Conclusion Of The Revolutionary War

who was expected to use the men only in making arrests, but "that nothing be done by them by way of Punishment," which was to be reserved until trial and sentence, for any other course would "be discreditable not only to Counsel but to the cause of Freedom." However, on June 4th, Cols. Hannum and Cheyney informed the authorities that there was no occasion for the guard of men mentioned in order to collect the fines for non-service in the militia; that the ravages made by the enemy in their march through and raids in the county, as well as the great quantities of provisions, forage, and other supplies furnished to the American army were such that the residents there had great difficulties in raising money for substitutes and militia fines. Council thereupon ordered the company of soldiers under Col. Boyd to report to camp, and directed that in all cases where the parties to whom the certificates for articles furnished the government tendered those certificates in payment of their substitute money or for fine, they should be accepted by the officers, but this tender was not to include any who had obtained a certificate by assignment.

On May 6, 1778, Council appointed William Evans, Thomas Cheyney, Thomas Levis, Patterson Bell, and John Hannum to act as commissioners for Chester County in enforcing the act of attainder, and on July 15th the Supreme Executive Council issued a proclamation calling on a large number of persons "who it is said have joined the Armies of the Enemy to render themselves & abide their legal trial for their Treasons. &c.," and among the number were the following persons formerly residents of that part of Chester County which is now included within the present boundaries of Delaware County:

"George Davis, Husbandman, now or late of the Township of Springfield; John Taylor, Tavern-keeper; John Moulder, Waterman; John Talbot, wheelwright; & Thomas Barton, Sawyer, all now or late of the Township of Chichester; . . . Edward Grissil, Laborer; & John Wilson, Taylor; both now or late of the Township of Thornbury; William Milson, Taylor; Isaac Bullock, Laborer; Benjamin James, Cooper; & John Bennet, Jun'r, Laborer; all now or late of the Township of Concord; . . . William Maddock, Tavern-keeper: William Dunn, Laborer; Joseph Edwards, Mason; George Dunn, Taylor; James Malin, Laborer, & Gideon Vernon, Husbandman; all now or late of the Township of Providence; And Christopher Wilson, Husbandman, & John Taylor, Grazier, both now or late of the Township of Ridley; . . . Joshua Proctor, laborer; now or late of the Township of Newtown; Aaron Ashbridge, Waterman; Joseph Gill, Malster; Elias Wernon ("Vernon"), Taylor; all now or late of the Township of Chester; And David Rogers, Carpenter, now or late of the Township of Egmant; And John Supplee, William Caldwell & James Hart, Husbandmen; John Musgrove, Trader; and William Andrews, Fuller; all now or late of the Township of Darby; And William Smith of Tinicum Island; & William Anderson, Laborer, both now or late of the Township of Ridley; Henry Effinger, Junior, Hugh O'Cain, William Kennedy, Darby O'Cain & James McClarin, Laborer; & Isaiah Worrell, All now or late of the Township of Springfield; And Isaac Buck, Abraham Talkenton, Thomas Burns, William Clarke & George Good, laborers; and William Henry Taylor; all now or late of the Township of Providence. And George Dunn & David Malis, Taylors; & William Bell, Laborer; all now or late of the Township of Newtown; and Robert Kissack, Weaver; James Brown, Wheelwright; James German & Enoch German, Cordwainers; & Michael Crickley, Laborer; all now or late of the Township of Haverford, all now or late of the County of Chester . . . And Malin Dunn, Taylor; now or late of the Township of Providence; have severally adhered to & knowingly & willingly aided & assisted the Enemies of the State & of the United States of America, by having joined their Armies at Philadelphia, in the County of Philadelphia, within this State . . . We the Supreme Executive Council . . . do hereby strictly charge and require the said George Davis &c. to render themselves respectively to some or one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, or of the Justices of the Peace . . . on or before the third day of August next ensuing & also abide their legal trial for such their Treasons on pain that every of them the said George Davits &c. not rendering himself as aforesaid & abiding the trial afore, shall, from and after the said first day of August, stand & be attainted of High Treason, to all intents & purposes & shall suffer such pains and penalties & undergo all such forfeitures as persons attainted of High Treason ought to do. And all the faithful subjects of this State are to take notice of this Proclamation & govern themselves accordingly."¹