
 Samuel Norton. 
 Joseph Shoch. 
 Henry Shoch. 
 Jesse Vanhorn. 
 John Mower. 
 Fredric Shoch. 
 Fredric A. Beigle. 
 John Gilbert. 
 James Smith. 
 Michal Folkrod. 
 William Love. 
 Charles Hill. 
 John Wood. 
 
6o 
 
 Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 
 
 Clement Smith. 
 Thomas Peart. 
 Archibald Watkins. 
 John Harrison. 
 Benjamin Peart •' 
 Benjamin Dungan. 
 James W. Potts. 
 
 Mark Heart. 
 John Arthur. 
 Joseph Linn. 
 Jacob Faunce. 
 Christian Willick. 
 Andrew Godshall. 
 
 A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light 
 Infantry Attacth* to 80 Regiment Pensylv^ Militia Com- 
 maned by Lieut. Coll Isaac Worrell — 1801. 
 
 Commissioned. 
 James Potts Capt. 
 Thomas Gilbert Lieut 
 Sam^ Dungan Ensig. 
 
 NoN Commissioned. 
 Job Gaw (Resigned.) 
 John Worrell. 
 Andrew Shoch. 
 
 Jacob Harper. 
 
 MusiCK. 
 Joseph Quicksel. 
 
 The following new names appear on this List. 
 
 Eneas Hughs. John James. 
 
 Jesse McGargle. Henry Lovell, 
 
 Sir Please to Pay Jacob Foulkrod the Just Account of 
 my Demand for Beating the Drum By So Doing you.U 
 Oblige your humble Servant 
 
 Febury the 4 1788 Jacob Altemus. 
 
 To Captn James Potts. 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 6i 
 
 ORDERLY BOOK. 
 
 In giving the following entries from this book, the order 
 in which they are found is given, and not the order of date. 
 The ruling and checking opposite the several lists of 
 names found in the original, has been omitted. 
 
 An Orderly Book Of the 2<^ Battalion of Phidelphia 
 County Militia Commaned By Lt CoP Benj'^ McVeaugh 
 At Newtown Septr 26th, 1781. 
 
 General Orders Septr 26th — 1781 
 The General takes this Early Oppetunity to inform the 
 Militia under his Command that they are to Consider 
 themselves Now under the Goverment of the Continental 
 Articles of War which he directs to be read to them to 
 morrow morning as it is the Officers Duty, the being Fath- 
 ers to their men to pay the Stricest attention to them the 
 Genl requires every Officer to be Stricly Attentive to their 
 Duty the Cap°^ Should See that the Subalterns do their 
 Duty and should pay a Constant attention to Every thing 
 that Concerns the Comfort & appearance of their Company 
 the Field Officers have the Gen^ Direction of the Whole & 
 not trusting others Should frequently Examine into every 
 particular thing that relates to the Comfort good Order & 
 Discipline of their Regt. The Use and Beauty of an Army 
 consists more in Regularity & Discipline than in Numbers 
 Hence it is nesesary from the CoP to the Sergent to be 
 Extremely Carefull & Attentive to Orders for it is of no 
 Use to them if the are not attended to. 
 
62 
 
 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 As the Troops for want of room are Quartered on the 
 Inhabitants the Gen^ hopes and Expects that both Officers 
 & men will be Carfull of the property Of the Inhabitants 
 Where they are quartered and rest Satisfied that the Mili- 
 tia of Pensylvania are influenced by Superior Motives than 
 to Desroy or injure the Property of their Neibours He 
 therefore hopes that no Complaint will be heard on that 
 account. The Gq^i^ has a very Strict and peremptory or-, 
 der to give to those Troops Quartered in the Meeting 
 house that they will be particularly Carefull not to injure 
 any thing Belonging to that building that no fire should be 
 made in the House except in the Stove nor Should Any 
 thing be Cut on the Seats. The Officers should be very 
 Careful of their Men in this respect and Should any 
 destruction be made the Damage must be Charged to the 
 Perpetrators who is so Lost to Good 
 
 1780 
 
 1781 
 
 1782 
 1783 
 
 1784 
 1785 
 
 1786 
 
 County of Phild^ to James Potts Dr 
 
 To Serving Coll. McVeugh' Batt^ as Adju- 
 tant ..... 
 
 To 2 days serving " 
 
 To Ditto 2 Days 
 
 Serveses as Capt in Said Batt^ . 
 
 To Making Return of Inhabitants . 
 
 To Repairs of the Drum 
 
 To Making Return of Inhabitants . 
 
 To 18 Days Serveses by Jacob Folkrod 
 As Fiffer in 1783 — 1784 — 1785 . 
 
 Settled and not Entered [Written in the margin.] 
 
 To Serveces by Jacob Altemus as Drummer 
 
 15 
 15 
 15 
 
 II 
 
 2 
 II 
 
 330 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 63 
 
 II Days 1783—84—85 . . . I 18 6 
 
 1786 To 4 Days Serveses by John Wessell o 14 o 
 
 1787 To making a Return of Inhabitants . o 15 o 
 Jacob Folkrods Serveses 4 Days . o 14 o 
 John Wessell 2 Days . . . .070 
 Henry Mires i Day Drumming . . 036 
 
 An Account of Extra Serveses. 
 
 1787 To 3 Days Serveces by Francis . . o 10 3 
 
 1788 To Collecting the Arms of my Distritc o 18 9 
 
 Eightieth Regiment P: M: to Jas Potts Dr 
 
 To Setting on an Appeal May 1802 . • 1$ 
 
 Octob 4 To holding an Election for Capt^ Ligt Infan 
 & Ensign ..... 
 
 1802 II To Ditto 3d Company upper Oxford Capt'^ 
 II To Ditto 7 Company Frankford Ditto Capt 
 16 To Ditto 7 Do for Lieutenant for Do . 
 21 To Ditto 3d Do for Lieut, for Ditto 
 21 To Ditto 3d Do for Ensign for Ditto . 
 
 I Nov To Setting on an Appeal for Militia 
 Dece 17 To Ditto Field Officers at Sniders Taven 
 May 2d 1803 To Attening an Election for a Lieuten- 
 
 1803 ant in the 7th Company 
 14 To holding an Election for Captain in first 
 
 Company at Harrowgate Votes Equal . 
 Sept 3d To Ditto first Company Capt Sz: Lieut 
 
 10 To Do first Do for Ensign 
 October loth To holding an Election for an Ensign in 
 
 first Company Account rendered in 
 
64 
 
 Appendix. — Ordei'ly Book. 
 
 April 2ist 1804 held an Election in the 8th Company 
 for an Ensign 
 
 We and Each of us Subscribers hereby Acknowledge the 
 Receipt of the Several Arms and Accutrements to our 
 Names Affixed Wich we Promise to Deliver when Called 
 for or In Case of Death or Removal in as good Order as 
 we Received them Except Injured in Actual Service to 
 Capt James Potts or any Other Commanding Offercer in 
 the upper Division of Oxford Township Witness our 
 hands the Date under Written in year 1788 
 
 George Street 
 
 his 
 James x Fryer 
 
 mark 
 Joseph Yates Jun 
 Jacob Riffert 
 
 his 
 Henry x Mires 
 
 mark 
 
 Peter Davis 
 John Keen 
 Daniel Glan 
 Richard Martin 
 John Snider 
 Cunard Snider 
 
 Jacob Ramak 
 John Taylor 
 Cristopher Hartly 
 Sereck Fox 
 John Carman 
 William Lear 
 John Lintz 
 
 his 
 John X C Lidy 
 
 mark 
 William magargel 
 Mathias Yantz 
 Richard Tomlinson 
 Samuel griffith 
 Jacob Van Dergrift 
 Samuel Dungun 
 
 * Probably William Edinger. 
 
 The arms and accoutrements delivered were Muskets, 
 Bayonets, Cartridge Boxes, Belts and Scabbards. 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 65 
 
 A Return of Fines of the Light Infantry of Coll. Worrels 
 Batl from 3d Novem 1787 to 5th of may 1789 
 
 Lieut Dyre. Jaques Holms. 
 
 Lieut Chapell. Will™ McGargle. 
 
 Jacob Folkrod. Joseph Taylor. 
 
 Chris'^ Lintz. Rich^^ Tomlinson. 
 
 Francis Terrell. Joseph Stricler. 
 
 Rich'i Duffield. Henry Helt. 
 
 Jaremiah Ward. Joseph Johnson. 
 
 Will^i Walton. David Boar. 
 
 John Ramboe. Sam^ Briggs. 
 
 Fredric Post. Jos Dyre. 
 
 Levi Kenton, Jos Tomlinson. 
 
 Benj'i Boar. Jona° Walton. 
 
 Memmarandom of the Light Infantry of Frankford At- 
 tacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylvaina Militia from the 
 Time of my Appointment of October — 1799. 
 
 James Potts Capt. 
 
 A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
 Attacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylvania Militia for 
 April — 1800 
 
 Lieut Sam^ Paul. Christian Whittock. 
 
 Lawrence Scates. Robert Hammilton. 
 
 Joseph Gilky. Andrew Godshall. 
 
 John Herretage. Jacob Harper. 
 
 Jesse Jackson. William Peart Ju'^ 
 Josia W^alton. 
 
66 
 
 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 A Return of Absentees 
 the 8oth Regiment Pensy] 
 
 Samuel Dungan Ensi 
 Job Gaw. 
 John Worrell Jun, 
 Henry Retzer. 
 John Henry. 
 John Enoch. 
 Enoch Lott. 
 Martin Richards. 
 Thomas Street. 
 John Harrison. 
 John Mower. 
 Benjamin Dungan. 
 
 of the Light Infantry Attacht to 
 vania Militia for 1800 & iSoi 
 
 Bernard Vanhorn. 
 Joseph Hughes. 
 Jacob Deal. 
 Samuel Norton. 
 William Love. 
 Henry Shoch. 
 Charles Hill. 
 John Wood. 
 Mark Hart. 
 John Ather. 
 Joseph Linn. 
 
 October 5 12 19 1799 Musick paid by the Company. 
 
 April 12 — 19 — 24 — 1800 Days Appointed by Law The 
 Musick paid by the Company. 
 
 October 4 — 11 — 17 — 1800 Days Appointed by Law mu- 
 sick paid by the Company. 
 
 April II — 18 — 23 — 180 1 Days Appointed by Law mu- 
 sick paid by the Company. 
 
 October 5 — 10 — 17 — 1801 Lawfull Days Musick by 
 the Company. 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 67 
 
 A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
 Attacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylv Militia Command- 
 ed by Isaac Worrell Esqr for 1801 [April] 
 
 John McGargle. 
 John Enoch. 
 Jacob Lesley. 
 Enoch Lott. 
 
 * Not in the County, t Sick. 
 
 John Harrison. 
 Benjamin Dungan.* 
 Samuel Norton.f 
 Jesse Van Horn.f 
 
 A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
 Attatched to the Both Regiment Pensyl^ Militia Comman- 
 ed by Lieut Coll Worrell for 1801 [May and June.] 
 
 Ensign Dungan. 
 Andrew Shoch. 
 John McGargle. 
 Sam^ Felty. 
 Henry Retzer. 
 Joseph Gilky. 
 John Henry. 
 Barnard Shoch. 
 John Heretage. 
 John Enoch. 
 Jacob Lesly. 
 Enoch Lott. 
 Martin Richards. 
 Clement Smith. 
 
 Archibald Watkins. 
 John Harrison. 
 Samuel Norton. 
 Jesse Vanhorn. 
 Fredric Shoch. 
 
 [July and August.] 
 Samuel Felty. Sick. 
 Jacob Lesley. 
 Samuel Norton. 
 Jesse Van horn. 
 Henry Retzer. 
 Joseph Gilky. 
 John Henry. 
 
68 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 A Riturn of Absentees belonging to the Light Infantry 
 Company attached to the 8oth Regiment of Pens^ Militia 
 Commanded by Lt. Coll Isaac Worrell for iSoi. [October.] 
 
 Ensign Dungan. Tho® Street. 
 
 John Enoch. Benj Peart. 
 
 Enoch Lott. John Herritage. 
 
 John Harrison. John McGargle. 
 
 Joseph Bender. Andrew Godshall. 
 Samuel Norton. 
 
 A Return of Absentees Continued 1802. [January.] 
 
 Saml Dungan. Joseph Hughes. 
 
 Jacob Harper. Joseph Bender. 
 
 John Herritage. Saml Norton. 
 
 John Enoch. Jesse Vanhorn. 
 
 Jacob Lessley. Fred A Beigle. 
 
 Enoch Lott. Eneas Hughs. 
 
 Arch<^ Watkins. Thom^ Street. 
 Bernard Vanhorn. 
 
 A Return of the Absentees of the Volunteer Company 
 of Light Infantry Attatch,d to the 80th Regiment Pensyla. 
 Militia for the Stated Days of Muster by Law 1802. 
 
 Names of Delinquents. Jesse Vanhorn. 
 
 Henry Retzer. Jesse McGargle. 
 
 Jacob Lesley. Ensign Dungan. 
 
 Enoch Lott. John McGargle. 
 
 Archibald Watkins. Barnard Vanhorn. 
 
 [The days are the loth, 17th and azd of April.] 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 69 
 
 An Account of the Arms & Acculrements Received from 
 the Following Persons of the upper Company of Oxford 
 first Batt^ October 1786 
 
 Richard Johnson. Capt. Dungan. 
 
 Isaac Keen. Spring 1787. 
 
 John Knowles. George Farrah. 
 
 Fredrick Caster. Robert Orchard. 
 Peter Hartle. 
 
 A Return of the Absentees of the Volunteer Company 
 of Light Infantry Attatched to the 80th Regimt. Pensyla. 
 Militia of Phil* County for 1802. [July,] 
 
 Ensign Dungan. Bernard Vanhorn. 
 
 John McGargle, Henry Shoch. 
 
 John Henry. Jesse Vanhorn. 
 
 John Enoch. Fredric Schoch. 
 
 Jacob Lisley. Christian Wittock. 
 
 Enoch Lott. Andrew Godshall. 
 
 Benj" Worrell. Jesse McGargle. 
 
 Received February 10^^ 1788 of James Potts the Sum of 
 Nine Pounds five Shillings & Nine pence in part for Ser- 
 veses Performed for the first Company First Batl Witness 
 my hand Jacob Foulkrod. 
 
 Oxford October 13TH 1783. 
 Receits of Arms and Accutrements delivered to the 
 
7o Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 Upper Division of Oxford Militia by Captain James Potts 
 First Batt^ Phil^ County Comaned by Coll Benj. MVeagh. 
 
 Received 17th of February 1788 of James Potts the Sum 
 of Six Shillings for Servis in the Light Infantry Company 
 Witness my hand Fran*^^ Tyrrell. 
 
 Received October 13th 1783 of Capt. James Potts one 
 Musket With Acutrements belonging thereto Witness my 
 hand. John Lince. 
 
 Received October 20th 1783 of Capt. James Potts one 
 Musket With Acutrements belonging thereto Witness my 
 hand. Joseph Yates. 
 
 Receved May 3d 1784 of Capt James Potts one Stand 
 of Arms Compleat Witness my hand 
 
 Received October 17th 1786 of Capt. James Potts the 
 Sum of 14 Shillings it being for Fifeing four Days for the 
 Company for year 1786 Witness my hand. 
 
 Jacob Foulkrod. 
 
 Received October i6th 1786 of Capt. James Potts the 
 Sum of Three Shillings & Nine pence it being for Drum- 
 ming on Said Day received per by me 
 
 Received October 23d 1786 of Capt James Potts the 
 Sum of Seventeen Shilling & Six pence it being for Drum- 
 ming 5 Days for the year 1786 Witness my hand. 
 
 John Wessell. 
 
. Appendix. — Orderly Book. 71 
 
 Received December 15th 1787 of Capt. James Potts the 
 Sum of Ten Shillings and Six pence in full to this Date it 
 being for Druming 3 Days in October 1787. 
 
 Fracs Tyrell. 
 
 Received of Capt James Potts, the following Public Arms 
 and Accutrements Which is hereunto our Names Anexed 
 Witness our hands this 9th Day of October 1786. 
 Thomas Smith John Fesmier 
 
 John Lince Henry Harttle 
 
 John Quee Chrpher Harttle 
 
 Israel Kenton John Snider 
 
 Jonathen Jones George Foulkrod 
 
 Connard Snider Jacob Ramah 
 
 George Caster 
 
 Received of Capt. James Potts the following Public 
 Arms & Accutrements Which is hereunto our Names 
 Anexed Witness our hands this i6th Day of October 1786 
 
 George x Farrahs mark Andrew Scott x 
 
 Joseph David. William Edhinnar 
 Robert Orchard (Edinger.) 
 
 William Shall cross Richard Tomlinson 
 
 Samuel Dungan John Keen 
 
 Received January 22d 1788 of Capt. James Potts 21 
 Muskets 19 Bayonets 23 Cartridge Boxes 18 Seaboards & 
 belts being Public Arms of the upper District of Oxford 
 Witness my hand Joseph Dearman Capt. 
 
72 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 Account of Arms and Accutrements Delivered to the 
 under Named Persons by James Potts Capt of the upper 
 Division of Oxford [1783.] 
 
 John Lince Thomas Smith. 
 
 Joseph Yeats. John Quee. 
 
 John Nagle. Isral Kentton. 
 
 Edmond Staats. Isaac Lile. 
 
 A List of Persons and the Arms & Accutrements they 
 Delivered up to mee 3 of January 1788. 
 
 John Taylor. George Folkrod. 
 
 Joseph Taylor. Jacob Ramah. 
 
 John Lintz. Joseph Davids. 
 
 John Quee. Samuel Dungan. 
 
 Isreal Kenton. John Keen. 
 
 Sereck Fox. Will'" Eddinger. 
 
 Conrod Snider. Rich^ Tomlinson. 
 
 John Snider. Isaac Lile. 
 
 George Caster. Joseph Yeates. 
 
 Christopher Hartle. Mathias Yance, 
 
 Amount of the fines incured under the State Law in the 
 Duplicate of the Light Infantry Attacht to the 80th Regi- 
 ment Philada County Militia Commanded by Coll Worrell 
 from 12 April 1800 to 23 April 1801 is 41 Dollars. 
 
 In the Duplicate of the By Laws from Sept 1800 to 6 
 June 1801 Amounts to 15 Dollars 25 Cents. 
 
 In the Duplicate of the Monthly Contributions Amounts 
 7 Dollars 62 Cents. 
 
Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 73 
 
 Coppy of a Return Made on October 17th 1785 of the 
 6th Company first Batt^ Philad. County Militia Commaned 
 By Benj^ M'Veagh Esqr. 
 
 James Tison, 
 John Salter. 
 Will™ Johnson. 
 Fredrick Caster. 
 [Signed.] 
 
 Joseph Howell. 
 Henry Mires. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 
 James Potts Capt. 
 
 Return of Absentees in the first Company First Batt^^ 
 Philad. County Militia Commanded by Lieu* Coll Benjn. 
 McVaugh. [1786.] 
 
 Samuel Emlen. 
 Leonard Shallcross. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 Sebastian Spencer. 
 Jacob Levensetter. 
 [Signed.] 
 
 Will™ Johnson. 
 John Coffy, 
 Isaac Lile. 
 Harm an Wiley. 
 
 Tames Potts Capt 
 
 Return of fines in the First Company First Batt^ Philad. 
 County Militia Commanded By Lieu* Coll Isaac Worrell 
 Esq^ [October, 1786.] 
 
 Leonard Shallcross. 
 Isaac Lile. 
 John Lince. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 Benj^ Fisher. 
 Samuel Emlen. 
 
 George Tomlinson. 
 Sebastian Spencer. 
 Richard Tomlinson. 
 John Dufty. 
 Jesse Newport. 
 Thomas Gordon. 
 
74 
 
 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 
 
 William Johnson. 
 Jacob Livensetter. 
 Benjn Tomlinson. 
 John Stover. 
 [Signed.] 
 
 Athur Burns. 
 Joseph Johnson. 
 Jesse Newport. 
 David Newport. 
 
 James Potts Capt. 
 
 A Return of Absentees made for April & May 1787 of 
 the first Company of foot in the first Batt^ Philadl^ County 
 Militia Commanded by Isaac Worrell Esq^ 1787 
 
 Leonard Shallcross. 
 Isaac Lile. 
 John Lince. 
 Thomas Shallcross. 
 Levi Kentorj. 
 Sam^ Emlen. 
 William Johnson. 
 Benjn Tomlinson. 
 
 Robert Orchard. 
 Richard Tomlinson. 
 Athur Burns. 
 Jesse Newport Jun. 
 David Newport. 
 Jacob Livenseter. 
 Andrew Scott. 
 
 Return of Absentees in the First Company First Batt. 
 Philad^ County Militia Commanded By Lieut. Coll. Isaac 
 Worrell Esq'^ For 1787. [October.] 
 
 Leonard Shallcross. Sam^ Emlen. 
 
 Thomas Shallcross. Jesse Newport Jun 
 
 Benj"^ Fisher. David Newport. 
 
 Benj" Tomlinson. • Will"^ Johnson. 
 Henry Riffert. Andrew Carman. 
 
 George Mires. 
 
AppeJidix. — Mzister Order. 75 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 
 
 Philadelphia County, September, 13th, 1787. 
 
 Notice is hereby given, To the Militia of the County of 
 Philadelphia, That the following days are appointed by 
 law, as days of exercise, viz. 
 
 In Companies the two first Monday's in the month of 
 October, viz. The first and Eighth. 
 
 And in Battalions in the following order, viz. 
 
 The first Battalion on the third Monday in 06tober, viz. 
 The 15 th. 
 
 The second Battalion on the Tuesday following, the i6th. 
 
 The Companies Commanded by Captain's Gray, Worrel, 
 and Streeper, will as usual join Col. Jone's Battalion on 
 Friday, the 19th of 06lober, &c. 
 
 The Troop of Light Horse, is to take Notice, that they are 
 to meet properly equipt on the company days, viz. ist and 
 8th of 06lober, at Shippen's field, nearly opposite to the 
 Robin Hood, on the Ridge Road ; it is expe6ted they will 
 be ready to form by eleven o'Clock in the morning ; at the 
 meeting a Captain to be Ele6led in the Room of Captain 
 Hopkins Resigned. 
 
 They are also to meet on the 15 th of 06lober, at the ten 
 mile Stone, on the New-town road, by eleven o'Clock in 
 the morning, in order to join Col. Worrel's Battalion. 
 
 The Militia will please to observe, that for the future, it 
 is expefted, that if they have any appeal to make for being 
 absent on any of the days appointed as days of Exercise, 
 they must make the same within ten days after Battalion 
 
7 6 Appendix. — Toasts. 
 
 day, to their respective officers, as any applications later, 
 will be ineffectual. 
 
 Given under my Hand, this 13th day of September, 
 
 William Coats, Lieutenant, C. P. 
 
 1 May the present year produce Peace and Plenty to 
 the sons of Liberty throughout the world. 
 
 2 May the Rising generation throughout the world be 
 indowed with principles of the rights of man. 
 
 3 May the time ol Tirants & tories be like unto Jonah's 
 Goard. 
 
 4 George Washington Benjamin Franklin & all others, 
 patriots of American Independancy, May their Names be 
 held in gratefull remembrance by the people of the United 
 States. 
 
 5 May the insueing Presidential Chair be filled with 
 Honor to the United States. 
 
 6 Thomas McKean the Govenor of Pennsylvania & the 
 pride of the Republicans. 
 
 7 May the Present year give New Lustre to the Great 
 Bulwark of the Nation, the Militia. 
 
 8 The thirteen Usurpers in the Senate of Pennsylva- 
 nia, may they for ever be remembered by the true Sons of 
 Liberty. 
 
 9 May the Republicans of the United States triumph 
 over Tyrany & Congratulate the Downfall of their Antag- 
 onists. 
 
 10 May the Alien & Sedition Laws meet with a Speedy 
 Obliteration. 
 
Appendix. — Toasts. 7 7 
 
 11 The Shores of the United States, may they be an 
 Asylum for the friends of liberty & the admirers of our 
 Constitution. 
 
 12 May the Commotions of the Seas "Strike terror on & 
 Sink the plunderers of our Commerce. 
 
 13 Thomas Jefferson Vice President of the United 
 States, May his good patriotism well merited intitle him to 
 the Name of President of the United States of America. 
 
 14 Tliomas Jefferson friend to Liberty & to his Con- 
 stituents. 
 
 15 A Sound Sleep to the Enemies of Liberty. 
 
 16 The Era now Commenced in the United States, the 
 Sure pledge of the Downfall of despotism and Aristocacy. 
 
 On the first day of the new year, the celebration of the 
 Election of President & vice President of the United States, 
 was held at the House of Major Sullivan in Frankford, by 
 the first Philad^ County troop of Horse Commanded by 
 Capt?^. Snider and the Company of Light Infantry attached 
 to the 80th Regiment Commanded by Capt" Potts, after 
 performing Military exercise — sat down to an excelent 
 repast provided on the occation — after which the following 
 toasts were drank. 
 
 1 The present year may it produce peace & plenty to 
 the Sons of freedom throughout the world. 3 Cheers i 
 volley. 
 
 2 Thomas Jefferson president Elect, the rock on which 
 the storms of monarchal faction long has beat without 
 avail. 6 cheers i volley. 
 
 3 Aaron Burr vice president Elect, the tried and un- 
 
78 AppC7jdix. — Toasts. 
 
 daunted friend of his Country. 3 Cheers i volley. 
 
 4 George Washington & Benjamin Franklin the great- 
 est of the late age, may their fame be held in remembrance 
 until time shall be no more. 
 
 5 The Government of the United States, may it be 
 conducted with admiration to the World. 3 Cheers i 
 volley. 
 
 6 The Governor of Pennsylvania, Republicans pride. 
 3 Cheers i Volley. 
 
 7 The Militia the only safe defence & bulwark of our 
 nation, may the present year add new lustre thereto, 3 
 Cheers i volley. 
 
 8 The rising generations of the world, may they be in- 
 dowed with the principles of the rights of man. 3 Cheers 
 I volley. 
 
 9 The time of Tirants & torys, may they be like unto 
 Jonahs goard. 6 Cheers i volley. 
 
 10 May the Republicans of the United States triumph 
 over Aristocracy and foreign influence to the end of time. 
 3 Cheers i volley. 
 
 11 May the alien & sedition laws be speedily oblitera- 
 ted. I voile}'. 
 
 12 The Shores of the United States may they be an 
 Asylum for the opressed friends of freedom and the admir- 
 ers of our constitution. 3 Cheers i volley. 
 
 13 May the commotions of the seas strike terror on 
 and sink the plunderers of our commerce. 3 Cheers i 
 volley. 
 
 14 The manufactories, agriculture, and commerce of 
 our country may they rise superior to any in the world 
 3 Cheers i volley. 
 
Appendix. — Regimental Orders. 79 
 
 15 A sound sleep to the enemies of Liberty, 
 
 16 The Era now commenced in the United States, the 
 sure pledge of the downfall of Toryism the Aristocray. 
 
 Regimental Orders. 
 
 For the 80^^ Regiment on the 23*^ of April. 
 
 1 The Regiment to parade at 12 oCIock precisly to be 
 formed with the Horse & Infantry on the flanks. 
 
 2 Standing Salute. 
 
 3 Manuel Exercise. 
 
 4 Wheeling by Platoons. 
 
 5 Do. by Divisions. 
 
 6 form Collom on the right the right in front. 
 
 7 Do. Collorri on the left the left in front. 
 
 8 Do. Collom on the 5th platoon the right in front. 
 
 9 advance the whole Charge & fire a volley. 
 
 10 change the front. 
 
 11 Marching Salute in platoons. 
 Call the role & dismiss. 
 
 April 17th 1 80 1. Isaac Worrell 
 
 Capt" James Potts. Coll: 80^^ Reg. P. M. 
 
 Light Infantry. 
 
 Order of Sham Battle for the 22D of Oc^ 1801 for 
 THE 80TH Regt : P. M. 
 
 Major Pearson will command the right wing Major Sul- 
 livan the left. 
 
 The left wing will form Column and march to the oppo- 
 
So Appendix. — Reghnental Orders. 
 
 site side of the field from the Parade ground and then dis- 
 play. 
 
 The right will form Column on the right Platoon and 
 advance to a proper distance from the left and halt and 
 display to the left. 
 
 The Platoons of each will fire from right to left. 
 
 The right & left Squadrons of horse will charge each oth- 
 er during this manoeuvre and return at the signal given by 
 Maj. P. which the commanding officer of each Squad is 
 requested to take notice of, and form to the right & left of 
 Maj. P's Division. 
 
 Maj. P. will then order his Division to the right about 
 face and retreat. 
 
 The Infantry who are to reserve their fire will now ad- 
 vance and face Maj. Sullivans Division in order to cover 
 the retreat of Maj. P's division and the Horse will charge 
 the right & left Platoons of Maj. S's division which right & 
 left Platoons are to receive them with a Charge and the 
 Center Platoons are to keep up their fire on the Infantry 
 as soon as Maj. P's division is on the Parade ground the 
 Horse and Infantry will take their stations on the ground 
 as they where first Paraded & Maj. S's Division will also 
 march and form on their original ground. 
 
 The subscriber is thus particular as his whole reliance 
 for the due execution of this manoeuvre as well as all oth- 
 ers on this day is on the exertions of his Brother officers 
 as it will be the first time he has had the honor to com- 
 mand a regiment, of Course will not be able to go through 
 with the arduous task without it. 
 
 Clement B. Pearson, 
 
 Cap. Potts. Maj. Com. pro Tem. 
 
Appendix. — Letter. 8 1 
 
 [The following extract is from a letter addressed on the 
 outside to " Mr, James Potts, Oxford," and on the inside to 
 his wife, and was from her sister, Miss Ann Wessell. From 
 the previous portion of the letter it appears that Miss Wes- 
 sel had been spending a few days in the country, and on 
 her return to the city sends this letter back to her sister, in 
 which she gives a brief account of the honors paid to Gen- 
 eral Washington on his passage through Philadelphia and 
 Trenton, on his way from his home at Mount Vernon 
 to New York to be inaugurated first President of the 
 United States, in 1789. The procession referred to, was 
 probably the grand demonstration on the Fourth of July, 
 1788, a full description of which can be found in Carey's 
 Avierican Museum for 1798.] 
 
 "* ''^ I was angry enough to cry, when I was told 
 what great works there was here a Monday ; there was more 
 people here than on the day of the Procession ; the bridge 
 at Schuylkill was beautifully dressed with laurel and pine 
 shrubs and an elegant arch was was at one end and a little 
 boy was dressed in white and placed unperceived among 
 the bushes; and as the General moved along under he 
 crowned him with a wreath of laurels : and at Trenton 
 it was partly the same only it was decorated by the Tren- 
 ton Ladies and a number of Ladies was standing on one 
 side the bridge, on the other side as many little misses 
 dressed in white with wreaths of flowers on their heads, 
 and baskets of flowers in hands strewing them before him 
 
8 2 Appendix. — Letter. 
 
 as he passed singing a song composed on the occasion. He 
 stopped to hear them seeming quite lost in thought remem- 
 bering that spot I suppose. When they had done he bowed 
 and said something very pretty to them and rode on. "* "^ 
 
ANCESTRAL CHARTS. 
 
 ■^EJS5T^^ 
 
 On the following pages are given charts of the American 
 ancestors of Major James Potts and of his wife, Sarah 
 Wessell, so far as is at present known to the writer. The 
 ancestors of "John Wessels, " were residents of New Am- 
 sterdam, now New York. The writer has in manuscript 
 some account of the descendants of Wesel Evertszen and 
 Geertie Bouwkens, the ancestors of one branch of the 
 "Wessels" or "Wessell" family. Until about the year 
 1700, the Dutch system of patronymics was adhered to. 
 
84 
 
 Ancestral Chart. 
 
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 Ancestral Chart. 85 
 
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CHA 
 
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T. 
 
 iCJcL Potts, 
 
 1778. d. 1861. 
 
 Potts, 
 
 1779. d. 1779. 1 
 
 NJtL Potts, 
 
 1779. d. 1779. 
 
 Rush Potts. 
 . 1779. d. 1779. 
 
 ii|ah Potts, ist, 
 
 1780. d. 1789. 
 
 ; Wessell Potts, 
 . 1782. d. 1859. 
 
 Potts, 
 
 >. 1786. d. 1867. 
 
 Potts, 
 ). 1787. d. 1856. 
 
 EL Pons, 
 
 ). 1790 d. 1823. 
 
 aIsiah Potts, 2nd, 
 D. 1792. d. 1875. 
 
 
 ' ." 
 
 cu 
 
ANCESTRAL CHART. 
 
 David Potts. -, 
 Thomas Croasdale . '- 
 
 Daniel Potts. 
 
 Agnes 
 
 Peter Shoemaker. 
 
 Ahce Croasdale. 
 
 Herman Op den Gr 
 
 PeterShoemaker 
 
 Samuel Potts 
 
 [aef. Margaret Gp den J 
 [Graef. 
 
 1 Sarah Shoemaker 
 
 James Potts 
 
 John Rush. 
 Susanna Lucas. 
 
 - William Rush. ^ 
 Aurelia ^ 
 
 (ames Rush. 
 
 Krvan Peart. 
 
 Jane 
 
 Ann Rush. 
 
 Rachel Peart. 
 
 Wessel Evertszen. 
 Geertie Bouwkens. 
 
 Evert Wessels. 
 
 Claes Tansen Stavast. ) , . ,„ , 
 
 AeltjeGerritsen. \ Jannetje Claes. 
 
 Cornells Van Tienhoven. > ,\ ,r r,,. 
 
 Rachel Vinj^.* j- L|ucas V. lienhoven. ^ 
 
 Wessel Evertse. 
 
 
 Claes Bording. 
 Susanna Marsuryns. 
 
 >lJ 
 
 ryntje Kording. 
 
 \ 
 
 SusannaV. Tienhoven ^- ]■ 
 
 
 Henry Slirk. 
 
 Rachel Poit.s, 
 
 b. 1778. d. 1861. 
 
 David Potts, 
 
 b. 1779. d. 1779. ] 
 
 I 
 
 Daniel Pott.s, \ 
 
 b. 1779. d. 1779. I 
 
 John Rush Pott.s. J 
 b. 1779. d. 1779. 
 
 Hannah Potts, ist, 
 b. 1780. d. 1789. 
 
 James Wessell Potts, 
 b. 1782. d. 1859. 
 
 Ann Potts, 
 
 b. 1786. d. 1867. 
 
 Eliza Potts, 
 
 b. 1787. d. 1856. 
 
 Samuel Pons, 
 
 b. 1790 d. 1823. 
 
 Hannah Potts, 2nd, 
 b. 1792. d. 1875. 
 
 I ~ I