CR/XII/610 *{See legend below}
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 29 January, 1781
Ordered, That John Cannon and Gideon Ritchey, both of the county of Bedford, be appointed Agents for Confiscated Estates in the said county of Bedford.
CR/XII/615
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 03 February, 1781
A return of the election of justices for the township of Huntingdon, in the county of Bedford, was receiv'd and read, by which it appears that John Cannon and John cryder were duly elected Justices for the said township; whereupon,
Resolved, That John Cannon, Esq'r, be appointed a Justice of the Peace for the county of Bedford, and that he be commissioned accordingly.
CR/XII/622-623
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 10 February, 1781
The Council taking into consideration the appointing officers for the four companies of Rangers, to he raised in this State, for the defence of the frontiers; on consideration,
Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed & commissioned accordingly, vizt: ...John Boyd, Captain, Richard Johnston, Lieutenant; and --------- Ensign, of the company to be raised in the county of Bedford.
And the following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, vizt: ... In favour of Captain John Boyd, for the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, new Continental or State money, for the purpose aforesaid, for which he is to be accountable.
CR/XII/629
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 15 February, 1781
Resolved, That the several Lieutenants and sub-Lieutenants, except of Bedford, Northumberland, and Westmoreland, directed by this Board to receive the recruits to be raised by the act of Assembly, passed the last session, intitled "An act to complete the quota of the Foederal army assigned to this State," do deliver the recruits furnished by the several classes to the commanding officer of the several regiments, stationed as follows, vizt:
The regiment of Artillery at Newtown. The First regiment of Infantry at Yorktown. The Second do. at Yellow Springs. Third do. at Easton. Fourth do, at Carlisle. Fifth do. at Reading. Sixth do. at Lebanon.
1/VIII/749
Letter from President Joseph Reed to the Inhabitants of Bedford County, "at or about Standing Stone", 01 March, 1781
Gentlemen, Mr. Canan being desirous to return before the Assembly have come to a Determination with Respect to the Frontiers, it is not in my Power to give a full Answer to your Inquiry with Respect to the Defence of the Frontiers. But for your Satisfaction have thought it necessary to acquaint you that the Council have laid a Plan for their Defence before the Assembly by which four Companies of 60 Men each are to be raised as a standing Force, & 330 Militia to be kept up for 8 Months, & so stationed as to be most useful to the Parts exposed. That an Expedition against Detroit is in contemplation & in that Case Endeavors will be used to act offensively elsewhere. This is the proposed Plan which we have requested the Assembly to furnish us with the Means of Execution, but how far the State of the Treasury will be adequate to the End proposed cannot yet be known. Nor can we give you farther Encouragement than this Account of the State of Things, on which you will form your Determinations. It will give the Council great Satisfaction to relieve your Distresses & remove your Apprehensions, & we flatter ourselves the Time is not far distant when this will be effectually done by an honourable Issue to the War, provided proper Exertions are used on our Parts.
Directed, -To the Inhabitants of Bedford County at and about Standing Stone.
CR/XII/647
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 03 March, 1781
The Council resumed the consideration of the petition of divers inhabitants from the settlement of Dunning's Creek, in the county of Bedford, complaining of the conduct of James Martin, Esquire, in the execution of his office of Sub-Lieutenant of the said county; thereupon,
Resolved, That a copy of the same be sent to Colonel Martin and that he be directed to return an answer as soon as possible.
CR/XII/664-665
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 20 March, 1781
The Honourable John Piper, Esquire, presented to the Council an account for his attendance in Council, as follows:
Dr. The State of Pensylvania in account with John Piper.
To 151 days attendance in Council at 25s. per day £188
To mileage, to and from Philadel'a, 400 miles, at 1s. per mile 20 Cr. By cash at sundry times 115 £ 97
And thereupon, An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Honourable John Piper, Esquire,
for the sum of ninety-three pounds, State money, ballance of his account for his attendance in council as a member of this Board, to the nineteenth instant.
CR/XII/676-677
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 28 March, 1781
In answer to your message respecting the Lieutenants and sub-Lieutenants of the militia, we wou'd observe, that untill the late act, entitled "An Act for the regulation of the militia of the Commonwealth of Pensylvania," these officers were appointed by the House of Assembly, and solely accountable to them, or the Auditors, also of their own immediate appointment, and who certainly are and have been long vested with sufficient power to enforce a settlement with them, and other publick defaulters, if any such there are. We presume, therefore, that these accounts are not included in the resolution of the twenty-sixth instant.
Since the power of calling for these accounts has been vested in the Council, we have not been inattentive to the duty, having both publickly and privately called upon -them to render their accounts. The Lieutenants who have complied, are those of Philadelphia city and county, Bucks and Northampton. Those of the counties of Bedford, Northumberland, and Westmoreland, from their particular circumstances, can have no accounts under the present militia law, and several of the others have informed the Board that they they are preparing their accounts, and will render them without delay; shou'd they neglect, we shall not hesitate to put the laws in force against them.
We do not apprehend it to have been the intention of the Legislature, that the Council should audit the accounts, and therefore, when rendered, have directed the Lieuten'ts to attend the Auditors for settlement.
They are too bulky and voluminous to be copied under some weeks, therefore, we forward you the originals of such as have come to hand.
Though the Lieutenants and the Sub-Lieutenants are the only officers in the State over whom the laws have given power to the Council in matter of accounts, and the year since the law is but just expired, we are not inattentive to the laudable zeal of the House in reminding the Council of the duties required of them by law. We flatter ourselves it is an earnest of general inquiry, and that the Collectors of Excise tonnage and duties on negroes, and a great variety of others who have been interested with public monies, and who are accountable to the Assembly only, tho' much longer in arrears than the present Lieutenants, will, in future, partake of the notice of the House, so that each branch of Government, in its respective capacity, may he equally emulous to forward and promote a speedy and accurate adjustment of the publick accounts.
1/IX/149
Letter from George Ashman (apparently) to the Supreme Executive Council, 18 May, 1781
At a meeting of the Lieuts. & Sub Lieuts. of Bedford County have devided the said County Into Districkts as follows, that is to Say, Bedford Township Turkey Foot, Brother Vally, Qemihoning, & Milford Township, and that part of Providence Township on the north side Juniatta Rover to compose one Battallion.
Dublin Township, Shurley, Barree, Hopewell, Frankstown, & Huntington Township, are to Compose One Battallion.
Air Township, Bethel, Providence, Colerain and Cumberland Valley Townships are to Compose One Battallion, Except those of the Inhabitants that live on the north Side of Juniatta River, & John Livingston, Amos Jones, Adam Miller, & Abraham Covalt, that lives on the South Side of Juniatta, they are to fall in with the Bedford Battallion this Division agreed to By, Gorge Ashman, L.B.C. Robert Culbertson, S.L.B.C. James Martin, S.L.B.C. Edward Combs, S.L.B.C.
1/IX/152-153
Letter from George Ashman to President Joseph Reed, 19 May, 1781
On Friday the fourth of this Instant the Indians came into this County Killed one man a woman and two children and took one man prisoner within one mile of Colo John Pipers on Yellow creek, I have Just received the returns of all the male white Inhabitants residing in this county that come under the Militia Law in the whole foureteen Hundred and fifty six and am now forming them. I hope your Excelency will order one hundred of the Militia of Cumberland County to be ready to take post in this county when those that are now heare are discharged, which will he the foureteenth day of June or send me such orders as will enable me to call out the Militia of this County from the interior parts of it by that time. If this is omitted I can assure your Excelency that a principal part of the Inhabitants of this County will moove of, as man familys have already moov'd when the late damage was dun. I have been obliged to surply the cumberland Militia with ammunition therefore pleas to order three hundred of powder and six hundred of Lead to he sent for the use of this county as soon as possible as the County is much in want of amunition you may depend that nothing shall he wanting of me in the execution of my office that is in my power.
1/IX/192-193
Letter from Arthur Buchanan to Capt. Postlethwaite, 05 June, 1781
Dr. Sir, I send you a Copy of a Letter that I received from Col. Ashman, L. B. C.
"Sir, by an Express this moment from Franks Town we have the bad news. As a party of Volunteers from Bedford was going to Franks Town, a party of Indians fell in with them this morning and Killed thirty of them. Only seven made their Escape to the Garrison of Franks Town. I hope that you'll Exert yourself in getting men to go up to the Stone and pray let the River people know as they may turn out. I am in health GEO. ASHMAN. June 3d 10 O'clock.
Col. Arthur Buchanan. Besides the above we have Intelligence from Penns Valey, that the Enemy is this day Discovered at that post, & dont no when they mean to attack our people. Col. Brown Yesterday Marched a party of men to the Stone, & this day Cap" Means with a party marches to Pens Valley to Reinforce that post. The Last of the Amunition I gave out last night, which was about three Loads a man and if there is not a suply of that article, our young men cant turn out to defend our Country in time of Danger. The bearer Mr. Mathew Kelly will inform you of the particulars. I should be very fond if you would send over to me 100 Weight of Powder, 200 Weight of Lead, and 100 Flints. Your Compliance will much Oblige your Friend. ARTHUR BUCHANAN.
1/IX/192
Letter from Samuel Postlethwaite to President Joseph Reed, 05 June, 1781
I have thought it my Duty to send the inclosed Copy of a letter I received this day, from Col. Buchanan, one of the sub Lietenants of this County and to inform your Excellency that all the ammunition I could send, was only sixty pounds of Lead, forty pounds of Gun powder, & 100 flints, which I believe is all the Lieutenants can command at present, as what ammunition they brought to this County was left in my care, and that sent this day to Col. Buchanan is the last.
I have the Honour to he your Excellency's most Obedient Humble Servant, Sam. Postlethwaite.
(Arthur Buchan to Capt. Postlethwaite, Kishacoquillis, 5th June, 1781) I send you a copy of a Letter that I received from Col. Ashman, L.B.C.
Sir, by an Express this moment from Franks Town we have the bad news. As a party of Volunteers from Bedford was going to Franks Town, a party of Indians fell in with them this morning and Killed thirty of them. Only seven made their Escape to the Garrison of Franks Town. I hope that you'll Exert yourself in getting men to go up to the Stone and pray let the River people know as they may turn out. I am in Health Go. Ashman.
(June 3d 10 O'clock. Col. Arthur Buchanan.) Besides the above we have Intelligence from Penns Valey, that the Enemy is this day Discovered at that post, & dont no when they mean to attack our people. Col. Brown Yesterday Marched a party of men to the Stone, & this day Capn Means with a party marches to Pens Valley to Reinforce that post. The Last of the Amunition I gave out last night, which was about three Loads a man and if there is not a suply of that article, our young men cant turn out to defend our County in time of Danger. The bearer Mr. Mathew Kelly will inform you of the particulars. I should be very fond if you would send over to me 100 Weight of Powder, 200 Weight of Lead, and 100 Flints. Your Compliance will much Oblige your Friend. Arthur Buchanan.
1/IX/202-203
Letter from George Ashman to President Joseph Reed, 12 June, 1781
I have to inform you that on Sunday the third of this instant a party of the rangers under Captain Boyd eight in number, with twenty-five Volunteers under Capt. Moore and Lieut. Smith of the Militia of this County had an Engagement with a party of Indians (said to be numerous) whithin three Miles of Frankstown where Seventy-five of the Cumberland militia was station'd, commanded by Captn. Jas. Young, sum of the party running into the Garrison acquainting Capt. Young of what had happend he Issued out a party Immediatly and Brought in Seven more five of whome are wounded and two made there escape to Bedford, Eight Kild and scalpt, capt. Boyd, Captn. moore, and Captn. Dunlap with six others are missing, Captn. Young expecting from the enemys numbers that his garrison would be surrounded sent express to me Immediately, but before I could colleckt as many voluntiers as was sufficient to march to Frankstown with the Enemy had return'd over Alligany hill, the warters being high occation'd by heavy rains they could not be pursu'd, this County at this time is in a Deplorable sittuation a number of Familys are flying a way daily ever since the late damage was dun, I can assure youre Excellency that if Immediate assistance is not sent to this County that the whole of the frontiere Inhabitants will move of in a few days. Colo. Ahm. Smith of cumberland has Just Inform'd me that he has no orders to send us any more militia from Cumberland County to our assistance which i am much surpris'd to heare, I shall move my family to Maryland in a few days as I am convinc'd that not any one settlement is able to make any stand against such numbers of the Enemy. If your Excellency should please to order us any assistance less than three Hundred will be of but little reliefe to this County, ammunition we have not any, the Cumberland militia will be Discharg'd in two days. It is dreadful to think what the consequence of leaving such a number of helpless Inhabitants may be to the Crueltys of a savage Enemy.
Please to send me by the first opportunity Three hundred pounds as I cannot possably doe the business without money, you may Depend that nothing shall be wanting in me to serve my Cuntry as far as my abilities.
2/III/427-428
Circular Letter to the Commissioners of the taxes of the several counties, 25 June, 1781
Inclosed we send you the law lately passed for raising effective Supplies for the Year. It is difficult to convey to you an Idea of the distressing Condition in which our publick Affairs here are for Want of current Money, & unless the most Immediate & vigorous Exertions are used to execute this Law & collect the taxes under it, the most fatal Consequences are to be apprehended. We therefore entreat you, as you value the Interests & Safety of the State, as well as the common Cause, to lay aside all other Business which may interfere with this, & urge every Person concerned to like Activity & Zeal. We have now above 4,000 Persons in the State actually suffering for Want of Provisions, besides the various other Demands of the State which neither admit of Refusal or Delay.
We must also remind you of the Settlement of the Account for recruiting the Federal Army under the late Act. It will he absolutely necessary that the delinquent Classes should be compelled to pay, without Delay. Council have * * * this Business so often, both by Resolve & Letter, that they hope a final Adjustment of that Matter will not be postponed. Should it unhappily he the Case, their Duty will oblige them to impose the Penalties by Law adjudged. To prevent Frauds in Collectors, & Partialities, we would have you direct the Assessors to distinguish the Non-Jurors in the returned Duplicate, so that as little may he left to the Collector as possible.
1/IX/234-235
Letter from Pres. Reed to Col. Ab'm. Smith, 28 June, 1781
Sir, I enclose you an order to Call forth one Class of Militia to relieve the poor Inhabitants of Bedford, who are in the greatest Distress. We have directed the Militia of your County in Northumberland to be relieved by Militia from Lancaster, which will be an Ease to your County, exchanging two Classes for one. The Convention Prisoners to the Number of 4000 having been march'd into this State, we have new Militia called out from the City, from Lancaster, York, Berks, & Northampton, & must probably keep them out for a long Space of Time. On the llth Inst., the Assembly fixed the Pay at 3s. 6 [Per] Day, in Gold or Silver, the Fines to be collected in the same Specie. ~ On the 33th the Arrearages of all Taxes & Militia Fines were directed to be collected in State Money or Specie at the Rate of one State Dollar for 75 old Continental, in which they had been assessed. ~ We most earnestly wish you would have the Accounts settled accordingly, & in the future Calls cause the Collection of Fines to be made with the utmost Dispatch, which you will observe is the more necessary as we can give no Assistance from the publick Treasury till the Fines of the County are ascertained. ~ We are apprehensive that if we do not meet with more success in recruiting the Line under the Law of the present Session than the last much Dependance will necessarily be placed on the Militia, which, therefore, you will get in the best Order possible.
I am Sir, with due Regard, Your Obed. Hble. Serv.
l/IX/236-237
Letter from Captain Charles Cesna to Colonel James Morgan, 30 June, 1781
The Bearer Mr. Isaac Worrell one of my Deputys in the purchasing way in this County goes to you for the express purpose of getting your advice in order to direct and govern me in the Departments, the distresses of this County is truly great, Murders and depredations are committed almost every week, and not a single Article can he had for the Money that's now current; I am even threatened and inveighed against by the people, for not having suitable provisions for such as do Militia duty, and it is impossible for me to get it for the Money 1 have; I am indebted to numbers in Consequence of such articles as we purchased and so are my Deputies, having engaged on the Credit of the Money and wch is now useless; and unless something be done in order to enable us to get provisions for such as are employed in protecting the County, 1 am afraid the settlement brake up totally and that very soon. It is impossible for me to send you an accurate Return having purchased on the credit of the Moneywch was in so fluctuating a state while it dubiously passed as to leave no room for a certain price in any Article; and now no person wou'd receive any quantity of it for a single Beef Cattle, I beg you wil dispatch the Bearer with all due haste and I hope in such a manner equiped as will enable me and those that are employed by me in the service to do the requisite and necessary Duty expected of us.
2/III/431
Circular Letter to the Commissioners of taxes, 11 July, 1781
The proviso contained in the twenty-fifth Section of the act, entitled "An act to raise effective Supplies for the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one," by which those who have taken the oath or affirmation of Allegiance to this State, &c., are permitted to pay one-half of the sums assessed upon them respectively in the paper hills of credit emitted in pursuance of an act passed on the seventh day of April, 1781, &c., renders it absolutely necessary to take the most effectual precautions against the abuses which may otherwise be practised under pretence of that proviso.
You are therefore hereby directed to give explicit orders to the township, ward and district assessors respectively, to insert in the return of names and surnames by the said law required to be made to you, a clear distinction between those who have taken the oath or affirmation of allegiance to the State, and those who have not taken the same. The dividing the return into two colums, one for those who have taken the said oath or affirmation, and the other for those who have not taken the same, will be the most proper and effectual.
It is also highly necessary to put the Assessors on their guard against impositions on them by persons who have not taken the s'd oath or affirmation and to remind them that producing a certificate of their having the same is the only proper proof.
CR/XIII/1
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 18 July, 1781
Resolved, That Captain Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, be directed to deliver to the Hon'ble Thomas Smith, Esquire, three hundred weight of gun powder and four hundred weight of lead, to be by him forwarded to colonel George Ashmant, Lieutenant of the county of Bedford, for the use of the militia of the said county.
2/III/434-435
Letter from the Supreme Executive Council to Archibald McClean, Esq., 18 July, 1781
The State if Pennsylvania in Acco't with Archibald McClean, Esq'r. - September and October, 1778. Dr.
Expenses within the counties of York and Cumberland, in journeying to and from Bedford, by order of
Council, for holding a Court of Oyer & Terminer, (£18 8s. 4d. specie,) conti., at 4 for one, £4 12 1
8 Days within the s'd counties, when on journey £8
9 Days in the county of Bedford, in journeying & holding court 9
Balance of his acco'tt for paying bounty to Penns'a line, at York-town, £4 12s. 6d.,
conti., at 3 for 1 1 10 10
Allowance for receiving & paying the sum of £1,730 to the men of Pennsylvania line, at York-town 53 £76 2 11 For £67 2 11.
Pay to Archibald McLean, Esq'r, or his order, the sum of Seventy-six pounds two shillings and eleven pence, specie, amount of the annexed account.
2/III/444
Letter from President Reed to the Commissioners of the several counties, 04 August, 1781
We are informed that in the Execution of the Law for raising effective Supplies for 1781, the Assessors have assumed a Liberty of Administering an Oath to Persons not possessed of Certificates, of having them take the Oath of Allegiance, & that in Case they return them as qualified according to Law. We consider this (if true) as an unwarrantable Assumption of Power which may be productive of many bad Consequences besides that of excusing Non-Jurors from their Taxes, and directly contrary to the Direction of this Board. Of the last transmitted to you, we request you to make Inquiry into the Fact, and if it is as stated to us, to take the speediest Measures to prevent such a Practice, & correct the Abuse.
1/IX/399
Proposals for supplies to President Joseph Reed, 12 September, 1781
We propose to furnish the Militia and Ranging company's for Bedford and Westmoreland County's with provisions on the following terms, each Ration to be compos'd of the following articles, one pound of Bread, made of good flour, one pound of Beef, or three quarters of pork, one Gill of Whiskey, three pounds of Candles, eight pounds of Soap, for every Seven hundred Rations, two quarts of Vinegar and one quart of Salt for every hundred Rations at eleven pence half penny for each Ration, if the Contractors should not be able to procure the small articles, by furnishing an equivelant in Bread and Meal, agreed to by such persons as shall be authoriz'd by his Excellency the President & Supreme Executive Council to be sufficient, the Person so authoriz'd his orders & Receipts to be sufficient Vouchers for the Contractors. for settlement, that the Lieuts. of each County be authoriz'd to furnish necessary Escorts in time of danger, that the Contractors shall not be obliged to issue provisions at any other posts than Bedford and Hannas Town, that any provisions by lying in store longer than six Months be damag'd to be at the loss of the State and paid for as Rations issued and in case of Capture by the Enemy of any provision from an Escort or where Magazines shall be directed to be deposited to be at the loss of the state and paid for as Rations issued by having proper certificates from such person as shall be authorized by Council, that it shall be in the power of such person so authoriz'd together with the Contractors to alter the Ration as to the species and description of the Meat, so often as shall be deemed convenient by both parties, that the Contractors be furnished by Council in advance with three hundred pounds specie to be deducted out of the first settlement, that his Excellency the President & Supreme Executive Council settle with the said Contractors every three Months and pay such sums as may be due to them, that the said Contract shall continue for one year from the first day of October next.
1/IX/400-401
Letter from Abraham Smith to Pres. Reed, 12 September, 1781
Sir, I take the opportunity to inform your Excellency that the Class of Militia of this County ordered to Bedford is just Returned home the Inhabitants of that County met with no Disturbance from the Savages during the time they were there nor for a Considerable time before they went, only one man that was killed about Six weeks ago, there appear'd to be but three Indians, and no Signs of any Since being in these parts.
I am inclined to think that there will be no necessity to Call any more Militia to that Quarter this Season as Matters seems to be in such a settled state besides I believe it will be Impossible at this time to get men Supplyed, they had to Discharge the late Class Some time before there two months was up for want of Provisions.
I have Directed the light horse of this County to be in Readiness for field Service agreeable to order of Council, their number is about fifty their horses and Equipments Tolerable good only some of their Swords the last time I examined them were too little but they engaged to provide themselves with such as would be proper for the Service And I flatter myself that when they are called to the field they will make a respectable appearance and render essential service to the public, they have been called upon by Genl Irwine to go under his Command as Volunteer light horse, but that seemed something Disagreeable to them, but he has Since Countermanded his orders.
The Genl has never applyed to me on the Subject. I saw his letter to the Capt. of the troop, his idea of the matter is very Different from the Conception I had either of the Resolve of Council founded on the demand of Congress or your Excellency's letter to me of the 18th of June. I find he is of opinion the resolve of Council respecting Volunteer light horse impowers him to call the whole Troop as Militia and that it will answer their tour of duty. I am Chearfully willing to give what aid and assistance is in my power to any Volunteers that may offer, yet at the same time I look upon myself and the Militia of this County to be bound both by the Militia law and the orders of Council, but I would wish to have your Excellency's further explanation of the Matter.
I have Called upon the Sub-Lieutenants for their accounts of all the Classes who have been called under the new Law, and I expect to be able to lay in a General account of the whole County in a short time, I have also since I was Informed of the Resolve of Assembly been useing ever exertion in my power to have the fines Collected, but there is Such a Scarcity of money of all sorts in this County that we can get but little done in that way and the peoples distance from any Market for their Produce makes it very difficult for them to be in a better Situation. I am Convinced that were their Property exposed to Sale that money Could not be had for it besides I think the law lays us under some difficulties Respecting Collectors, we have no other way but to depend upon the Constables of townships and many of them is not fit by any means for such a duty. Were we able to have the whole fines of the County Collected they will not be near Equal to the expences and pay of the Militia there are three Battalions over the north mountains that we will get no fines from, as they Generally go out in their tour, indeed the County in General has Served well, I hope to get some money for this County out of the treasury when the accounts is made up, the Militia who have Served and the Pennsylvania Volunteers are exceedingly uneasy about their pay, and they Choose to rest the whole Blaim on the County Lieutenant.
I would be obliged to Council to order 300 lb of Powder and 600 lb of lead and some flints for the use of this County. Capt. Johnston of the troop of light horse will wait upon your Excellency with this letter and if any amunition is to be had it can be put under his care who will have it forwarded to me.
I Have the Honour to be your Excellency's most obedient and very Humbl Servt, ABm SMITH.
1/IX/410-411
Letter from Michael Huffnagle to President Joseph Reed, 15 September, 1781
I will engage to supply the Militia of Bedford and Westmoreland & the two Rangin Companys upon the same terms the Continental Troops are supply'd for, which is as low as can be expected. considering the price of Salt & carriages. Mr. Morris has furnish'd me with some supply's, which will enable me, by getting 100 pounds in advance, to supply such Militia as may be Ordered into service for three months without further supply. I expect to leave Town to Morrow Evening, should your Excellency have any Commands to the Westward, I shall think myself happy to be the Bearer. I have the Honor to be your Excellency's most Obt Hble. Servt, Michael Huffnagle.
2/III/459
Circular Letter from President Reed to the Treasurer of the several counties, 22 September, 1781
The Assembly having in their present Session taken into mature Deliberation the State of this Commonwealth, & being apprehensive that difficulties & Obstructions in the Execution of some of the most necessary & important laws have occurred, & perhaps real grievances exist, which, with due attention & Care, may be removed, have nominated the Hon. Mr. Bayard, the Speaker of the House, & Mr. Rittenhouse, the Treasurer of the State, to accompany the President of the State into your County with a view of meeting some of the principal Gentlemen, & receive such Information as may be necessary on the above && other interesting subjects. In Consequence of which you are requested to give notice to the underment'd publick Officers to meet them at ... on the ... day of ... where your own attendance will also he expected, & you will bring with you a Return of the Payments of the several Townships of their Taxes, so as to exhibit at one view the present State of the Taxes in your County. And if any Collectors have Money in Hand or can, by a vigorous Exertion, make any Paym'ts to you in the Mean Time, you will have a good Opp'y to pay the same to the Treasurer, without the Trouble & Expense of a Journey to the city.
CR/XIII/101
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 02 November, 1781
A letter from Bernard Dougherty. Esquire, of the county of Bedford, dated the second instant, praying leave to resign his office of Justice of the Peace, in consequence of his being elected one of the Representatives in General Assembly for the said county, was read; and thereupon,
Resolved, That the said resignation be accepted.
CR/XIII/115
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 15 November, 1781
Resolved, That Mr. Michael Cryder, of the county of Bedford, be appointed Agent of Forfeited Estates in the said county, in the room of John Cannon, Esquire.
CR/XIII/121
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 20 November, 1781
Ordered, That Captain Boyd's company of rangers, raised in Bedford county for the war, do immediately march to Yorktown. there to assist the military prisoners untill the twenty-fifth of February next, and then return; and that the men raised for the term of seven months in the said county be immediately discharged.
CR/XIII/121
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 20 November, 1781
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, vizt:
In favor of Lieutenant Richard Johnston, for the sum of thirty-three pounds fifteen shillings specie, in part of his pay as Lieutenant of a company of Rangers raised in Bedford county, for which the said Lieutenant is to account.
CR/XIII/128-129
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 26 November, 1781
On consideration of the proposals made by Bernard Dougherty and Charles Cessna, for supplying the Ranging company and militia which may be employed in Bedford county for the defence of the frontiers,
Ordered, That twelve pence per ration be allowed from the first day of March next, so long as the said troops shall keep the field.
The rations to consist of One pound of bread; One pound of beef, or 3/4 lb. of pork; One gill of whiskey per day. and One quart of salt, & Two quarts of vinegar, }To every hundred rations; Eight pounds of soap, & Three pounds of candles. }To every 7 hundred rations.
The rations to he delivered at such places as the said troops may from time to time he stationed within the county of Bedford, and that seventy-five pounds specie be advanced to the said Contractors.
CR/XIII/132
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 29 November, 1781
A resolution of the House of Assembly of the twenty-eighth instant, appointing Mr. Delany, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. James M'Lene, Mr. Dougherty, Mr. William Montgomery, and Mr. Maclay, a committee of the House to confer with a Committee of the Council, and a Committee of congress, on the subject of an expedition against the Indians next spring, was received and read; and thereupon,
Resolved, That the Honorable the Vice President, Mr. Pentecost. Mr. Piper, and Mr. Hayes, be a committee to confer with the said committee of the House and a Committee of Congress on the said subject.
CR/XIII/133
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 30 November, 1781
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Bernard Dougherty and Charles Cessna, Esquires. for the sum of seventy-five pounds specie, for the purpose of furnishing the Ranging company and militia that may be employed in the county of Bedford, agreeably to contract entered into on the twenty-sixth instant, for which the said contractors are to account.
CR/XIII/134
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 30 November, 1781
A return of the general election of the county of Bedford was received and read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, to wit: Representatives. Bernard Dougherty, and Charles Cessna. Sheriffs. John Cessna, and John Bennett. Coroners. Georg Funk, and John Wilt. Commissioner. Robert Galbraith.
And the same being considered, Resolved, That John Cessna be appointed Sheriff of the county of Bedford, and that Gorge Funk be appointed coroner of the said county, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
John cessna, Esquire, Sheriff elect of the county of Bedford, now offers Charles Cessna and Allen Ross, of the said county, as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his office of Sheriff according to law, and the same are approved.
2/III/467
Circular Letter from William Moore to the Commissioners of taxes in the several counties, 11 December, 1781
The state of the public treasury is such that it is become indispensibly necessary for the commissioners of the respective counties, to use the utmost possible exertions to cause the several taxes now due and the fines and delinquent classes to be collected, as soon as possible. Without this is clone, and the money speedily paid into the Treasury, it is absolutely impossible to execute the measures necessary for improving the late glorious success in Virginia, to any valuable purpose for the establishment of independence & peace. So much being at stake on this exertion, it is become the indispensible duty of the Council to enjoin and require the commissioners to use the utmost diligence in the discharge of their duty, and to assure them in the strongest terms that the Council is determined to shew favour to none who appear to he deficient; but on the contrary to discharge their duty conscientiously by levying the fines on all delinquents according to law. This being our determination, we give this notice alike to all, that none may plead want of information, and we assure you, sir, that a due respect will he paid to those who faithfully discharge their duty, in a trust rendered, by the critical situation of public affairs, so highly important to every State in the Union.
CR/XIII/145
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 14 December, 1781
Ordered, That Colonel Lewis Farmer be directed to deliver to the Honorable John Piper, Esquire, forty coats, forty waistcoats, forty hats, forty pair of shoes, eighty shirts, forty pair of overalls, and twenty-two blankets, to be forwarded to the county of Bedford, for the use of Captain Boyd's company of Rangers raised in the said county.
1/IX/467
Letter from Bernard Dougherty and Charles Cessna to General V.P. Potter, 17 December, 1781
Considering the Agreement made by us, and entered on the Council Books, a Doubt has suggested on account of Carriage.
The Only place in our County fit for storing Provisions in, is the Town of Bedford, which is, in every Direction, a considerable Distance from such places as are capable of making the necessary Defence.
It is 55 Miles distant from the Lead Mine Gap, 40 from the Gap of Frankstown, and also 40 from Conemaugh.
These are the Common passes thro' which the Enemy penetrates into the Country;
And sending Provisions to all or any of these Posts, will be attended with Expences, and which might be intirely out of our power to defray.
To neglect giving this necessary information to council, would be in some Measure criminal in us; forasmuch as the want of such knowledge might lead into great Mistakes, by which expectations wou'd take place, and, of course, disappointments ensue very interesting to the distressed Frontiers; for unless punctuality is observed, it will frustrate and render useless the salutary Measures adopted by Government for the Defence of the Frontiers; -We therefore pray the Sense of his Excellency and the Honorable Board of Council on this Subject.
CR/XIII/150
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 19 December, 1781
Ordered, That the said Commissary deliver to the Honorable John Piper, Esquire, or his order, three hundred and fifty weight of gunpowder, seven hundred weight of lead, and eight hundred flints, to be forwarded to Colonel Gorge Ashman. Lieutenant of the county of Bedford, for the defence of the frontiers of the said county.
CR/XIII/151
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 20 December, 1781
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable John Piper, Esquire, for the sum of three pounds specie, and the sum of nineteen pounds specie, being money advanced by him for the carriage of Captain Boyd's company of Rangers in Bedford county, and for the carriage of powder and lead for the counties of Bedford, Westmoreland and Washington.
CR/XIII/152
Note of the Supreme Executive Council, 20 December, 1781
The Honorable John piper, Esquire, presented to the Board his account for 38 days' attendance in Council, from the 13th of November to the 20th of Decr, 1781, inclusive, a 25s., - - £47 10 Mileage from Bedford to Philadelphia. 200 miles a Is., - - 10. £57 10.
And thereupon, An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable John Piper, Esquire, for the sum of fifty-seven pounds ten shillings specie, amount of the said account.
* A-: American Archives, Series -; JC: Journals of the Continental Congress; CR: Colonial Records; 1: PA Archives, First Series; 2: PA Archives, Second Series; etc; / Volume / Page(s)
