SECTION 5 COL. THOMAS PROCTOR Military & Domestic Notes and Sources (Arranged by Subject, then Date) Compiling the entries of records on Thomas Proctor will enable the reader to comprehend the daily routine of commanding an artillery regiment more easily. Some of the unexhausted selection of entries are of interest while others perhaps are simply facts, but all give us a total look at a man and his life. It would be helpful to use this section in conjunction with the articles PA ARTILLERY, SKETCH OF GEN. PROCTER and his journal NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY... Included at the end of this section are records of Thomas Proctor as High Sheriff, some records of his Hogg Island court case, a Masonic funeral, etc. Most entries are transcribed exactly as found with only a few corrections of spellings. Proctor's name was interchangeably spelled "Procter" in the sources. The following abbreviations for the main sources will be used to conserve space: CR = Colonial Records PA = Pennsylvania Archives WOGW = Writings of George Washington * * * * * * October 27, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 382-383 Upon application of Mr. Thomas Proctor to be appointed Captain of the Company of Artillery to be raised and employed at Fort Island for the defense of this Province, This Board considering Mr. Proctor's Application, Resolved, That the said Thomas Proctor be appointed Captain of the said Company. November 3, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 390 Upon application of Capt. Proctor, the following order was delivered him: Sir: You will please to admit Capt. Thomas Proctor, with his Company of Artillery, into the Barracks, and furnish him with the Bedding late belonging to the Royal Artillery Company, and with what other necessary belonging to the Province, for their accommodation, that you may have in your power to supply him with. By order to the Committee, Signed Robert Morris, Vice President, to Joseph Fox, Esq., Barrack Master November 6, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 394 Resolved, That Capt. Proctor be supplied by the Master at Arms with the firelocks furnished by Colo. Cadwalader, now on Board the Armed Boats, taking his receipts for the same; and that the Master at Arms replace the number of Firelocks taken from on Board the Boats as soon as Possible. That he appoint the necessary non-Commissioned Officers of his Company, they serving for the Common Pay. That he may order his Men to the Barracks immediately. That Robert Towers supply him with Six Cannon, with Carriages and every other necessary for them. November 11, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 402 Mr. Towers, Commissary, is ordered to deliver to Capt. Proctor Six Eighteen-Pound Canon, with all the necessary Stores and implements belong[ing] to them, for the Service of this Province at Fort Island. November 13, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 403 Upon application of Capt. Proctor, of the Artillery Company, an Order was drawn, by order of the Board, on Joseph Fox, Esq., to deliver him what Provincial Arms he may have in his possession. November 17, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 405 Resolved, That the Gunners and Matrosses, belonging to the Artillery Company, be allowed the accouterments, as proposed by Capt. Thos. Proctor. That Capt. Proctor provide a Drum and Fife for his Company. December 5, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 423 Upon information to this Committee that Capt. Proctor & Lieut. Proctor, had behaved in a manner unbecoming officers, to Capt. Williams and Lieut. Watson, of Colo. Bull's Battalion, and this Committee have heard the parties and their evidences, and upon full consideration, unanimously agreed that the charge was fully proved, and recommended to the said Capt. Proctor and Lieut. Proctor, to make a suitable acknowledgment to the parties injured, which they have peremptorily refused to comply with; It is therefore Resolved, that the said Capt. Proctor and Lieut. Proctor, be dismissed the service. December 8, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 424 Capt. Thomas Proctor and Lieut. Proctor, this day attended the Board, and agreeable to a Resolve of the 6th ins't, were dismissed the Service of this Board. December 28, 1775, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 452 Resolved, That capt. Proctor immediately go to Fort Island, and take under his Command the Artillery Company stationed there. January 9, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 467 Resolved, That Capt. Proctor immediately go to Fort Island, and take under his Command the Artillery Company stationed there. January 25, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 467 The Committee of Safety having resolved to increase the Number of Men in the pay of, and for the defense of this Province, Captain Proctor is hereby directed to enlist seventy Volunteers, who are to be instructed principally in the use and management of Artillery, but to be embodied in such manner, and employed occasionally upon such service as may be hereafter determined by the said Committee. January 26, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 468 The following is the form of an Enlistment to be signed by the Volunteers to be enlisted by Captain Proctor, Viz: We whose name are hereunto subscribed, do voluntarily agree to enter into the Service of the Province of Pennsylvania, to be instructed in the use and management of Artillery, Commanded by such officers as now are or may be hereafter appointed by the Assembly of this Province, or Committee of Safety, and to be occasionally employed in such Military Duty and Service in this or the Adjacent Provinces, or the River Delaware, as the defense of this Province may hereafter require, and for which they shall receive the orders of either of the above Boards. January 31, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 472 Upon application of Capt. Proctor for a sum of Money for the recruiting Service; By order of the Board, an order was drawn on Mr. Jno. Max'l Nesbitt, for fifty pounds for said service. February 24, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 494 Resolved, That Capt. Proctor make use of Seven Rooms in the Pest House on Province Island, for quartering part of the Artillery Company. That Capt. Proctor have the use of as many Firelocks as he may have occasion for, and a 6-pound Canon to exercise the Men under his Command, and that Robert Towers be directed to deliver the same. That Commodore Caldwell & Capt. Proctor fix upon proper Signals for the Fleet, Merchantmen & Battery, and that the same be communicated to the Pilots employed in Navigating Vessels through the Chevaux de Frize. That Capt. Proctor procure a Flag Staff for the Fort, with a Flag of the United Colonies. That the said Committee see that the necessaries wanting at Fort Island for the use of the Battery, and for Capt. Procter's Company, not mentioned in the above Resolves, be supplied. Resolved, That Jeremiah Simmons, now a Lieutenant on board one of the armed Boats, be appointed 1st Lieutenant in Capt. Proctor's Company of Artillery. March 4, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 504 Robert Towers, Commissary, makes the following Report; That he delivered to Captain Proctor: 169 Canon Cartridges 73 firelocks 1 four-pound Canon 1 Carriage & Limber 1 Traile Ropes 1 Rammer & Sponge 1 Wad Hook & Ladel. March 7, 1776, At a Special Meeting of the Committee, CR, Vol. 10, Pages 507-508 Resolved, That the Commodore order down tomorrow to Fort Island, three of the armed Boats that are in most readiness, where they are to remain til they are relieved by others, while they are down the River the Men are to be quartered at the Pest House in the Rooms not occupied by Capt. Proctor's Company, until sufficient Barracks on Fort Island are built. March 8, 1777, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 507 The present scarcity of Blankets lays the Committee of Safety under the necessity of applying to the patriotic inhabitants for a supply for the Artillery Company raised for the defense of this Province; Therefore, it is Resolved, That Capt. Thomas Proctor shall apply to such House Keeps as will be likely to spare any supernumerary Blankets which they may have, for the use of the said Company, and this Board will allow them a reasonable price for the same; and it is further Resolved, That Captain Proctor do Return to this Board the names of the Persons from when he collects any Blankets, with the number which he shall collect, and their Value, which in the whole is not to exceed one hundred. Resolved, That the pay master stop out of the pay of the non-Commissioned officers and private in Capt. Proctor's Company, three dollars per month for their Clothing, and pay the same to the Tradesman who has furnished the said Clothing, he producing his account, settled and approved by Capt. Proctor. March 12, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 152 Directed to Capt. Thomas Proctor Whereas, the Keeper of the Common Gaol of the City of Philadelphia, hath made Complaints to this Board that certain prisoners in the said Gaol, Committed as Enemies to this country, have raised a dangerous Riot, assaulted the Gaoler and Turnkey, and now stand on the defense, and threaten to Break the Gaol and release all the prisoners, these are to require you forthwith to repair to the said Gaol with a sufficient part of your Men, and Assist the Sheriff and Gaoler to secure the said Rioters, for which this shall be your Warrant. Signed, James Biddle, Chairman. March 15, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 516 Resolved, That Capt. Thomas Proctor of the Artillery, be allowed 26.66 dollars per Month. March 26, 1776, At a Special Meeting of the Committee of Safety, CR, Vol. 10, Page 526 The Committee also sent an Express to Capt. Proctor, or the Commanding Officer of the Artillery Company at Liberty Island, with the above intelligence (a Sloop-of-war was then coming into Lewes Road with a small Tender, with reason to believe they would proceed up the Bay) and ordered to keep a good Look out to prevent surprise, and be fully prepared to oppose the Enemy is they should attempt to come up the River. March 28, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 527 Upon application of Capt. Thomas Proctor for a sum of Money for the pay & Subsistence of the Artillery, By order of the Board an order was drawn in his favor on Jn. M. Nesbitt, Paymaster, for 400 pounds, for said purpose. April 29, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 552 In Consequence of the Intelligence received that the Roebuck Man-of-War is aground upon Brandywine, Capt. Reed was ordered with the Provincial Ship Montgomery, to .... and to take a detachment of Capt. Procter's artillery. May 8, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 560 Upon information of Capt. Richard Peters, that Capt. Proctor has enlisted a certain John Malcom, a Lock Maker, employed in the Manufactory in this City, By order of the Board, Capt. Proctor was directed to sent up the said Malcom to Capt. Peters, to be employed in the said Manufactory. May 15, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, 571 By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver for the use of Capt. Proctor's Company, 27 Firelocks for the use of his Artillery. June 19, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 607 Mr. Abraham Kinney, Tenant at Hogg Island, was informed by the Committee of the necessity of laying that Island under Water on the near approach of the Enemy, and at the same time, was assured that whatever Injury he should sustain in Consequence would be hereafter made good to him by the Public. July 4, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 630 Resolved, That the 6 Cannon arrived from New London be sent down immediately to Fort Island, and that Capt. Proctor be directed to fit Carriages for them and place as many of them, for the present, on the Platform at the Battery there as it will contain. July 12, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 643 Resolved, That the pay of the Artillery Company of this Province, under the Command of Capt. Proctor, be increased to Continental pay. August 14, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 685 Resolved, That the Troops under Capt. Proctor's Command be augmented to 200 men, to be formed into two Companies, to be under the Direction of one Commanding Officer with the rank of Major, and each Company to have one Captain Lieutenant and three Lieutenants. Resolved, That the said Troops be Commanded by Thomas Proctor, Esq., with the rank, pay, and allowance of Major, and to be recruited by him for the same time, and on the same terms as those already raised have been. September 12, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, 716 John M. Nesbit, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay James Porter £1 9 3, for dieting 39 meals of Capt. John Boyd's Comp'y, Col. Tho's Proctor's Battalion. September 16, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 719 Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Thos. Proctor 113 Stand of Arms. September 18, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 722 Resolved, That Major Thomas Proctor be empowered to enlist any associator of this state, provided he is not already engaged in the Flying Camp, or a servant or apprentice. September 18, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 734 Mr. Nesbitt to pay Elias Botner, for Gunners' Belts, Priming Wiers, etc., sent to General Mercer, £31 17 0, to be charged to Congress, & £24 0 0, for Budge Barrels delivered to Major Proctor, to be charged to this State. October, 5, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 742 Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Proctor 26 Blankets, for the use of the Artillery. Resolved, That the two Companies of the Artillery under the Command of Major Thomas Proctor, be Officered with One Captain and three Lieutenants for the present; and that the following Gentlemen be and are hereby appointed officers in said Companies, viz: ... Second Company, Thomas Forrest, Captain, and Francis Proctor, 2nd Lieutenant. Resolved, THat a Detachment be made from the Artillery Companies of the State, of 50 men, to be sent to Fort Montgomery under the command of Capt. Strohbogh, Subject to the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, and that two of the Commissioned Officers in his Company, and Lieut. Proctor, of Capt. Forrest's company, proceed with the said Detachment (that they may have an opportunity of seeing Service), to be relieved as such times as the board may think proper, and that they shall march as soon as they are furnished with necessary Camp Equipage. Major Proctor is to see this resolve carried into Execution. October 11, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 749 An order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favor of Major Proctor, for 50 Knapsacks, 50 Haversacks, and 50 Canteens, for the use of his Artillery, Intended to be sent to Fort Montgomery. October 14, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 753 Resolved, That Major Proctor be empowered to exchange Two Hundred Arms now in his Possession for the like number of light arms belonging to Congress. October 16, 1777, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, 756 Major Proctor was desired to hold the Detachment in readiness intended to be sent to Fort Montgomery, to March at a Moment's warning. October 17, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 758 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Proctor £48 14 5 for Boarding Sick Soldiers belong[ing] to the Artillery Companies Commanded by him. October 26, 1777, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, 769 Resolved, That Major Proctor be ordered Immediately to sent forward the Detachment of Artillery to Fort Montgomery in the State of New York, agreeable to a request of Congress, there to remain until further orders from this Council. October 27, 1776, PA, Second Series, Vol. 1, Page 682 Col. Proctor to Council of Safety, Philadelphia Gentlemen: At receipt of yours of yesterday, should have Immediately waited on you, had not the proving the Cannon prevented me. Mr. Garret's charge against me is so ill founded, as I did appoint a day to discharge his supposed apprentive, but my business had Interfered in such a manner that I was under the necessity of taking a day longer, in which time he Eloped from the Island, Carrying away his Regimentals, &c., for which time I stand indebted. I have good authority to produce That John Williamson, who the Contest is for, did Voluntarily Enlist to serve the Pennsylvania Artillery to the End of the War, denying he was under any obligation to any person. The reason is, that his master did assent to his Enlistment with me, rather than go with the Militia to Camp, and If they ever returned, the Master was to demand him of his property, which actually was the Case; for, in the space of four months the said Williamson was sundry times on furloughs to See his friends, and lay at his Masters, and He never deem'd him by Proxy, or otherwise, until the Militia return'd. In justice to my Country, I do Contend my right to said Williamson to be Just, and that you will be pleased to suffer a Candid discussion of the Matter. I am, Gentlemen, with Due respect, your Most H'ble Servant, THOS. PROCTOR October 30, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 772-773 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay two Accounts exhibited for Work done at Fort Island, by Men under the Command of Major Proctor, Certified by the Check Clerk, amounting to £112 17 6. Resolved, That Major Proctor be directed to re-Enlist such men belonging to the Artillery in the service of this State, whose times are now expired, ro such as may hereafter expire, who are willing to serve during the War, they to be allowed the Bounty of Ten Dollars given for that purpose by this Council, and that the Engagement entered into by him with Mease & Caldwell, respecting the Clothing and Artillery under his Command, be fulfilled by this Council. November 1, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 775 An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Major Proctor, £187 10, to be charged to his account. November 2, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 776 Mr. Nesbitt to pay Alexander Rutherford £141 19 0, for Cortouch Boxes, Bayonet Straps, Belts, etc., delivered to Major Proctor, for the use of the Artillery. November 4, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 777 An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Major Proctor, for 1000 Dollars, and charge the same to his Account. November 13, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 1 Resolved, That Major Proctor be directed to parade the Artillery under his Command at Fort Island, on Friday morning next, when Mr. [Joseph] Blewer and Col. Humpton, at the request of this Board, will attend in order to review them. November 18, 1776, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 7 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Thomas Proctor £59 4 1-1/2, for boarding of sick Soldiers belonging to the Artillery, and £50 on account of recruiting Expenses, to be charged to his Account. December 1, 1776, At a Special Meeting of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 25 Resolved, That Major Proctor do send fifty of his Privates with proper officers, under the Command of Captain Thomas Forrest, to General Washington, without delay, that they are to take with them two Brass Field pieces belong[ing] to this State, and Major Proctor is to lay before this board an estimate of Stores, wagons, and Camp equipage, necessary for that service, that they may be supplied without delay. December 3, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 27 An order was drawn in favor of Major Proctor, for £500 December 5, 1777, In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 33 Mr. Thomas Marle was directed to take ten men to Fort Island, in order to fix the Boom under the direction of Major Thomas Proctor ... December 8, 1776, Fort Island, Letter of Major Proctor to the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, 1776, CR, Vol. 11 I have ordered all the regular soldiers that were taken Prisoners and enter'd with me to be taken to Gaol as I fear'd future Consequences that might attend their staying at this place in case of an Invasion believing from what I have seen, and heard, that Correspondence is held up between Ld How, and them, by means of Mrs. White, wife of one of my People. I have given Capt. Courtnay orders to seize her papers and Commit her to Confinement till you are please to hear the matter alleged against her. I hope the Council will pardon my Inadvertancy in first Enlisting them, as I shall forbid myself such pleasure as I Expected to have had from their service, in future. Two flatts [are] Immediately wanted to Carry stone from here to the piers as there is little security for the Chain and Trunk, being Quite open without they are Covered with stone, also more men if Possible to be had. Yours most respectfully, Thomas Proctor December 11, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 44 Capt. George Bickham was directed to pay ... Major Proctor £300, to be charged to his account. December 17, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 53 Mr. Nesbitt to pay ... Thomas Moss, for Boarding and Nursing a sick soldier belonging to Major Proctor's Artillery, £7 17 1-3/4. December 26, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 63 Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., to pay Major Proctor six Hundred Dollars to pay his men, now under marching orders. December 27, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 64 B. Bickham, Quartermaster, was ordered to deliver Major Proctor twenty pairs shoes and twenty pairs hose, for the use of his soldiers. December 30, 1776, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 67 An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favor of Capt. Courtney for 100 Dollars for recruiting service for the Artillery of this [State], to be charged to Major Proctor. January 10, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 83 Hill and Peter Baker £17 10, for work and boat hire, employed by Major Proctor. January 15, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 90 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Armitage £2 9 4, for Tavern Expenses of Major Proctor's Men, with 2 wagons of ammunition, on the 3d and 4th of December last, to be charged to Congress. January 17, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 25 A Court of inquiry to sit tomorrow, at nine o'clock to examine into a Complaint by Serjt. Davis, William Davis, and one Gallakin, all of Capt. Leir's Company, against Major Proctor, Capt. Lang, and Lieut. Turnbull of the Artillery: All Evidences to attend, and facts as they appear to be reported. January 20, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 96 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. H. Courtney 200 Dollars for recruiting service for artillery, to be charged to Major Proctor. January 23, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 55 Major Proctor is directed to inspect and arrange the Artillery, in such manner as he shall think best, for the defense of this place, taking care to have such repairs immediately made, as may be wanting, with horses allotted to each piece, and all necessary harness ready. January 29, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 76 General Orders Capt. Josiah Harman's Company of Foot, in the 2nd Pennsylvania Battalion, to join Major Proctor's Regiment of Artillery, and be by him returned. January 31, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 82 Gentn: As the times of a Number of the Continental Artillerymen have expired, that department is left very bare. Major Proctor informs me that there are about 140 of his Corps now doing duty at the Forts upon the Delaware; but as there is not the least probability of their being wanted during the Winter Season, I beg you will immediately detach, at least 100 of these Men to put themselves under the Command of Major Proctor; if 100 men cannot be spared, you will be pleased to send as many as you possibly can. I am &c. February 3, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 112 Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Jewel £219 19 9, for diet of sundry prisoners, £216 1 2, of which to be charged to Congress, and £3 18 7 to this State, for Major Proctor's men. February 6, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 116 Resolved, that a Regiment of Artillery be raised for the defense of this State, to consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, eight captains, eight 1st lieutenants, eight 2d lieutenants, eight lieutenant fireworkers, one paymaster, one quartermaster, one surgeon, one surgeon's mate, one sergeant major, one drum major, one fife major, one quartermaster's sergeant, thirty-two sergeants, thirty-two corporals, eight drummers, eight fifers, twelve musicians, four hundred and eighty privates. Resolved, that Thomas Proctor, Esq., be appointed Colonel of said Regiment. February 18, 1777, Committee/Council of Safety, Philadelphia, PA, Series 2, Vol. 1, Page 751-752 To Col. Thos. Proctor at Morristown Sir: We wrote you the 6th Instant, informing you of your appointment to the command of a Regiment of Artillery to be raised for this State, with the Rank of Colonel, to which we have received no answer. As the season for action approaches, it becomes expedient that you should return to this City immediately, to assist us in forming a proper Corps of officers, and that the Regiments be Recruited without delay. You are, therefore, to apply to his Excellency, George Washington, for leave to return, and we cannot but doubt but you will readily receive his permission, as the necessity of it is very evident. I am, by Order of the Council, &c. O. BIDDLE, Chairman March 4, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 139 An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favor of Capt. Joseph Rice, for 1200 Dollars, for the recruiting service of the Pennsylvania Artillery, charge to Col. Proctor. March 7, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 262 Col. Proctor has shewn me a Letter from your Board, in which you require his attendance at Philadelphia. He is so essential here at the Head of the Artillery, in the absence of Gen. Knox now on his way to Boston, that I am obliged to detain him till his return which will be in a few days. March 8, 1777, In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, PA, Series 2, Vol. 1, Page 760 Sir: The Council think it absolutely necessary for the Public Service that you should immediately return to the City. Mr. Strobogh being appointed Lieutenant Colonel to your Regiment, will render your Presence at Camp least necessary than it has been, as the Command of the Artillery will of course develop upon him, and the Council have so good an opinion of him as to think the service will not suffer by your absence. We need not point out to you the necessity of may matters being Carried into Execution, they must be sufficiently obvious to you. We therefore desire you will return directly after the receipt of this. I am, your very Humble Servant, By Order of Council, O. BIDDLE, Chairman March 14, 1777, Headquarters Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 7, Page 289 To Henry Knox Dear Sir: I have for some time past most earnestly expected you, to arrange matters in the Artillery, which has in a manner lain Still since you went away. I have prevailed upon Col. Proctor, thought he is under positive orders from the State of Pennsylvania to return to Philadelphia, to stay till you come back. I beg you will endeavor to bring forward as many of the Artillery Men, intended for this department, as you can possibly can, for we have not a Man except those of Col. Proctor's Corps, and they are liable to be called home, upon the least alarm in Delaware. As you see how necessary your presence is here, I hope you will make as much haste as possible to Join. I am &c. April 29, 1777, General Orders, Headquarters, PA Vital Records, "Pennsylvania Evening Post" On the application of Col. Proctor, who supposed that a certain Mr. William Ritchie had insinuated, to Gen. Gates, suspicions injurious to his character, Gen. Schuyler requested the attendance of Gen. Scott, Lieut. Col. Antil, Col. Irvine and Mr. Ritchie being called on, and the latter asked what he knew to the disadvantage of Col. Proctor either as an officer, a gentleman, or friend to his country, repeatedly declared that he knew nothing to his disadvantage. The general, and other gentlemen above mentioned, were unanimously of opinion that Proctor's character stands fair and unimpeached, and that he should be considered in the same favorable point of light in which he stood before such suspicions had been insinuated against him. By order of the Hon. Major General Schuyler, Henry B. Livingston, A.D.C. To the Public: Whereas I, James Fisher, shopkeeper in Second street, of the city of Philadelphia, have ungenerously and falsely aspersed the character of Col. Thomas Proctor, in accusing him in being an enemy to the present American cause, and endeavoring to support the false accusation alleged against him of like nature, by a certain Mr. William Ritchie, of this city, against said Col. Thomas Proctor, being thoroughly convinced of my error, do, in this public manner, declare I am heartily sorry for so doing and desire the same my be published, as it is without foundation what I have done. Given under my hand at the Coffeehouse this nineteenth day of May, 1777. James Fisher. March 1 to April 30, 1777, Records of the Comptroller General at DPR (Abstract) Col. Thomas Proctor, Unit Pennsylvania Regiment Artillery, Pay £37 10 0, two months, Duty Detachment Stationed at Fort Island July 15, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 245 The Council being informed that there is not any Money in the Treasury, nor likely to be any until Friday next and as there is Money due Col. Proctor's Regiment, now under Marching orders, and the demand for other purposes being very considerable and pressing, Agreed, That application be made to Congress for $60,000 to be accounted for to Congress. July 16, 1777, Camp near the Clove, WOGW, Vol. 8, Pages 415 & 416 To the President of Congress I am pleased to hear that you have taken Col. Proctor's Corps of Artillery into Continental Service; you will be kind enough to order them to joint the Army immediately, for I expect the light Artillery in a few days from the Eastward and Artillery Men will be wanted to Man them. (From 2nd letter of that day to President of Congress) In mine this morning, I desired that Colo. Proctor's Regiment should join this Army without loss of time. Upon consulting Gen. Knox, we are of opinion, they had better halt at Trenton with Gen. Nash, till further Orders, as the operations of Gen. Howe are not yet perfectly understood... July 19, 1777, Journals of Continental Congress, 1774-1789 A letter, of the 18[th], from Colonel Proctor (Letter in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 58, folio 287), with a list of the officers of his corps, was read requesting, as the said corps is transferred by the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, and taken into the service of the Continent, that continental commissions formerly issued to them from the Council of Safety of the said State. Resolved, That commissions and warrants be granted to the said officers, and that they bear the same date as those issued to them by the State. July 24, 1777, Minutes of the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 11, Page 250 The Board of War having informed the Council that the last Detachment of Col. Proctor's Regiment was to march this day, in consequence of which Fort Island would be left without a Guard; thereupon Ordered, That Gen. Potter be requested to send a proper guard to take care of the Artillery Stores, etc., on the said Island. August 22, 1777, WOGW, Vol. 9, Page 116 and also see 119. Headquarters Camp at Cross Roads, Concerning the Enemy's arrival in Chesapeake Bay and the Resolution of Congress thereupon Sir: You will immediately proceed with your Brigade and Colo. Proctor's Corps of Artillery to Chester. If you can readily procure Craft to transport the Troops by Water you will. If you cannot, you will march by Land and send your Baggage by Water if there shall be Vessels Sufficient to carry it. Should you be disappointed in this also, it must go by land in such Waggons as you can get for the purpose. I have this Minute received advice by express, that Gen. Howe's Fleet is high up in the North East part of Chesapeake Bay. I am &ca. P.S. Should you be obliged to march by land, I wish you to order your march so, as not to go through Philadelphia and to pass by it without halting your Troops near it. August 25, 1777, WOGW, Vol. 9, Page 131 ...At Wilmington you will receive my further Orders. Colo. Proctor's Corps of Artillery continues with you. General Dickinson just informs me that you could not procure Boats at Trenton. You will therefore continue your march as above directed. I am &ca. September 2, 1777, WOGW, Vol. 9, Page 168 General Orders, Headquarters, Wilmington James McCracken, of Col. Proctor's regiment, charged with "Desertion from Trenton camp." The court released the prisoner from confinement for want of evidence. September 3, 1777, General Orders, Wilmington, WOGW, Vol. 9, Page 170 Daniel Hailey of the 11th Virginia Regiment charged with "Abetting the cause of a deserter from Col. Proctor's regiment of artillery, and with collaring Col. Proctor"; found guilty and sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back. Daniel Fennel of Col. Proctor's regiment, charged with "Deserting from the said regiment," found guilty, and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back, and to forfeit one month's pay for the use of the sick. October 12, 1777, WOGW, Vol. 9, Page 360 General Orders, Headquarters, Towamensing Major Forrest of Col. Proctor's regiment of artillery, charged with "Neglect of duty, with disobedience or orders, to the prejudice of the service, good order and military discipline, and with breaking his arrest," found guilty of neglect of duty, and of disobedience of orders, to the prejudice of the service, good order and military discipline, and not guilty of breaking his arrest, and sentenced to be reprimanded in General orders. (Maj. Thomas Forrest, of the Fourth Continental Artillery. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December, 1778; resigned in October, 1781.) January 8, 1778, WOGW, Vol. 10, Pages 277-279 Artillery Preparations, Instruction to Brig. Gen. Henry Knox We have three imperfect battalions of Artillery in the field .. the deficiency... Should be raised by different states, agreeable to the following arrangement: (See Table) In the above are included all the officers, except the brigadier, field and staff officers, and if completed would prevent the necessity of the pernicious practice of drafting from the battalions. February 8, 1778, WOGW, Vol. 10, Page 434 General Orders, Headquarters, Valley Forge At a General Court-martial whereof Colo. Proctor was President Feby. 5th, 1778, Lieut. Grey of Colo. Lamb's Regiment of Artillery tried for absenting himself from Camp without leave, being guilty of theft and other behavior unbecoming the character of an officer and gentleman, found guilty of un-gentleman, un-officer-like behavior in absenting himself from camp without leave; associating with a soldier, robbing and infamously stealing, unanimously sentenced to have his sword broke over his head on the grand parade at guard mounting, that he be discharged the Regiment and rendered incapable of serving any more as an officer in the Army and that it be esteem'd a crime of the blackest Dye, in an officer or even soldier to associate with him after the execution of the just though mild punishment. March 1, 1778, Headquarters Valley Forge, WOGW, Vol. 11, Page 6 To Brig. Gen. William Smallwood Dear Sir: Yours of the 27th. Ulto. was delivered to me by Express and that of the 28th by Col. Proctor, who saw the British Ships and craft on their return, they had passed Marcus Hook. He says it was reported that they had burnt Salem, he does not know the truth of this, but he saw a great smoke in that quarter. March 22, 1778, WOGW, Vol. 11, Pages 127, 128 Letter by Gen. Washington to Col. Proctor concerning Francis Proctor, Sr. Sir: I have yours of the 19th. Enclosing sundry papers relating to a dispute between Major Forrest and Colo. Crane founded upon an Arrest of Capt. Proctor. I had heard of this matter before, as Colo. Crane had laid before me a letter from Major Forrest to him, which he conceived couched in very improper terms from an inferior to his commanding officer. I refused to give any opinion upon the Subject, but desired Colo. Crane to dissolve the Court where of Major Forrest was president and arrest him, that the matter might be impartially determined by a General Court Martial to the line. I will just add, that as nothing gives me more pleasure than to determine any points that are amicably submitted to me by the Gentlemen of the Army, so nothing gives me more pain than the frequency of complaints that are made and difference of various kinds that happen among a set of Men embarked in the same great cause, who ought rather to cultivate harmony than break out into dissensions upon almost every occasion that offers. It, as I have hinted above, matters cannot be amicable settled, a Court Martial is the resort, and it is therefore improper to bring the dispute before me, because I am ultimately to give my opinion upon a revisal of the Evidence and allegations of both parties. I am &ca." March 23, 1778, WOGW, Vol. 11, Page 134 George Washington to Thomas Proctor, Winthrop Sargent, John Doughty, and Jonathan Clark Your are so well acquainted with the difficulties we labor under in procuring Clothing, that I am convinced you will attribute the want to real scarcity, and not to any intention to injure a Corps which has been distinguished in all services, and which has so well merited it in ours. It is true, each State is to provide for its own Regiments, and as that will make the draft upon the Continental Store so much the less, the Artillery and those Regiments not particularly belonging to any State may reasonable expect to be fully supplied. I have very pleasing accounts from all quarters of the purchase of large quantities of Clothing, and you may rest assured that you shall have your full share and at as reasonable Rates as the Regiments of particular States. August 7, 1778, Board of War, Journal of the Continental Congress for September 3, 1778 The Board having received an application from Colo. Proctor of the Artillery Regiment raised in Pennsylvania, desiring that the Regiment may be considered as Part of the Quota of Pennsylvania as the Men are entirely recruited in that State, and representing that the Council of that State do not think proper to furnish Money for the State County on the present Footing of the Regiment, Agreed to report to Congress. Resolved, That the artillery regiment raised in Pennsylvania, commanded by Col. Thomas Proctor, be considered as part of the quota to troops to be furnished by that State, which is to be credited for the men now in the regiment, and also for any which shall be hereafter recruited therein; and that the government of the said State be requested to furnish Col. Proctor with the State bounty, to enable him to fill up the regiment to its compliment of men. That the committee of arrangements be directed to consider the state of the officers of the said regiment, and regulate the same in the manner and according to the rules adopted by them with respect to other artillery regiments. September 4, 1778, The Supreme Executive Council minutes, CR, Vol. 11, Page 568 Resolved, that the Artillery Regiment raised in Pennsylvania, commanded by Col. Thomas Proctor, be considered as part of the quota of Troops to be furnished by that State, which is to be credited for the men now in the Regiment, and also for any which shall be hereafter recruited therein, and that the Government of the said state be requested to furnish Col. Proctor with the State bounty, to enable him to fill up the Regiment in its compliment of men. (Signed, Cha. Thomson, Sec'y) September 15, 1778, General Orders, Headquarters, W. Plains, WOGW, Vol. 12, Page 457 The whole Army will march tomorrow morning at seven o'clock. The General will beat at five, the troop at six, and the march at seven precisely. ... The board of General Officers are of Opinion that the Regiment of Artillery ought to rank in the following: 1st Regiment (John) Crane's 2nd Regiment (Thomas) Proctor's 3rd Regiment (Charles) Harrison's 4th Regiment (John) Lamb's ... January 30, 1779, Journals of the Continental Congress That there is due to Col. Thomas Proctor, for bounty and enlisting six men in his regiment of artillery, one hundred and fifty-two dollars. (Report, dated January 26th, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, III, folio 63.) March 26, 1779, WOGW, Vol. 14, Page 294 George Washington to Joseph Reed, Headquarters, Middlebrook Dear Sir: I lately received from Colo. Proctor (25) a Return of the Names and Ranks of the Officers of his Regiment, which I called for in order to endeavor to settle the relative Rank of the line of Artillery. I observe that Colo. Proctor stiles his Regiment "The Pennsylvania State Regiment of Artillery" from whence I am led to imagine that the Regiment may have been, by some late act of Congress, returned to the particular service of the State. I shall be glad to be informed precisely upon this point, bec ause if it is again a State Regiment. I do not look upon myself at liberty to interfere with it, or to take the arrangement of the rank of its Officers into consideration. (26) I have the honor, etc. Note 25. Col. Thomas Proctor Note 26. Proctor's Pennsylvania Artillery was taken into the Continental service in July, 1777, as the Fourth Continental Artillery, and continued as such until 1783. Note 27. The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman, "Upon a revisal of the Return of the Names and Ranks of the officers of your Regt. I find it entitled 'the Pennsylvania State Regt. of Artillery.' I shall therefore be glad to know whether the Regiment has by any late Resolve of Congress been returned to the Service of the State, or whether you only meant to distinguish it by that name from the others. I wish to be precisely informed upon this point, because if you again belong to the State, I cannot with any propriety undertake to interfere with or take the Rank of the Officers into consideration. ­ Washington to Col. Thomas Proctor, March 26, 1779. This letter is in the "Washington Papers." Reed answered this letter (March 29): The Appellation which Col. Proctor has given his Regiment is by no means a proper one... The late Publication of the Committee of Congress gives very great Dissatisfaction; indeed it must be truly wonderful that the two great Events of Trenton and Princeton are wholly unnoticed tho our Enemies date all their Misfortunes from that Period and indeed it is equally astonishing that in such a Compliment the Name of the Commander-in-Chief should not be mentioned from one End to the other. I do not recollect any Instance of the like in History. Reed's letter is in the "Washington Papers." Reed was referring to the publication by Congress of "Observations on the American Revolution," issued in February, 1779, which had for its original purpose the setting forth to the public of the proceedings and reasonings of Congress in connection with the British peace commissioners. April 3, 1779, PA, Second Series, Vol. 15, Page 400 State Regiment of Artillery. General return of the Pennsylvania State Regiments of Artillery, Commanded by Col. Thomas Proctor, Esq. Thomas Proctor, Colonel, County Longford, Ireland, February 5, 1777. April 5, 1779, WOGW, Vol. 14, Page 341 To President Joseph Reed, Headquarters, Middlebrook Dear Sir: Your favr. of the 29th March reached me a day or two ago. I cannot conceive from whence can arise the antipathy of Colo. Proctor and His Officers to the Uniform adopted by all the other Regiments of Artillery. In every service it is customary to distinguish Corps by particular Uniforms, and as Black and Red has been pitched upon for that of the American Continental Artillery, it is unreasonable in him to make any objections. As Blue and Red has hitherto been the Uniform of his Regt. I imagine the Officers are in general provided with Clothing of that kind for this year; and it would therefore be convenient to make a change at present. But I would wish you to inform Colo. Proctor, that it is expected he will conform next year. It is good policy to diversify our Uniform as much as possible, as thereby the demand for any particular color and of course the price is decreased. Blue Cloth is now higher priced than any other (except scarlet and Buff) because such numbers prefer it. April 5, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 739 A Recommendation (by Col. Proctor and other officers of the Regiment of Artillery) of Capt. Amos Wilkinson, as a proper person to receive and deliver out the Articles enumerated by a Resolve of General Assembly of 5th December last, was read; and thereupon, Ordered, That Capt. Amos Wilkinson be appointed to receive and deliver out to Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery, the Article enumerated in the Resolve of General Assembly of the 5th December last, and that he do also deliver to the Rev. Mr. Rogers, Chaplain of the Pennsylvania Brigade, now doing duty in Philadelphia, his Ration of the said Articles. April 7, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 741 Ordered, That Col. Farmer do supply Col. Lewis Nicola, Town Major, with the enumerated Articles ordered by General Assembly; and that Col. Nicola draw the same with Col. Proctor's Regiment. April 8, 1779, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to send four pieces of heavy ordnance to the post at Billingsport, on the river Delaware, in addition to what are already there; also to order a detachment of 40 men under the command of a captain and other suitable officers from Col. Proctor's battalion to garrison the said post; ... April 22, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 756 Ordered, That Two Companies of the Battalion of Artillery of this City and the adjoining districts, be immediately called into service, to relieve the Garrison at Mud Island and Billingsport, considering of Col. Proctor's Regiment, now called into the field for other service ... May 3, 1779, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 That by order of the Commander-in-Chief Col. Proctor's Regiment is, as soon as equipped, to march from this city, whereby the Posts occupied by them upon the River Delaware will be evacuated and the numerous Stores in and near this place will be unprotected. Resolved, That the president and council of the State of Pennsylvania be requested to order such of the militia of that State to take post at Ft. Mifflin and Billingsport in the room of Col. Proctor's men, as shall be judged by the said president and council sufficient; the said militia to be allowed continental pay and subsistence. May 4, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 766 A Letter from the Hon. John Jay, Esq., President of Congress, of this date, enclosing a Resolve of Congress, dated the 3d instant, requesting such of the Militia of this State, to take up Post at Fort Mifflin and Billingsport, in the room of Col. Proctor's Men, as shall be judged by the said President and Council sufficient; ... May 12, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 774 The Petition of Shewbart Armitage, praying to be appointed as Officer in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Col. Proctor, being read; and his recommendation by Col. Proctor considered, Ordered, That Shewbart Armitage be appointed 3rd Lieut. In Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery. May 12, 1779, WOGW, Vol. 15, Page 50 To Brigadier General Henry Knox, Middlebrook Dear Sir: The Enclosed letters respecting the rank of Officers in Proctor's Regiment, and Colo. Glower's pretensions, are this moment come to hand. I wish you to consider them attentively, and give me your Sentiments in writing, fully, upon every matter and thing contained in them. The amusements of Philadelphia have such preferable charms to the dangers and hardships of the field, that I shall not be surprised at finding a thousand difficulties enumerated by the above Corps to prevent their marching. I wish therefore as far as is consistent with the rights of others, that every obstacle may be removed, and complaints done away. Note: Knox's answer (May 13th) states among other things: " ...As I understand the ground of the Uniform of each State will be the same, the Standards of the State ought to be one ground; the standards of each regiment to be distinguished by its number, and such other emblems as shall be pointed out. These might be agreed on immediately, but I should suppose the execution ought to be deferred until the Troops were uniformed." May 13, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 776 Memorial of Samuel Story, praying to be appointed an Officer in Col. Proctor's Regiment, was read. On consideration of his recommendations, Ordered, That Samuel Story be appointed a Third Lieutenant in Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery. May 14, 1779, WOGW, Vol. 15, Page 80 To the Board of War, Headquarters, Middlebrook As to the situation of affairs and the exigency of the service will not admit of the least delay, I transmit the Board a Return of the Officers in Colo. Proctor's Regiment, by which they will be pleased to issue them Commissions. Their relative rank as to themselves, I believe, stands right, and I do not know that the arrangement is wrong with respect to Others. If it should be found so, it must be reformed when circumstances will permit. I would wish the Board to mention this to Colo. Proctor, that it may be clearly understood. By the death of Lieut. Colo. Strohbogh on the 2d of December a 2d vacant lieut. colonelcy has happened in the Artillery line. Major Forrest is to be appointed in his place, not however from a principle of regimental succession, but on that of lineal succession, by which all appointments of field Officers are to be made, according to the rules of promotion now established in the Army; the practice in Corps similarly circumstanced, and the ideas which have prevailed for some time past in the Artillery. The promotion to majorities is not of the oldest captain in the Regiment where the vacancy happens, but of the oldest in the particular line under consideration. In the case of Capt. Lieut. Emes there appears to be an inconsistency, which I can't reconcile. He is arranged the 8th and yet his appointment is dated seven or eight months before the rest. The Board will be pleased to advert to the circumstance and obtain a satisfactory explanation. I also enclose certificates in favor of Mr. McGuire. - Persons in his predicament, may be appointed to Subaltern ranks by th Field Officers of the Regiments to which they belong, or at least on their recommendation; but this power should be exercised with great caution and it would be well if in general cases the exercise of it were no to supersede Other Subalterns. I have experienced an infinite deal of trouble by like promotions, and in the present case, the Board probably will do well to prevent it if they can, or at least the placing Mr. McGuire at the point recommended. If it should not be agreeable to the officers it is likely all affected by it will leave the service. I will issue the order you request to prevent applications for supplies at Philadelphia. The arrangement respecting colors is not yet made. I have the Honor, etc. May 18, 1779, CR, Vol. 11, Page 781 A Letter from Col. Proctor, informing that three Men belonging to his Regiment, viz: George Farrell, Patrick Goff and William Alexander, are now confined in Gaol, are by their conduct rendered unfit for his Regiment, and proposing that they be shipped on board the General Green. Ordered, That George Farrell, Patrick Goff and William Alexander, now confined in the Gaol of Philadelphia, belonging to Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery, enlisted to serve during the War, be shipped on board the Ship General Green. May 27, 1779, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 12, Page 7 It is being represented to this Board that George Farrell, Patrick Goff and William Alexander, late belongings to Col. Proctor's Regiment and now confined in Gaol, are such dangerous and atrocious characters that Capt. Montgomery did not incline to have them on board the State Ship, agreeable to the Resolve of the 18th inst., and Capt. Harding, of the Confederacy Frigate, having expressed his desire to have them; Ordered, That he have permission from this Board so to do. June 3, 1779, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 12, Page 14 A return of the German Battalion, certified by the Board of War to have been raised and credited as a part of the Quota of this State, having been laid before the Board in order to their partaking of the benefit and advantage to which the other Troops of our Quota are entitled, Agreeable to Resolve of Assembly of Fifth of April last, Resolved, That the said return be transmitted to Lieut. Col. Farmer, the Commissary of the State, in order that He may take a copy thereof, sending back the Original to this Board, and that He be directed to make a like proportionate provision for them, as He has done for Col. Proctor's Regiment, under the same circumstances. June 6, 1779, To the Board of War, Ringwood, WOGW, Vol. 15, Page 236 Gentlemen: I am this moment honored with your favor of the 2d instant. The arrangement of Proctor' s corps cannot be confirmed as it now stands. The principles held up in my former letters on this subject are such as must be adhered to, and upon this plan only can I request the Board to issue Commissions. ... June 14, 1779, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 12, Page 22 Application having been made by Capt. Rice, of Col. Proctor's Regiment, for the State bounty to sundry Recruits, enlisted by directions from Col. Proctor, and also some received from Col. Nichola. Ordered, That Capt. Rice be informed that the state of the Treasury not admitting at present of Expenditures of this kind... August 10, 1779, WOGW, Vol. 16, Page 75 & 76 General Orders, Headquarters, Moore's House The Board of General Officers appointed in the orders of the 5th instant to settle the relative rank of the Colonels of the Artillery so far as it still remains unsettled, and the rank of the regiments, having made the following report: The board are of opinion the arrangement of the Colonels of Artillery ought to stand as follows: Colonels: Crane, Lamb, Harrison, Proctor And the regiments in the following order (viz) Col. Harrison's 1st, the rank of Col. Crane's and Col. Lamb's regiments to be decided by lot, and Col. Proctor's to be the 4th. December 24, 1779, CR, Vol. 12, Page 210 A Letter from the Board of War, dated the 21st instant, enclosing an extract of a letter from Gen. Washington, about annexing Capt. Lee's and Capt. Porter's companies to Col. Proctor's regiment. December 29, 1779, CR, Vol. 12, Page 215 A recommendation of Doctor William Adams, to be Surgeon of Col. Proctor's Regiment, was read, and Ordered, That he be recommended to the Board of War for the above Commission, to be dated first October, 1779. February 4, 1780, WOGW, Vol. 17, Page 485 Headquarters, Morristown, To Col. Proctor Sir: As there is now a Field Officer in Camp from each of the Artillery Regiments except yours, and it is essential that those Corps should be arranged without further loss of time, I request that either yourself or Lieut. Colo. Forrest will repair to the Army without delay, that the business may be set about and the arrangement be finally adjusted. I am &c. February 7, 1780, CR, Vol. 12, Page 245 A letter from Gen. Knox, respecting the Union of Cloren's Lee's, Porter's and Jones's Companies with Col. Proctor's Regiment, was read, and committed to the Vice President and Doctor Gardener. February 9, 1780, CR, Vol. 12, Page 247 The application of Lieut. James Norris for Clothing, being Considered, and it appearing that he was returned with the other Officers of Col. Proctor's Regiment, but his name erased afterwards; it also appearing that the said Lieut. Norris served faithfully during the fatiguing expedition of Gen. Sullivan against the Indians. February 12, 1780, CR, Vol. 12, Page 250 Mr. Bryan, Col. Proctor and Mr. Wynkoop, a Committee of the Honorable house of Assembly, having requested a Conference with the Council, were introduced. [Does not give reason for request.] February 17, 1780, CR, Vol. 12, Page 253 Return of the Troops of the PA line, dated 18th June, 1779 ... Of Men enlisted by Col. Proctor, dated 9th of June last. March 2, 1780, CR, Vol. 12, Page 266 Capt. Porter and Capt. Powers, of the Companies of Artillery now by law included in Col. Proctor's regiment, having, in behalf of themselves and Other Officers of said Companies, applied for an Order for Clothing out of the State Store. April 18, 1780, Headquarters, Morristown, WOGW, Vol. 18, Page 277 Gentn: I have the Honor to tranmit You the arrangement of Harrison's, Lamb's, Crane's and Proctor's Battalions of Artillery, on which you will be pleased to issue Commissions. The Relative ranks of the Field Officers and of all the Captains as well thse belonging to separate Companies as to the Battalions are set down after the Regimental arrangements, with the proper numbers against each, by which their precedence is to be determined and which will be noted as usual on their Commissions. May 17, 1780, WOGW, Vol. 18, Page 377 Col. Proctor is appointed Member of the General court martial whereof Gen. Hand is President... August 1, 1780, (Subsistence to, Interest from) Pierce's Certificates, Page 159, Record of the Comptroller General, at DPR Thomas Procter, Unit 4th Artillery Regiment, Final Settlement 130 Dollars, Interest from August 1, 1780 1 90 8, Signer Soldier, Issue date, 21 August, 1784, Certificate # 76635, Letter H, Authority Receipt Book A for final settlement (Pierce's Certificates), Page 159. October, 11, 1780, WOGW, Vol. 20, Page 153 Headquarters, Totowa, General Orders At the General Court Martial whereof Col. Henry Jackson is president the 25th. ulto. Capt. Andrew Porter of the Artillery was Tried for "Falsely and Maliciously misrepresenting the conduct of Col. Thomas Proctor as an officer in saying he discharged soldiers of his regiment for his private gain thereby defrauding the United States and from the same false and malicious views did say that he had not more than thirty or forty men in his said regiment on the Western expedition under General Sullivan and for conduct unbecoming an officer and a Gentleman towards Col. Proctor in the above mentioned instances. The Court are of opinion that Capt. Porter is Not Guilty of either of the charges against him and do acquit him. October 30, 1780, WOGW, Vol. 20, Page 265 & 266 At a General court marital of the Line whereof Col. Bailey is President, the 16th instant, Col. Procter of the Artillery was tried upon the following charges: 1st. Mustering men in his regiment as soldiers that were not actually doing the duty of Soldiers and returning them to command when they were doing the duty of Servants in his and other families in the city of Philadelphia. 2dly. Discharging Soldiers of his regiment for Sums of money. 3dly. Fraud in the settlement of his recruiting accompts. 4thly. Signing a false Certificate to a return for Quartermaster's Stores. 5thly. Discharging a number of able-bodied men from his regiment to the great prejudice of the service. The Court are of opinion that Col. Procter is not guilty of either of the Charges exhibited against him and do acquit him with Honor. The General entirely approves the determination of the Court; He cannot help remarking that the prosecution on the part of Capt. Porter (Capt. Andrew Porter of 2nd Continental Artillery) was vexatious, groundless and illiberal; it is with pain too he has seen several instances for some time past where personal pique has given birth to prosecution as unjust as they were indelicate and improper. Col. Procter is released from his Arrest. November 14, 1780, WOGW, Vol. 20, Pages 344 & 345 Headquarters, Passaic Falls, To George Clinton Dear Sir: Since my letter of the 5th on the subject of the number of Men necessary to complete the Quota of your State, I have recollected a matter in the composition of Col. Lamb's Regiment which I had been attended to at that time. Two independent Companies of Pennsylvania, consisting at present of only 39 Men, have been for some time past annexed to that Regiment and are included in the number of 304 of which the Regiment, as it now stands, consists. They have been always returned as part of the quota of Pennsylvania, have been adopted and supplied by that State. They would have been heretofore annexed to Col. Proctor's Regiment but for some difference between the Officers on account of Rank. There is a necessity for doing it now, as Lamb's Regiment has two Companies more that the establishment allows, and Proctor's wants two to complete it. The enclosed, which is a Copy of a letter from Gen. Knox on the subject, is more full, and to which I would beg your Excellency's reference. January 23, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 605 A letter from Col. Proctor of the artillery, dated this day, was read, representing that some of the men of his regiment were enlisted for the war, & On consideration, The Council are of opinion, that as the men have been discharged, in consequence of the enlistments not being produced in due time, the engagements entered into with the line of Pennsylvania, renders it improper to arrest them on the found of a claim to this service; and the Council will consider how far it may be proper to prosecute any of them on a charge of perjury. March 2, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 645 Petition from Hugh Fegen and George Chase, two soldiers now confined in the guard house by order of Col. Proctor, was read; and on consideration, Resolved, That Gen. Lacey and Mr. Van Campen be appointed to inquire into the cause of their confinement, and report thereon to this Board. March 15-21, 1781, Newtown, "Public Debt," Records of the Comptroller General, at DPR, Book A, Page 27 Col. Thomas Proctor, Unit Pennsylvania Artillery, Amount Settled £1299.18.1. Certificate No. 1-2. April 7, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 686 The Board taking into consideration the case of Jeremiah Levering, a child of fourteen or fifteen years of age, who has been three years enlisted as a soldier in Col. Proctor's regiment, but not taught to beat the drum or blow the fife, and being of small stature and weakly habits. Resolved, That is the opinion of this Board he should be discharged, and that Col. Proctor be directed to discharge him accordingly. April 18, 1781, WOGW, Vol. 21, Pages 473 & 474 Headquarters, New Windsor, To Gov. Thomas Jefferson Dear Sir: ... Since my last of the 4th in which I informed Your Excellency that I was in hopes the first Division of Pennsylvanians would consist of five or six hundred Men; I am advised by Major Gen. St. Clair, that Nine hundred and sixty Rank and File properly Officered, would march, together with a detachment of Proctor's Regiment and four Pieces of Artillery, on the 16th instant from York Town in Pennsylvania. Gen. St. Clair had expectations that three or four hundred more of the Line might be collected, but in what time was not certain; neither could be tell what further to expect from the success of recruiting. I have the honor, etc. April 20, 1781, WOGW, Vol. 21, Page 484 Headquarters, New Windsor, To Col. Thomas Proctor Sir: Your favor of the 9th did not reach me until the 18th instant. I am sorry to find that the situation of your domestic affairs renders it necessary for you to quit the service. It always give me pain to part with an Officer, but particularly so with one whose experience and attention has made him useful in his profession. I cannot in justice to you permit you to leave the Army without expressing my approbation of your conduct upon every occasion since you joined me in 1776, and wishing you success in the line of Life which you have now embraced. I have signified my acceptance of your resignation, which bears date the 18th instant to the Board of War. I am &c. April 20, 1781, WOGW, Vol. 21, Page 481 To the Board of War ... Colo. Proctor of the 4th Regt. Of Artillery having resigned the command of that Regiment, by the present mode of promotion will devolve upon the eldest Lieut. Col. In the line of Artillery. I think Lieut. Colo. Carrington, but this you may know by referring to the Register. Col. Proctor's Resignation bears date of the 18th Inst. April 25-28, 1781, Newtown 2d, "Public Debt," Records of the Comptroller General, at DPR, Book A, Page 75 Col. Thomas Proctor, Unit Artillery, Account Renewed £886.12.2, Certificate No. 61 May 5, [7], 1781, WOGW, Vol. 22, Pages 45-48 Headquarters, New Windsor, To President Joseph Reed Sir: I have been honored with your Excellency's favor of the 24th of April enclosing a remonstrance of Col. Proctor and the Officers of his Regt. Against the promotion of Capt. Eustace to a Majority in it, and the late annexation of Capt. Simonds. I am not a little surprised to see Field Officers, who certainly are acquainted with the principles of promotion which have been understood and practived upon for more than two years, in the line of Artillery and Cavalry joining their subordinate Officers in complaints, which, upon investigation, will be found groundless: But I am happy in addressing myself upon this occasion to your Excellency, who having been upon the several Committees of Arrangement in the year 1778, must recollect the various modes of promotion which were then talked or, and the reasons which led to the final adoption of the present System at the White plains. The error, which Col. Procter and his Officers is in, lies in supposing that their Regiment, previous to the arrangement of October 3d., 1780, belonged to any particular State. It is true Pennsylvania had credit for them as part of her quota, but was not considered as having a right to interpose in making new appointments or promotions after they were annexed to the Continent in 1777. [Long explanation regarding the arrangement of promotions.] I cannot conclude this subject, without remarking that Col. Procter, upon the 9th of April, sent in his resignation to me, alleging that the situation of his private Affairs obliged him to quit the service. He not then upon the 19th have signed a remonstrance and accompanied it with a threat that he would resign if the prayer of it was not granted. May 14, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 727 A letter from his Excellency Gen. Washington of the 5th instant, in answer to the letter from this Board on the memorial of the officers of Col. Proctor's Artillery, and representing the distressed situation of the army on account of provisions, and received and read; and thereupon, Ordered, That so much of the said letter as respects the said officers be copied and sent to them. The Hon. Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Varnum, a committee of the Honorable the Congress of the United States, attended and requested a conference with the Council on the letter of the 5th instant from his Excellency Gen. Washington, to Congress, representing the distressed state of the army for want of provisions; and a conference was had thereupon. June 19, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 761 A letter from his Excellency Gen. Washington on the 15th instant, was received and read, acknowledging the receipt of the letters from the President of the 17th ult, and 6th instant, informing that Lieut. Col. Carrington of the first Artillery, will succeed to the fourth, lately commanded by Col. Proctor and Col. Forrest, removed to the first; ... July 16, 1781, WOGW, Headquarters near Dobbs Ferry, Vol. 22, Page 391 George Washington to Joseph Reed ....The Resolve of Congress of 25th of May having no retrospect, I can put no other than my former Construction upon it, which was, that all Promotions in the Artillery and Cavalry, were to be made up to that Date upon the Principles which had governed for three Years instant in those Corps. Is it not strange that the Officers of the Regiment, late Proctor's, should be the only ones who claim a Right to an Exemption from what they very well know have been the Rule of Service? It is but a few days ago, that a Memorial from them to Congress upon the same Subject was handed to me by the Board of War, when I answered it in the same Manner that I had before done to the Council. August 21, 1781, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-89 A report of the Board of War of the 14th [13th] was taken into consideration, and after debate: War Office August 13, 1781 The Board have transmitted the memorial of the officers of the fourth Regiment of Artillery referred to them, to the Commander in Chief for his sentiments and have the honor to enclose Congress the copies of his letters on this subject. The Commander-in-Chief is of opinion that the resolve of the 25th of May had not a retrospective operation and that therefore all promotions antecedent to this period should be made agreeable to the practice then existing which was that the officers of the four Regiments of Artillery and four Regiments of Cavalry respectively should rise lineally in the rank of field officers and regimentally to the Captaincies. The officers of the Fourth Regiment seem to rely on several resolves of Congress as set forth in their Memorial, and on the Articles of Confederation, and are of opinion that after their ratification the lineal connection with respect to the four Regiments of Artillery was dissolved. The Articles of Confederation were ratified the first day of March in the present year and Col. Proctor resigned the 19th of April. The Board beg leave to suggest to Congress the necessity of a speedy determination as there is great uneasiness among the officers which in all probability may affect the good of the service. The Commissions required by the Commander-in-Chief in his letter of the 8th of June have been made out; but are [not] authorized until the pleasure of Congress shall be known. (Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 148, II, folio 187) January 1, 1782, (Issue date August 21, 1784) Pay & Subsistence to 1 January 1782, Interest from 1 January 1782, Records of the Comptroller General at DPR Thomas Proctor, Unit 4th Artillery Regiment, Final Settlement 134 Dollars, Interest 70 90 8. Signer Soldier, Issue date, 21 August 1784, Certificate No. 76671, Letter E, Authority Receipt Book for Final Settlements (Pierce's Certificates), Page 161. April 12, 1783, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Pages 554 & 555, also April 30, 1784 (CR, Vol. 14, Pages 85 & 86) and April 16, 1785 (CR, Vol. 14, Pages 423 & 430) Comptroller General report, in favor of officers and soldiers, read and approved, and an order drawn for the interest due to each on April 10, 1782, as computed by him, to be paid out of the monies appropriated for the discharge of interest upon depreciation certificate, viz: Col. Thomas Proctor, late of Artillery Principal 836 2 2 Interest 50 3 2 April 18, 1782 to this time (January 1, 1777, to August 1, 1780) "Pubic Debt," Records of the Comptroller General at DPR Thomas Proctor & Others £1263 19 0, No. 2364. May 4, 1791, Militia Loan of 1 April, 1784. & 30 March 1785, "Public Debt," Records of the Comptroller General at DPR Thomas proctor, Late Colonel, Certificate 18259, Total £4 8 8. * * * * * * A MASONIC FUNERAL IN 1779 from Egles Notes and Queries of Pennsylvania, 1700s-1800s [The following we copy from the Wilkes-Barre Record of recent date. During the War of the Revolution warrants were issued for what were termed "Army Lodges," the most notable of which was Lodge 19, connected with Col. Proctor's artillery regiment of the Pennsylvania Line. It was this lodge which performed the Masonic services here narrated. After the was the warrant of No. 19, by special request of several of its survivors, was granted them, and the lodge at Norristown is in reality the successor of the Army Lodge of Proctor's artillery.] As an advance detachment of General Sullivan's army was approaching the Valley of Wyoming in April, 1779, it was fired on by a small band of Indians lying in ambush at a point near where General Oliver's powder mills now are on Laurel Run, and Captain Joseph Davis and Lieut. William Jones, of a Delaware regiment, were slain. The bodies received a hasty burial near the spot where they fell, for soldiers on the march have little time to waste on sympathy. On the arrival of the invading army en route to accomplish its mission of forever wiping out the power of the once might Six Nations in the State of New York, in the month of July following, the remains were exhumed and reburied with imposing Masonic services by brother Masons belong to the army. So far as is known, by either record or tradition, it was on this occasion that the first lodge of Free Masons ever met on this side of the Blue Mountains, was opened in due and ancient form in Colonel Proctor's marquee, which was probably pitched somewhere on what is now the Common on the river front of our city, the object being to arrange a funeral service for the re-interment of their brethren slain on the mountain the preceding April. We have no means of knowing whether the more solemn portion of the Masonic burial service took place in the secrecy of the lodge room at that time, as it does now, or not, but the following account of the imposing ceremony on depositing the bodies in the grave is copied from the Providence, Rhode Island, "Gazette" of September 18, 1779: "Wyoming, July 31, 1779 ­ On Tuesday last, the 28th inst., agreeable to previous determination, the bodies of our brethren, Capt. Joseph Davis and Lieut. William Jones, who were massacred by savages near this post on the 23d of April last, were re-interred. This mark of respect we though necessary for the following reasons; it being expressive of our esteem and their not being buried in the proper graveyard. The form of procession being fixed upon at Lodge No. 19, was a follows: 1. Twenty-four Musketeers with reversed arms 2. Two Tylers being their swords 3. A band of music 4. Two Deacons with wands 5. Three brethren bearing the orders 6. The Holy Bible and Book of Constitutions 7. Two Reverend brothers 8. The Worshipful Master, with Hon. Major General Sullivan 9. Senior and Junior Wardens, bearing their columns 10. The Treasurer and Secretary 11. Past Master 12. The brethren, two and two 13. Gentlemen of the Army 14. Two corps of drums muffled and fifes playing a solemn dirge The brethren were neatly clothed with jewels, etc., and were in numbers off of one hundred and fifty. Just as we arrived at the ground an exceeding easy gust of rain coming up prevented the delivery of a discourse which had been prepared for the occasion by Brother William Rogers, a shot ans suitable prayer being by him offered up. We then committed their bodies in Masonic form to the dust. Afterwards three vollies of small arms were discharged. The Brotherhood were attended by the Pennsylvania Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Col. Hubley, as likewise by a great concourse of people, both inhabitants and soldiery. The melancholy scene was clothed with the usual decorum amongst the brethren and satisfaction to all the bystanders. A stone being prepared by our brethren Forest and Story with suitable inscription, was fixed at the head of their graves." The first interment was on the top of the Wilkes-Barre Mountain, near where Charles Parrish's sylvan residence now is. The one here spoken of was within a few feet of Market and Washington streets, on ground now occupied by the skating rink, but they were not permitted to enjoy a final resting place even here. A marble headstone had taken the place of the rude one set by their Masonic brethren at the re-interment, so that the graves were readily recognized in after years, and when the removal of the bones of the forefathers of the hamlet were ruthlessly shoveled up by the unsympathizing stranger workmen not may years ago, and some of them removed to the new cemetery, the remains of these two victims of savage warfare were again dug up and removed to the Hollenback cemetery, and again interred with high Masonic ceremonies conducted by old Lodge 61, with Hendrick B. Wright as worshipful master; where it is hoped they may be permitted to rest in undisturbed repose until, the last trumpet shall sound and bid the dead awake and come to judgment. W. J. * * * * * * SOURCES AND NOTES SHERIFF October 12, 1782, CR, Vol. 13, Page 390 & 391 Report of general election of city of Philadelphia received and read Sheriffs William Will and Thomas Proctor October 20, 1783, CR, Vol. 13, Page 721 General election returns of city and county of Philadelphia Sheriff, Thomas Proctor and Joseph Cowperthwaite October 20, 1783, CR, Vol. 13, Page 723 The Council have duly considered the same, Ordered, That Thomas Proctor be appointed Sheriff of city and county of Philadelphia October 20, 1783, CR, Vol. 13, Page 724 Thomas Proctor, Esq., attended, and offered John Luken, Esq., and Mr. William Nichols, of Philadelphia, as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his office of Sheriff according to the law, which the Council approved. October 22, 1783, CR, Vol. 13, Page 725 Col. Thomas Proctor, Esq., Sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia, attended in Council, and took the oaths of allegiance and of office. May 27, 1784, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 14, Page 120 A letter from Thomas Proctor, Esq., Sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia, of this day, informing that Charles Julian de Longechamps has been committed to his custody by a bail piece at the instance of Mr. Philip Weiss, was read; and thereupon, An order was issued under the seal of the State, and signed by the President directing the said Sheriff to detain the body of the said Charles de Longechamps in prison, to be dealt with according to law. June 16, 1784, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 14, Page 143 A letter from Jonathan Bayard Smith, Prothonotary of the county of Philadelphia, informing Council that Col. Thomas Proctor, the present Sheriff, has given bond and security according to law, was read. October 14, 1784, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, Vol. 14, Pages 229 & 230 A return of the general election for the city an county of Philadelphia, was received and read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz: Sheriffs: Thomas Proctor and Joseph Cowperthwaite Ordered, That Thomas Proctor, Esq., be appointed and commissioned to be Sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia. Thomas Proctor, Esq., offered Reuben Haines and Samuel Nicholas of the city of Philadelphia, as sureties for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office of Sheriff according to law, which was approved by Council. May 7, 1785, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 14, Page 456 James Dickinson (offered as his securities) Col. Thomas Proctor. * * * * * * June 30, 1790, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 16, Page 391 In favor of Thomas Proctor, Esq., Major of the battalion of artillery in this city, for the sum of £20 15 8, for the purpose of purchasing gun powder and other articles, to be used by the said battalion upon the Anniversary of Independence, the said sum being granted to him upon an estimate this day produced to Council, and for which sum the said Thomas Proctor is accountable. * * * * * * Lieutenant of the City of Philadelphia September 10, 1790, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 16, Page 449 Agreeably to the order of the day, Council proceeded to the appointment of a Lieutenant of the City of Philadelphia and districts annexed, in the room of Col. William Henry, resigned; and the ballots being taken for the several candidates for the said office it appeared that Thomas Proctor, Esq., was unanimously elected. * * * * * * In Preparation for Journey to the Indians of the Northwest October 26, 1791, WOGW, Vol. 31, Page 405 George Washington to Senate The Speeches to the Cornplanter, and other Seneka Chiefs, the instructions to Colo. Proctor (Thomas) and his report, and other messages and directions are liad before you for your information, and as evidence that all proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coertion. November 3, 1790, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 16, Page 510 A letter from the Cornplanter, (by Col. Proctor) in behalf of himself and the Indians who were with him, requesting a loan of $190 on account, to procure supplies for their families, was read; whereupon, it was agreed that the following answer to be given to the said request of the Cornplanter... (See NARRATIVE OF THE JOURNEY OF COL. THOMAS PROCTOR TO THE INDIANS OF THE NORTHWEST, 1791) November 24, 1790, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 16, Page 522 Upon application of Col. Thomas Proctor for four quarter casks of gun powder and four yards of flannel, to be made up into cartridges, and used upon the arrival of the President of the United States in this city, it was agreed that Col. Proctor be authorized to purchase the said quantity of gun powder and four yards of flannel for the purpose aforesaid, he to be accountable. * * * * * * IN REFERENCE TO HOGG ISLAND Thomas Proctor took over his father's interest in ownership in the contested lands on Hogg Island vs the State. See Francis Proctor, Sr., notes for the beginning of this drawn-out court case. CR = Colonial Records. February 17, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 631 Resolved, That Doctor Gardner, General Potter, and Mr. Van Campen, be a committee to confer with a committee of Assembly, touching a valuable island in the river Delaware, called Hogg Island, seized by the Agents for Confiscated Estates in the county of Philadelphia, as the property of Joseph Galloway, an attainted traitor, and which Colonel proctor and others are attempting to take into their possession. Resolved, That the Honorable House of Assembly be requested to appoint a committee for the above purpose. February 20, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 634 In favor of Jonathan D. Sergeant, for the sum of fifteen pounds, State money, as a retaining fee in behalf of the state, in a case depending respecting Hogg Island, in the river Delaware. On consideration, Resolved, Henry Osborne, Esq., of the city of Philadelphia, be appointed and commissioned to be Escheater General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A resolution of the Honorable House of Assembly of the nineteenth instant, was read, appointing a committee of the House to meet and confer with the committee of this Board appointed the seventeenth instant, respecting the Island in the river Delaware, called Hogg Island. March 16, 1781, CR, Vol. 12, Page 661 Resolutions of the General Assembly of the thirteenth and fourteenth instant, were received and read, one of them directing that the Supreme Executive Council prosecute the claims of this State of the Island in the river Delaware called Hogg Island, as part of the estate of Joseph Galloway, an attainted traitor; ... July 24, 1781, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Page 14 Ordered, That David Rittenhouse, Esq., Treasurer of the State, be directed not to receive from the Agents of Confiscated Estates in the county of Chester, any money or depreciation certificates arising from the sale of Hogg Island, or any part of it. May 11, 1782, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Pages 280 & 281 An application from Mr. Samuel Caldwell, setting forth that he hath purchased at a sale of confiscated estates, 105 acres of banked meadow, part of Hogg Island, in the river Delaware, the late estate of Joseph Galloway, an attainted traitor, and praying the aid of this Board to cause possession to be given him agreeably to act of Assembly, of the part so purchased, was taken into considerations; and thereupon, Resolved, That the Sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia be directed to give possession of the said premises, agreeably to a late survey thereof, to the said Samuel Caldwell, in due form of law, he paying the incidental expenses. June 3, 1782, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Page 296 Order drawn on the Treasurer, viz: In favor of Jared Ingersoll, Esq., for the sum of £9 specie, as a fee in the cause between the State and Thomas Proctor, respecting Hogg Island. June 7, 1782, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Page 299 An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jonathan Dickinson, Sergeant, for the sum of £9 specie, as a retaining fee for his service as Counsel for the State in the case between this State and Col. Proctor and others, respecting Hogg Island. August 30, 1783, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 13, Page 675 The papers relating to the purchase of a part of Hogg Island, were transmitted by the Secretary to the General Assembly, with a verbal message, that was the unanimous sense of the Council that as that part of the island which was sold by the Agents of Chester County to the officers of the Pennsylvania line, is in some instances insufficient to satisfy their claims, and as in others the right of the State is contested, it becomes the opinion of Council that the land should continue to be the property of the State, and that the certificates should be restored to the officers. November 14, 1786, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, CR, Vol. 15, Page 116 On the letter from Messieurs Samuel Caldwell and John Barclay, Ordered, That William Bradford, Jr., Jonathan Dickinson, Sergeant, and Edward Tilghman, Esquires, be employed as counsel in behalf of the Commonwealth, in the cause now depending between Thomas Proctor, Esq., and the State, respecting the right to Hogg Island. From "The Quaker Ogdens in America," Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Col, 1898.) On September 25, 1786, Hogg Island was annexed to Chester Co. and to "the nearest township of the said county." In his personal list and description of properties owned by Joseph, he states that he owned "about one sixth part of Hogg Island in River Delaware opposite the mouth of Bow Creek, brought from the heirs of the Boon family, and in possession of Thos. Proctor, Wm. Echart and myself, viz. Proctor about two thirds, Echart and self one third, agreeably to a draft and division of said Island in my possession." The suit was still in court in January 18, 1788, CR, Volume XV, Page 372. * * * * * * TAXES AND PROPERTY Third Series, Vol. XIV, page 243, City of Philadelphia, 1774 Provincial Tax Thomas Proctor, carpenter, no tax South Ward, George Bartram, Assessor Third Series, Vol. XV, page 361, Tax Lists for Philadelphia County and City, 1780 Thomas Proctor, Valuation 36,000, Tax 108. 0. 0 Five Shillings and Six pence in the Hundred (for Two Months) Nathaniel Donnel, Collector. Third Series, Vol. XV, page 483, County of Philadelphia, 1780 Thomas Proctor for his estate, valuation 2,160, tax 39. 5. 0 for William Allen's gr. R't, valuation 560, tax 10. 3. 8 for gr. r't, Prop'r, valuation 124, tax 2. 5. 1 Third Series, Vol. XV, p. 682, Effective Supply Tax, City of Philadelphia, 1781 Thomas Proctor, valuation 300, tax 3. 18. 0 Third Series, Vol. XV, page 738, Philadelphia Co., & City Tax Lists, 1779-81 Five Shillings and Six pence in the Hundred (for Two Months) Benjamin Duglas For T. Prockter's est. Valuation 425, Tax 4. 15. 7 Charles Osburn For Coll.1 Procter's g. r. Valuation 516, Tax 5. 16. 1 Third Series, Vol. XVI, page 511, City of Philadelphia, 1782, Northern Liberties (East Part) John Jacobs, For Thomas Procter's est., Val. 75, Tax 9. 8 Third Series, Vol. XIX, page 617, County of Northumberland, 1785, Non-Residenteries Proctor and Company, Acres 4,000, Tax 5. 9. 8 Third Series, Vol. XXII, page 231, County of Bedford, 1783 Thomas Proctor, land warrant, December 23, 1773. Acres 372 (PA Archives, Vol. XXV, page 595, says 300 acres) Tax 3. 1. 11 It is doubtful that Bedford property belongs to Col. Thomas Proctor. Also for Bedford property in "Warrantees of Land" (1771-1893) page 599 Proctor, Thomas, 400, Feb 4, 1794. The Northumberland County Land Lotto accounted for in PA Archives, Third Series, Vol. 25, also lists Thomas Proctor Page 337 (7) 392, Proctor, Thomas Survey, 512, 17 May 1785, 9 Feb 1798, 512, John Patton P (8) 531, Proctor, Thomas, Survey 600, 17 May 1795, 19 Jan 1787, 732, James Strawbridge P 8 (9) 339 Proctor, Thomas Survey 600 17 May 1785 30 June 1800 619.75 Thomas Proctor P 43 (10) 163 Proctor, Thomas Survey 681 17 May 1785 - 681 ‹ Page 341 (14) 405 Strawbridge, James Survey 300 17 May 1785 April 1787 301.8 Thomas Proctor P 8 Thomas Proctor speaks of Northumberland property in his "Journal," date March 15: Dined at Leidenburgh's tavern, and was informed that 1,200 acre tract of land that I had purchased of Daniel Rees, in Northumberland, was situated three miles from his house, watered by the Cattawissey, and joining lands of Captain Mason, of Philadelphia. ... George Knefferbergher. By him, I was informed of 25 tracts of land I have on Big Fishing creek which empties into the east branch of the Susquehanna, about two miles above Hughsburgh. "Boston Transcript," May 16, 1921, mentions "a tract of land consisting of about 700 acres which had been granted to the Proctors, opposite the Great Island in the Susquehanna, now in Clinton County. This was probably one of the tracts of land that Thomas spoke of in his "Journal." Caveat Book, No. 5, Page 620, speaks of a Thomas Proctor (no place of residence): Land Office, 17th June, 1776. Nathan Samuel, Turbutt Wright, Joshua Elbert, William Kirby Jones & Turbutt Baton enter a Caveat against the acceptance of Land in Mutherkiln hundred, in the County of Kent, by virtue of a Warrant to Peter Stout, saying that at the time that Warrant was granted the Land now claimed by Proctor was supposed to be in Maryland therefore could not be intended to be laid on that, And that the Caveator Joshua Elbert hath a Warrant & the other Caveators have Improvement on and possession of the same. The last Monday in July next is appointed for a hearing on this Caveat thirty days Notice being given. Signed by David Kennedy for James Tilghman, Sec'ry. To John Lukens, Esq., S. G. 1776, July 3d. John Goldsborough enters a Caveat against Thomas Proctor by Warrant to Peter Stout 20th October, 1758. Deed April 8, 1800, between Thomas Proctor and Joseph Merrefield, merchant, for 2 shillings, lot #1756 and lot #564 This Indenture made the 8th day of April in the year of our Lord, 1800, between Thomas Proctor of the city of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, Esq. Of the one part and Joseph Merrefield of said city, merchant of the other part, witness the said Thomas Proctor, Esq., for and in consideration of the sum of two shillings current money of Pennsylvania to him in hand will and truly paid by the said Joseph Merrefield the receipt thereof is hereby acknowledged and every part thereof hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, en_____ released and confirmed and by these present doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, en____, release and confirm unto said Joseph Merrefield, his heirs, executors, administrators and Assigns two certain lots or pieces of ground in the town of Montgomery in the State of Virginia marked in a general plan of said town Lot No. 1756 and Lot No. 564, being part of a pact of land containing 3000 acres situated on Hugh ___ River in the county of Harrison in the state of aforesaid granted the said Thomas Proctor by patent under the hand of Patrick Henry, Esq., Governor of Commonwealth of Virginia and lesser seal of the said Commonwealth bearing date of 21st day of March, 1786, the said two lots being marked in the said general of the said town of Montgomery Lot No. 1756 bounded as follows on the north by White Street, on the East by Lot No. 1755, on the south by Cherry Alley, and on the west by DeCalb Street, containing in breadth east and west on White Street 60 feet and in length or depth south and north on DeCalb Street 280 feet. Lot #564 bounded as follows: on the west by Proctor's Street, on the south by the Shepherd's Alley, on the north by Lot No. 563, and on the east by Mercers Street containing in breadth south and north on Proctor Street 20 feet and in length or depth east and west on Shepherds Alley 240 feet as in and by the said general plan may move fully and at large appear together with all and singular the ways, street, alleys, water and water courses, rights, liberties, privileges, ____ and appearances unto the said Joseph Merrefield, his heirs and assigns to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of said Joseph Merrefield, his heirs and assigns forever to have and to hold the premises hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the s aid Thomas Proctor and his heirs and against all and every other person, persons lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under him them or any of them. Shall and will warrant and forward defend in Witness thereof the said parties to these presents have her unto interchangeably set their hands and seal the day and year first above written. Received the day of date above written indenture therein named Joseph Merrefield the sum of two shillings current money of Pennsylvania, being the full consideration money therein mentioned. Before me one of the appointed judges of Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia personally appeared the above named Thomas Proctor and in due form of law acknowledged the above indenture to be his act and desired the same night be recorded purchase witness my hand and seal this April 8, 1800. From the "Minutes of Board of Property," Page 70, 71 At a special meeting at the Surveyor Generals April 11, 1793. Present Daniel Broadhead, Esq., S.G. Francis Johnston, Esq., R. G. and David Kennedy, Esq., Secretary of the Land Office, and Matthew Irwin, Esq., Master of the Rolls. Josiah Galbreath v. Thomas Proctor on Caveat. On hearing the Parties it appears that said Proctor and Galbreath in the year 1784 entered in an Article of agreement by whih it was declared that Galbreath had furnished Proctor with the Chart or Location of 8,000 acres of land described as therein mentioned. That twenty-one Warrants for 400 acres each issued in the names of Joseph Ogden, Thomas Craig, John Raynolds, William Lawrence, Sr., William Lawrence, Jr., William Bell, John Garret, Isaac Sorrell, Joseph Bedford, Jacob Bankson, John Boyle, Matthew Whitehead, Samuel Nichols, John Alexander, Benjamin Davis, Samuel Young, and Joseph Rice. That by the said Agreement Proctor was to pay the purchase money and Offices fees of the said Lands, and Galbreath, was to pay the Patent fees for his own part which was to be one-third. That the Warrants being issued copies were made, and directed to Mr. Wallis the Deputy Surveyor, Who sent Mr. Adlum to execute them, but he finding the and for which Eight of the said Warrants were intended were taken by prior Warrants, made Surveys on the said Seven Warrants on the same Creek though at some distance. And the Surveys are returned into the Surveyor Generals Office on the whole twenty Warrants. But as Mr. Galbreath did not attend to conduct these Surveys or shew the Lands, it is the Opinion of the Board that as the lands for Eight of them were taken by prior Warrants, and the Surveys on Seven made in other places than those originally intended that Galbreath shall have no share of them, viz William Lawrence, Sr., William Lawrence, Jr., Joseph Rice, Samuel Young, William Nichols, John Alexander, William Bell and John Garrett, but that the said Seven Surveys shall be confirmed to said Proctor on his paying Galbreath all proper expenses in his attending the five Surveys on Muncy waters, and also the benefit of John Garrett Warrant on which no Survey is made, and that Galbreath shall have one-third part of the Surveys returned on the other thirteen Warrants. * * * * * * "Watson's Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, 1857, Volume II, Part II, Chapter 2, recounts a little story of a well-known soldier: The boys of Germantown made play work of the war, making themselves three forts (upper, middle and lower) along the town. They had regular embankments, and fought with stones, under a show of wooden guns. On one occasion an American officer, in passing, called out, "Who command there?" and they called out his own name, "Proctor!" * * * * * * BIBLIOGRAPHY Colonial Records Egles Notes and Queries Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 "The Quaker Ogdens in America," by Charles Burr Ogden, J.B. Lippincott Philadelphia, 1898. Pennsylvania Archives Records of the Comptroller General at DPR, Revolutionary War Abstract "The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscripts Sources, 1745-1799, John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1934.