Applications for Passes, 1776-1790: Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments

APPLICATIONS FOR PASSES, 1776-1790 PENNSYLVANIA'S REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENTS D uring the Revolutionary War period, one could not depart Pennsylvania without permission-a passport-from the governing body. 1 The petitions for passage with supporting bonds and attestations are preserved in the Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments 1775-1790. 2 There are almost six hundred petitions, for over five hundred individuals plus family members. The names of the primary applicants, their origins and destination, year of application, and microfilm frame number are given in the guide to the record group.3 The applications themselves are rich in detail about the individuals, their families, and their lives. They give us great insight into conditions during this period as families were separated, most notably by the British occupation of, and departure from, New York City. Applications, recommendations, and bonds are signed, providing original signatures of many individuals who are not related to the applicant-including, for example, many members of a militia class from Bucks County. The documents establish family relationships and identify places of origin in Europe. They remind us of what a diverse city Philadelphia was by the latter eighteenth century. In most cases there is a single application, sometimes with a character endorsement. A few individuals had multiple applications, so we see events in their lives progress. Both successful and unsuccessful petitions are included in the record group. A few of the documents abstracted here have been rearranged to be chronological for an individual or within a family group. 1 From 1775 to 1776 this was the Committee of Safety, from 1776 to 1777 the Council of Safety, and from 1777 to 1790 the Supreme Executive Council. 2 Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments 1775-1790, Pennsylvania State Archives Record Group 27, 54 rolls of microfilm. The passes comprise all of roll 30, available as FHL #l,759,080. Originals are at the Bureau of Archives and History, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg. 3 Guide to the Microfilm of the Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments 1775-1790 (Record Group 27) in the Pennsylvania State Archives (Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1978), 227-40. The applications are filmed in alphabetical order. Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 (2005) 169 170 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine PETITIONS Philadelphia, 2 November 1780. Elizabeth Abbot (her\\ mark) of of Lancaster widow and rdict of William Abbot late of said Borou man deceased "is left with four small children and no estate to main • nor any prospect of means and ways to educate them in this counr .... she is intitlcd to a distributive share in her late Fathers estate near~ , the County of Antrim in Ireland, where her Mother as far as she kno still living and a numerous relation and acquaintances in that neighbo b might help her on to obtain a living for herself and her poor children ... " requests passport to New York to find a passage to her Mother Country. [Rejected.] _r .. 14 April 1783. Mrs. Andrew Allen requests passport to New York for herself, daughter Margaret, son Andrew, and female attendant to go to her family in England. [Granted.) Philadelphia, 18 November 1779. Uvina Allen (her + mark) requests passport "to her husband with her two children, their wearing apparel and bedding to New York and is ready to give security for her not returning. £1000 security by John Stewart (his + mark) and Thomas Patton. WitncssesJames Trimble and 7Iun'l Potts. [Granted~] 4 April 1783. Petition of Mary Anderson, presented by William Martin, "that your Petitioners husband has been in New York those [stc] six months and your Petitioner in the course of Divine providence hath been afflicted with the caner [sic] in her thigh and in her throat and nose these four yeus past which has reduced her utterly unable to support hersclf and four small helpless children. ... pass to New York which she hopes will be a means of saving her self and poor infants from perishing for want of the common nessarys of life." [Granted.] Philadelphia, 10 October 1780. John Anidown of the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia cooper "has been a long time unable to work for the mainte. nance of himself and his wife and three small children, sometimes through sickness and inability, and other times for want of employ .... his beloved wife and three babes in want of the necessaries of life ... to go to ~ , , place in Old England where he has parents and relations able and w:· i assiSt him ... for himself & family to go to New York, either in the Fl now here, or by land. taking with him his necessary cloa.tbing and ~u~,11m: Recommendations by Joseph Cowpcrthwalt, Jacob S. Howell, R,i-u~ Ink.ron, and WIiiiam Allbon. [Granted pass to New Jersey.) Philadelphia, 11 November 1782. Jannet Annan "came over to J,...- ...r1, from North Britain about the year 1774, intending to meet with her bDM,~"" a lutennent in the British Anny at ew York, she was by stress of driven into Maryland soon after her landing there was informed h 2005 Appltcatf-onsfor Passes, 1776-1790 171 husbands death, & therefore remain'd in that state ever since till within these few weeks: And now having received a letter from her son Robert Annan, a leutennent aboard of the Bedford ship of war, inviting her to come to New York where he engages to support her. She now being well stricken in years & in indigent circumstances ... " Recommendations by William Marshall and Francis Gurney. [Granted.] 13 March 1783. John Applegate, formerly of the City of New York, venduc master "at the early part of the American Contest he quitted New York, and now resides with his family in this city: and not withstanding his circumstances have been greatly embarrassed during the War, yet many of bis Creditors (when he had it not in his power to pay) have commenced several actions against him, upon which he would have been sent to jail ... to go to New York for the recovery of debts which are due to him ..... His applic.ation includes signed statements by John D. Cum.shew, Benjamin Condy, Isaac VanVleck, Alexander Stewart, Eleazer Oswald, Alexander Robertson, John Ramsay, Thomas Franklin, John Franklin, and Hannah Laboyteaux that he was "a well wisher to his country and a good Whig." [No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 1 October 1782. Jacob Asher of the Northern Liberties "hath a brother living in Rinebeck near the North River about one hundred miles above New York whom he is very desirous to see as he hath not heard of him these eight or nine years past, he being the only relation your Petitioner hath in America. Recommendation by Elias Lewis Freichel, Dµncan Stewart, Conradt Hester, and Casper Sybert [No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 11 January 1779. Elizabeth Atkison of Lancaster "hath two small children & herself to support ... and her husband is in New York. ... and she engages not to return." Recommendations by John Stamper, William Murdock, WUUarn Shute, and Archibald Burny [?Burns). A cover letter from Samuel J. Atlee 4 says that he is enclosing a letter from his brother [which is not enclosed]. Toe family was driven from New York when the Enemy took possession. that her husband was working in Col. ?Boytans Dragoons, was kept to dress the officers, but ill-treated and left his family and the regiment to his old place of residence New York. "She leaves behind her several children one of which is bound untill of age to one [sic). [No indication if granted.] 7 August 1779. William Geddis of City of Philadelphia Esquire gave £500 bond that Mary Atwood who was going to the City of New York would not return again without the special permission of the said Council. Wimesses James Trimble and Stephen Balliet. 4 The Guide indexes this document as bcing from William AugustuS Atlee on behalf ofa friend 172 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 3 June 1n9. Bartholomew Baker Innkeeper of Southwark & John Shute [German signature] baker of said place gave £500 bond that Abigail Ault who was going to the City of New York would not return again without the special permission of the said Council. [Granted.] Philadelphia, 14 September 1782. Isaac Austin and Sarah Barry to see "their brother William Austin who have been sever'd from your Petitioners everal years past to their great trouble and distress, but who being now at New York ... " [Granted.] 23 August 1779. Earnest Ludwick Baisch stated, "Jt is now upwards of three years incc I brought in some goods from Holland by the Way of St. Eustatia. I left a parcel! of goods at St. Eustatia in the hands of a Merchant. he was to forward them to me, ... I now intent to go to St. Eust.atia and perhaps from there to Holland & Germany ... " [Granted.] 5 February 1783. Hance Baker, ensign of the fourth company of the fourth battalion of Bucks Councy militia, "having a brother who hath been many years an inhabitant of Nova Scotia with whom he bath business of importance and having lately recciv'd a letter from him ... to go to New York in order to get a passage. Character signed by Mark Bird, Joseph Scully, Benjamin Lapp, Isaac Broom, William Bird, Samuel Barwls, Joseph Kirkbride, .John Fritz, Nathaniel Burrows, William Harvey, Hugh Morton, Amos Shaw, Archibald McEl.roy, Joshua Anderson Sub L. B. C, John Wood, Wllllam E. Godfrey late Capt. lieut. Artillery, Stephen Carter. Samuel Houston, Capt. Asher Mott, B. McVeagh L C. 2d Bat. P. C. M. [Granted if £500 bond given.] Philadelphia, 6 June 1781. Sarah Ball, "wife of Capt. John Ball, who sail'd from this port in the month of Semptember [sic] last, in the Brigantine Friendship for Curacao, and not having been heard of, there is great reason to apprehend he is lost, that your Petitioner was formerly an inhabitant of New York, & left the City before the Enemy took posses ion ... that her husband hath been uniformly, & zealously attached to the interest, & support, of the Commonwealth, ... that your Petitioner is now, by the unfortunate loss of her husband, become dependant upon her Father, and hath lately received a pre ing invitation to visit him, ... Duty and Affcetion call loudly upon your Petitioner to indulge her aged, & beloved Father, in his reasonable Request, and her Refusal or eglect to comply with it, will operate greatly to the Prejudice of herself & her children .. Character signed by George Meade, John Wilcocks, Michael Low, and Thomas ?Tim Simons, owners of the Friendship. [Sarah requested permission to go and return; she was granted permission to go, but not to return during war.] [The following letter is enclosed.] "My very Dear Child-The great desire I have towards an only child has induced me to write you a line by Capt ?Penian who I have had the satisfaction to see and converse with. I have 2005 Applications for Passes, 1776-1790 173 indeed heard of your being in a good state of health. but this is very far from giving me the satisfaction that a parent could wish for, in short, I want to have you and your children with me, that I may have the pleasure of convening with my only child and closing my days with satisfaction, which you well know are now far advanced. My dear child the bearer will give you every counsel should you intend to come to this City which is my pressing request and will be your interest I am with the most parentel tenderness your most sincere Parent, William Swansin." [the following is written sideways in the left margin: "NB. Be careful to divulge nothing to your Mother in Law.·1 13 June 1781. Nicholas Low of the City of Philadelphia merchant gave £200 bond that Sarah Ball who was going to the City of New York would not return again during the continuance of the present war. Witness James Trimble. 7 May 1782. Sarah Ball and child .... to go to and return from New York, the place of my residency untill the approach of the Enemy in 1776 when I left it with my husband John Ball. Since the Evacuation of the City by the Enemy I have resided here, in September 1780 my husband sailed from this port commander of the Brigantine Friendship bound to St. Eustatia, but to my inexpressable grief has not since be heard of. My Father who is verry infirm being upwards of eighty years of age is extremely anctious to see me (I being his only child) he is possest of considerable property and I flatter myself by my going to see him it will be the means of securing something for myself and child ... " [Granted.] 5 September 1782. Sarah Ball widow of Captain John Ball "is earnestly solicited by her Father William Swansin who is eighty years of age and very sick to come to New York in order to preserve his property from the ravage of the enemy as he has no person with him his wife being dead and his personal effects left at the mercy of a Negro wench who may prove perfidious when she finds the enemy mean to retire from that state .... I am conscious if they quit that place and I am not there that my father on account of his sentiments will be plundered of every thing he has .... to go in with my wench and some things which may be necessary for myself and little family while there." Recommendation by Francis Gurney. [Granted.] 24 November 1779. Mary Barber "to remove herself, her maid, and her three children to the City of New York, at which place her husband has lately arrived." Thomas Shields of this City goldsmith gave £1000 bond not to return here without leave. Witness James Trimble. [Granted.] 12 May 1780. Thomas Barcley intends "embarquing for Europe in a couple of month , in order to endeavour to dispose of some landed property in Ireland, which I lately became intitled to by the death of my father." [Granted.] 3 January 1783. Lazarus Barnett, late of Amsterdam, trader, "is a native of Amsterdam, and having settled his business in England, took passage for New 174 Pennsylvania Genealogtcal Magazine Vol44 York. with an intention of residing in, and becoming a subject of this state .... when in New York, frequently solicited the British Commander for pcrrn~ sion to come to this place with his wife; but finding his requests unnoticed, he embraced an opportunity of escaping in the night of the twentieth of December Ult. That your Petitioner's wife is still in New York. and he is fearful that she will be treated ill, on account of the manner of his depanure; especially as he means not to return; and as your Petitioner is a native of, and owes allegiance to a country in amity with the United States of America ... to bring his wife to this state." "We do hereby certify that La.zeros Barnett was born and brought up in the City of Amsterdam and was personally acquainted with him & his parcnt:S when we resided in said City." /s/ Simon Tudah, Fanny Tudah [her o mark]. [Granted] 23 December 1778. Mary Magdalin Bary of Philadelphia widow, "having two daughters in the City of New York and being anxious of seeing them ... with liberty of returning again in ten weeks.• [Rejected.] 8 July 1782. Ann Bartholomew '"having a son between six & seven years of age, now residing in the City of New York; who was canied away by a certain person when the British Army left this City (your Petitioner being at that time in the countrey) & having lately heard from the said person, informing her that he intends shonJy to leave that place & go to England ... to go tO New York to bring her son from thence." Christopher Marshall Junr and Charles Marshall made a statement that Ann resided at their •Brother Benjamin's in the Countrey" when the British Army was in the City. [Pass to Dobbs Ferry granted.) Philadelphia, 9 October 1782. Benjamin Jefferies a near rclatioQ of Letitia Bartholomew "was taken by the British in the Brig Fair Amerian [under) Capt. Eldrige and now lies very sick in the Hospital Ship at New York-That he was the only support of his aged Mother living in the City who is unable to go or see after her said son.• Letitia was "desirous to go and endeavour to procure the exchange or relief for the said Benjamin... Phineas Eldridge certified that Benjamin Jefferies was captured in the Brig. Fair Amarican with him. [Rejected.] 17 June 1780. Sarah Bartlet [her x mark] of Philadelphia, "wife Bartlet now In New York with the enemy ... a pass for hcrsclf, children, her bed & bedding & a chest with her waring apparcll." [G Philadelphia, 18 February 1780. WIiiiam Barton Stated "my Fa Rev'd Mr. Barton), now in the City of New York, intends to em Europe in the beginning of next month: as he has left a numerous f: childret} in the state, the most of whom are destitute of any certain which must become still more precarious, should their Father le Continent without an opportunity of making some provision for thc~n 2005 Applications for Passes. 1776-1790 175 behalf of Mr. Paul Zant:zinger and myself, ... to meet Mr. and Mrs. Barton at Ellz.abcth Town within the space of two or three weeks from this date. Mr. Zantzinger is my brother-in-law. and purchased the whole of my Father's Estate before his depa.nurc .... " Lancaster, 16 April 1780. "I waited in town till near two o'clock on Friday, in hopes of receMng ... permission for Mr. Zantzingcr and myself to meet my Father and Mother at Eliz:abetb-Town; but your want of leisure, and my engagement to be at Lancaster the next day, ... ~nd it, as soon as is conve114 ient, tO Mr. Adam Zantzingcr's in Market Street." [Rejected.] Philadelphia. 5 May 1780. Paul Zantzingcr and William Barron of the Borough of Lancaster "sheweth that the Reverend Tho1112SBarton, late of the Borough of Lancaster, obtaJned permission from your honorable board, sometime in the autumn of the year 1778, to go into the Oty of New York with Mrs. Barton, on the condition of their not returning,,. sold all estate r~I and personal to his son-in-law Paul Zantzingcr, left six children in their minority in this State without any other support than what they received from one of the Proprietary manors and of which they are now bereft, the manor having lately changed its owner. Thomas Barton lies extremely ill at New York of a very painful and lingering disorder. Doctor John De Normandle says in a letter that a much longer continuance at New York would be fatal. They sought permission for the return of Mr. and Mrs. Barton. lacking that, the petitioners wanted to go to Elizabeth Town to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Barton, who were going there. [Rejected.] Philaddphla, 19 May 1780. Although the previous petition was rejected, Paul Zantzinger and William Barton of the Borough of Lancaster had an interview with Mrs. Barton and request that Mr. and Mrs. Barton be allowed to remain in Pennsylvania. [Rejected.] 6 September 1780. "My Father has directed by his Will, as I am informed, that all his estate should be equally distributed, after deducting my Mother's share, among his children; a very considerable portion of the estate, at least equal to a third part of the whole, consists in specie and Bills of exchange, which, by my Father's death, have come into the Hands of my Mother, who is in the City of New York. I have, hitherto, been unable to obtain a copy of the will, but my Father has in all probability, appropriated the monied part of his property towards the maintenance of his Widow, and depaying [sic] the expences of his children's education, of whom six are resident in this state, under age. Two letters from my Mother have reached me~ since my Father's decease, in which she mentions that it was his dying request that she should, if possible, return to Pennsylvania, and take charge of his younger children ... praying Mrs. Barton may be permitted to return to Pennsylvania., to reside with ha family." [Granted.) Philadelphia, 10 October 1782. Thomas Bartow Junior of the County of Northampton and Daniel Benezet Junior of the City of Philadelphia have business "respecting the estate of Thomas Bartow late of the State of New 176 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 Jersey from whence he fled on the Enemies approach and now re ides at Bethleh m in this State,· who because of his age and infirmities cannot tran act business at the City of Amboy, Elizabeth Town, and other places in New Jersey. [No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 20 May 1782. Jane Bartram wife of Alexander Bartram late of the City of Philadelphia had given £50,000 bond for her departure and not to return and gone to New York with her husband, where she alleviated "the disbusses of such Americans as had the misfortune of falling into the hands of the Brittish ... " Pennsylvania was her native place and her sentiments were opposite that of her husband (which she called repugnant) who had "used her grossly ill for her attachment to the cause of America" and she wanted to abandon her husband, have her bond canceled, and return to Pennsylvania. Recommendation signed by David Campbelle, William McFaden, Peter DeHaven, Hugh Stocker, Francis Gurney, Thomas Palmer, Thomas Pryor, John Lukens, Robert Fackniss, Josiah Hewes, D. Lenox. [Permitted to return to Philadelphia 29 May.] Philadelphia, 29 October 1780. Martha Barham widow "has had the misfortune of burying her husband a few days since," being very infirm and a little lameness of many years standing and "intirely incapiacated [sic] from getting her living," to leave with her servant for New York to go to her relations in England. Recommendation signed by Thomas Middleton, James Hunter, Edward Middleton, Abraham Wayne, and Matthew Jackson. [Pass granted to New York.] Philadelphia, 29 March 1781.John Bates received information from England of the death of a near relation to whom he is heir at law, having a young son and an increasing family, wants to go there with his family to take possession of his property for their future benefit. Recommendation signed by John Barker, Lambert Wilmer, John Barnhill, John Wilcocks, Fred. Philes, Robert Smith, William Polthorz. [Rejected.] Philadelphia, 5 November 1782. William Bay left New York in 1775 and went to West Florida where he settled a plantation and was there until 1782, sailed on a flag of truce to South Carolina where he "larnt" that his father, a Presbyterian minister, died in a few days after the British Troops landed on Long Island, his mother in about two years after. He had two sisters left there he thought, so went to New York. After making their situation as comfortable as po ible, he came out of the enemy lines and "crosst" from the cast end of Long I land ab9ut five miles below New London. He waited on the commanding officer after making some stay in New England, passed on to Mead quarters. Neither he nor his relations or friends was ever an enemy to the United States of America. He obtained from General McDougal the pas port he delivered and now requestS a passport to go to Maryland. [Granted.) 2005 Applications for Passes, 1776-1790 177 Philadelphia, 14 October 1779. Godfried Becker carpenter, Isaac Levan the younger tanner, and Thomas Yungman tanner, all of the Town of Reading in the County of Berks arc about to depan in the Frigate Confedera,cy for France and intend to go from France into several parts of Germany, and request passports, without which they will not be able to pass the gates of any city in Germany. James Read, a member of the Council for the County of Berks, stated that they were "'men of good character and much esteemed by the inhabitants of Reading where they have lived a great number of years .... They expect, every hour, notice that the ship is getting under sail.fl[No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 27 March 1783. Peter Bedford had intermarried with a daughter of Sarah Vanzolingen [her signature reads Sarah van Solingen} and the late Doct'r Vanzolingen, late of New York, who was obliged to abandon considerable property, real and personal. The petitioners feared that when the British would leave that "a number of persons possessed of said property" would also leave, and wished to go to New York to secure some of the property for the widow and children of the Doctor. Witnessed by Gunning Bedford. [Granted.] No date, read and granted 14 March 1783. Mary Beekman widow and Isaac Cox of Philadelphia merchant, executors of will of Gerard us W. Beekman, who at the time of his removal from New York left several houses, a great part of his furniture, carriage horses, and servants, which have been in the po ession of the enemy, wish to go to New York to secure some of the property. [Granted.] No date, granted 2 December 1782. Barbara Bendelow [her x mark] has a son Jacob, 16 years of age who worked as a labourer at the salt works at Egg Harbor in the State of New Jersey, "which was for about 2 months ago, surprised by a Party of Refugees, and carried amongst others, Prisoner, into New York," and he is now laying dangerously ill. She requeStS passportS for herself and daughter Nancy to New York to bring him back or leave Nancy to stay with him until he is better. Statement that they had known her fifteen year and that she had a sick husband and a large family of children and re ides in Pennyback, 10 miles from "this City," signed by George Forepaugh. Isaac Cooper, WiJUam Ashton, Christcon ?Plwey. [Granted.] orthampton in Bucks, 29 June 1782. William Bennet of Northampton, Bucks County, "in the year fifty nine your petitioner marryed Mary Vande• venter the daughter of Barnet Vandeventer of flatbush upon Long Island, that the sd Vandeventer together with all his children except the wife of your petitioner have died since the Commencement of this Revolution," leaving her as only surviving heir of Barnet Vandeventer, who was possessed of a considerable estate both real and personal, a great part whereof is in actual 178 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 cash which your petitioner wishes to have transported intO the State and attention paid to that part that cannot be transported, so requests passports for himself, wife Mary, and son Barnet to go to Long Island. Recommendation signed by Henry Wynkoop, Gerardus Wynkoop, and John Hart. [No indication if granted.] Philadclphla, 7 March 1783. Barnet Bennet having relations and considerable property in New York requests permission to go there to look after it with his wife Charity-Who is anxious to sec her mother.• Recommendation signed by Ebenezer Casson, John Allen, and Gorg Sturnchelss [German signature]. [No indication if granted.] Northampton in Bucks, 15 March 1783. William Bennet of Northampton, Bucks County, "in right of his wife is possessed of real property to a very considerable amount in flatbush in Longysland, a considerable pan whereof decended to her since that place fell into the posse ion of the Enemy, which hath been occupied by the Refugees & others as Rebel property and much wasted." He requests passports for hls "son Barnet Bennet including his wife Charity who is an only child to a very antient Lady in flatbush aforesd who is likewise posessed of very considerable property there and will stand in gre2t need of the assistance of her daughter and son in law at this time. [No indication if granted.) 3 December 1776. Passport states "Permit the bearer Joseph Berkstaller to pass the River Delaware & to join his Regiment commanded by Col. Colton. Philadelphia, 22 June 1779. Godfrey Beyers stated that in 1775, before the commencement of the present war, he was sent by his parents to Philadelphia from Hallifax in Nova Scotia to learn a trade per Captain Mulloney who was empowered by his parents to bind him as an apprentice, which he didn't do, intending to do so on his return from Cadiz, but on his passage hither was taken by the British and carried into Boston, and has not been heard of since, so Godfrey bound hlmself to Thomas Howard watchmaker of this City and Mr. Timothy Carroll of this City agreed with Mr. Howard to supply Godfrey with cloathes and washing during his apprenticeship, which he has done to a considerable amount, but declines t0 do so in future. Godfrey has lately seen a person from Hallifax, who informed him that his parents were in a declining state of health and very desirous of his returning home, and wants to gratify the desires of his aged parents and finding his supplies of money, etc., at an end, made application to Mr. Howard for his discharge, which was granted, and now requests passport to New York to obtain passage to Hallifax. Signed by William Ruibel, Lewis Fanner, Joseph Wood. Timothy Carrell.John Barry, Thomas Howard. [Granted.] 23 June 1779. Timothy Carroll trader [signature Timothy Carrell} and William Ripple gentlemen (signature William Ruibcl), both of Philadelphia, gave .£500 that Godfrey Beyers of the City of Philadelphia watchmaker, who was going to the City of New York, would not return again without the special permission of the aid Council Witness James Trimble. 2005 AppUcationsfor Passes, 1776-1790 l Philadelphia, 16 April 1783. Charles Biddle has a sum of money due person in New York. [Granted.] Philadelphia, 29 September 1778. Toe husband of Sophia Biddle is York. She requests permission to go to New York and then send '1 children after her arrival. [ o indication if granted.] Reading, 16 April 1780. Sophia Biddle of the Town of Reading is of removing with her family to the City of cw York where her h John Biddle now resides and requests passport for herself, her two c • and a servant. [ o indication if granted.) Reading, 15 May 1780. Henry Haller, D. C of prisoners, "having heard that John Biddles wife is now about to obtain leave to go into New York to her husband: ... on the 17 day of February 1778 upon application and reprc~ntation of her immediate distress I was moved to leave the following articles in her hands, Viz. a W2lnut tea table, 4 chairs, 2 tea potts, 6 cups and saucers with the small artides belonging to the tea equipage, Viz. a sugar dish, a pair of tongs & shovel, 7 lb of candles, a tea kettle, a brush, 2 brass candlesticks, pair of snuffers, a pint of salt, 2 covcrleds, a carpet, a countcrpin, 2 blanke'ts, 3 sheets, 2 pillowcases, 2 bolsterS, 26 pounds of butter & pot. 27 lbs of beef, 32 lbs of pork, a scrubing brush, 2 silver tablespoons, 4 silver teaspoons, and one mahogany waiter. For the abovementloned articles her sister Mary did give a bond for the sum of one thousand pounds, if the am des should not be delivered when called for. I am informed that she has already sent off her things to Phila. therefore beg your kind interpos1tlon as you know her cirumstances of family. The two children she has by Jno Boone she intends to leave here; the two by John Biddle go with her to New York. If Council should think proper to indulge her to keep said articles for the suppon of herself and her children who are small. In that case your information would greatly oblige. N.B.: the expenses of discharging this bond will all fall upon Mary Wcedncr [Weidner] who has done everything to assist her sister." Philadelphia, 2 December 1782. Catherine Bieler of the City of Philadelphia, "together with her father Andrew Bieler came from Germany and arrived in this City in the month of ovcm~cr 1774 1 when she was bound lJ F. 1 J C1 • for the term of 8 years (who advance tterdam), which said term expired _,r-.. Jast. That her Father soon after his a inder of his family to New York, them since and requestS permission ,.111J1lrw Lewis, John Morton, Friederich phn C. Buhler requests passports f and Andreas Bieler, inhabitants of 1 ere for upward twclfe years past on 180 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 a daughter here and the other a brother in law named Dewald Stork in this City, are desirous to visit their relation." [ o indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 15 January 1779. Joseph Carson, on behalf of Mrs. Mary Bingley, wife of Capt. Edward Bingley, now a prisoner in ew York, on account of his long illne he has heard he lies dangerously m,he was taken in a vessel of mine, etc., going out of Toms River about s.ix months agoe, he was on the Ii t to be exchanged, but his illness would not permit his remo'\'al He has been once before a captive in cw York, six months, & it can be "attesed d" by Capt. Elunn, who when a prisoner in York & is now in this City that he, the said Capt. Bingley, was offered the command of a twenty gunn ship, which he like a true friend to his country refused, requests pass for her. ["but refused the interview, being deemed prejudicial."] Philadelphia, 2 May 1780. Mary Bird, whose husband John Bird was obliged to leave this city & state when the British Troops evacuated the ame, & his goods being taken by the state & disposed of, has reduced both her & her child to very great destress & want, nither can she find sufficent imploy to support her self & child in these hard times, & whereas her husband has several times wrote to her to come to him in New York, which hither to sh has decline'd but ... is oblig'd to listen to his offers," requests "a pass to ew York & promises so to behave her self as becomes a subject of this state." [Granted.] 26 July 1782. [ink very faded] Robert Black. of the District of Southwark, having his son a prisoner a long time in New York, requests passport to attempt to secure his release on an exchange parole. Statement that Robcn Black Junr is a friend to the United States signed by John Durry, Hugh Stocker, Robert Cather. [Granted.] 21 January 1781 [sic]. Benjamin McVeagh, Col. 2d B. P.C.M. says that Edward Blakeny "an old Associator in my Battalion and now over age; i desirous of obtaining Liberty to go to Ireland; where he expects to receive ome thing handsome. This is to Certify that said Blakeney ha been out in the Militia several times and behaved himself like a good friend to his country." 22 January 1782. Edward Blakeney [his mark] of Moorland in Philadelphia and hi wife are now both advanced in years and have no means of subsistence but their labour, which they fear will not long be sufficient; and ... might find means of support among his friends and relations if he was in Ireland, the place of his ativity," requests passport to ew York to find ready passage to his ative County. [No indication if granted.] 23 August 1781. Thomas Bolesby requests pas for his daughter and two children (Mary Rowlings) to Elizabeth Town. [Granted.] Philadelphia, 16 eptember 1778. Sarah Bonsall, wife of Richard Bonsall of the ngineer' department in the British Service at cw~ rk, "being far 2005 Applications for Passes, 1776-1790 181 advanced in her pregnancy, seperated from her a.id husband from whom alone she can expect any support, and having no mean of ub istence in this place ... to go to her husband in New York... [No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 27 December 1782. Sarah Bonsall wishes to join her husband Richard Bonsal in New York and expects to leave this Continent in the Spring never to return here again; being a lone woman would wish to go by the way of Elizabeth Town in order to have the benefit of the Stage. Recommendation igned by Benjamin McVeagh and Isaac Worrell. [Granted] Philadelphia, 22 March 1783. Maria Bory [her+ mark and a ignaturcl, wife of Hubert Bory of Philadelphia, who shipped himself as cabin cook on board the South Carolina frigate commanded by Capn Joyner and had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner of War to New York where he now remains. has four small children who entirely depend on her labour ... finds it hard to support them without the assistance of her husband, desires to go to New York, secure his release, and return with him. Recommended by Williams Semple.James Stuart, andJohn Pringle. [Granted.] 21 August 1781. James Haney coppersmith and Thomas Whitlocke marl• ner of Philadelphia gave £300 bond for Elizabeth Botner, who was going to New York with her children and maid servant, not to return during the continuance of the present war, witnessed by James Trimble. ew York, 5 March 1783. Elizabeth Botner now of the City of New York, came to ew York in the month of August 1781 when she gave security not to return unless given permission, having an ancient Mother and many other near relations living within the state, is anxious to see them once more, requests permission to come to Pennsylvania and return to ew York. [Rejected.] 23 September 1783. Peter Bouszacq, "a foringner, a subject to hi most Christian Majiscy& unaquainted with the English Linguage, iS about traveling to New York upon hi necessary affairs .... " (Granted.) Philadelphia, 3 5eptember 1779. J. Bowles "being at present an inhabitant of the Bahama Islands, ... having been brought up and educated in this City, ... desirous t0 return again to this state with my familly and effects ... " [No indication if granted.] Read 11 June 1779. Catherine Boyd, whose husband has been eight months a prisoner in New York, he was eighteen months a fut Lieut of one of the gallies and afterwards went Mate of one of the vessels belonging to the Continint and had the misfortune t0 be taken by the English, has four small children and has not received any assistance from her husband to support them, reque tS a pass to go to New york to endeavor to get him exchanged. [Rejected.] 182 Pennsylvania Genealogtcal Magazine Vol. 44 Philadelphia, 16 April 1779. Middleton and Mary Braddock, "when children with their Father went from England to Ireland from thence embarkd for this country ... on our passage our Father died, by which means when wee arivcd in Philadelphia were obliged to go into good families for our support, our dcpendance remaining in England ... grant us a pass so that we may by the way of New York get home to our native country where our friends has so pressingly rote for us." Statement by John Pringle that they came over in his ship Renown from Newry in May 1775. [Granted if bond given.) Philadelphia, 28 April 1779. Blair Mcclenaghan and John Pringle, both of Philadelphia merchants gave £500 bond that Middleton Braddock and Mary Braddock would not return without leave, witnessed by William Cross and William Forbes. Philadelphia, 1 April 1783. Benjamin Bradhurst, "having bisiness of very great inportcnce to my self to transact in New York, the place of my nativity ... " [Granted.] Philadelphia, 29 November 1779. Tulip May of the City of Philadelphia ship joyner gave £1000 bond that Mary Brady who had a passport to go to New York would not return without permission, witnessed by James Trimble and John Lockton. Philadelphia, 15 March 1781. Allee Brothers of Philadelphia widow, reduced to poverty by the death of her husband and the burthen of three children to maintain, having a brother in New York who is ready and willing to procure and pay the passage of her and her three children to Rotterdam in Holland from whence she originated and in which place her friends and relatives are, requests passport to New York with her three children. [Granted.] Philadelphia, 20 March 1781. Mrs. Brothers who formerly lived well and in repute in Philadelphia, recommended by Robert Burchan. Note says ..chest a small trunk and a bed and bedding." Philadelphia, 6 August 1776. John Brown, who was taken with Mr. Connolly, having already made oath not to bear arms against America during the pre ent contcSt with Great Britain. He has had no allowance for subsistance since his relcascment from prison, & as Mr. Connolly's circumstances will not afford him support, requests passport for the West Indies. [No indication if granted.} Read 23 November 1779. Mary Brown, whose husband is in New York. "is left in very misurable condition being so lame in her leg that she is not able to hdp herself or do anything to uppon her poor infant," requests pass for self, child, & her bed to New York. [Granted.] 2005 Applications for Passes, 1776-1790 183 Philadelphia, 25 November 1779. Peter Cousins [signature Petre Cosins] of Philadelphia storekeeper gave £1000 bond for Mary Brown not to return without permission, witnessed by James Trimble and William Mathews. Philadelphia, 19 April 1783. John Brown and Mary his wife [he signed her name) petitioned that "whereas the Brittish are going to evacuate the City of New York" they are apprehensive unless they are permitted to go there to secure their property. [Granted.] Read 12 August 1779. Mary Buckley, her husband being at present in New York and left without means to support herself and family, requests pass to go and not return. Recommendation saying she was "many years past an inhabitant of Southwark" signed by George Moore, James Skinner, and Joseph Falconer. [Granted.] 13 August 1779. Dennis Dunn and Joseph Ploughman traders of the City of Philadelphia gave £500 bond that Mary Buckley not return without permission. Witness James Trimble. Read 18 April 1783. Timothy Bunce "is charged with particular business to the agents for supplying the French army-who at this present is in the City of New York," requests pass to New York. [Granted.] Philadelphia, 15 September 1779. Elizabeth Burgin "has been obliged to flee from New York on account of having conducted herself in a amicable manner towards the subjects of the United States & has been obliged to leave a family of three small children in New York," and requests "a Flag to her son to go to New York for to get out the small family of hers-Should there any doubt arise about your Petitioners behaving herself friendly to Americans there are gentlemen who have been prisoners in New York now in this City who can certify to the truth thereof." Timothy Matlock stated "Toe Petitioner has been a most zealous and steady friend to the American prisoners in Long island and was under the necessity of leaving New York for an attempt to assist a prisoner to escape." Philadelphia, 23 October 1776. Richard Burke "was taken in the ship William in his passage from Jamaica to Liverpool by the armed sloop called the Chance, commanded by Captan James Armitage and brought a prisoner into this city destitude of either money or friends, that he is exceedingly desirous ... to return from this port to the West Indies." [No indication if granted.] Philadelphia, 25 March 1783. Augustus Buyck "of Ghent in Flanders, but who for some time past has been in this City and other parts of the United States upon Business of Commerce humbly sheweth that a valuable shop belonging to your Petitioner and to his Father of the City of Ghent aforesaid with her cargo under Flemish colours and papers has been taken since the conclusion of this general peace and carried into the Port of New York as a 184 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 44 Prize but as he understands hath not yet been condemned That your Petitioner think it highly probable that if he can be permitted to go to New York he shall be able to obtain a restoration ... " Recommendation signed by Joseph Carson, William Bell, Peter Whiteside, and Wllllam von Phul [Granted.] Philadelphia, 12 February 1780. Christopher Cairns "has taken an active part in the glorious contest and has perform'd every tour of military duty requir'd, having urgent business in Ireland on account of a legacy of consiquence and a young increasing famaly to mantain," requests pass for "him, his wife, and children (with their necessary beds and beding, and usefull utencils)." Recommendation signed by Lewis Grant, Andrew Kennedy, and John Shields. [Rejected.) Read 31 May 1779. Ann Calvert, a native of Ireland, ..is a distressed young woman, whose views in emigrating hither are unfortunately frustrated and finds her elf therefore under the unexpected necessity of hard suffering or of returning again to her native country. That she has there a superannuated and tenderly fond mother in easy circumstances who, by the loss of an only sister, has now nobody living to look after her infirm person, property, or effects, except your illfated Petitioner, who is, also, miserable in a strange land; without interest, money, or friends, and altogether unable to procure an honest livelihood, by any kind of Industry, these sore trying times!" She requests pass "to return to her mother, where all her hope and comfort are now intlrely centered." Statement signed by Jacob S. Howell that "Ann Calvert lived sometime ago with my uncle Joshua Howell & when there behaved well." [Granted.) 4June tn9.Joseph McCullough merchant andJohn Davison [name is John Davis on bond, but signature is John Davison] sadler both of the City of Philadelphia gave £500 pounds that Anne Calvert would not return without permission. Witness James Trimble. Philadelphia, 3 February 1777. Duncan Campbell, Serjeant in Capt. John Munro' company of the Royal Highland Emigrants, having been many years in the Kings Service. great part whereof he had resided in Philadelphia and married a wife who remained here obtained a furlow last June from his said Captain in order to come to his wife and family-that he has continued here ever since and always demeaned himself peaceably and never done anything whatever either by word or action inimical to the Libertie of America-That his wif: has been some time dead and his time limited in his furlow long xpired, he would be still willing to remain here in a quiet manner, but as he has once sworn to his Majesty the King of Great Britain he cannot in conscience bear arms against him," and requests a pass "to join bis company at New York, otherwise grant him a protection that he may remain here without being oblig d to break his oath by bearing arms." [No indication if granted.] [to be continued]