Parole Plymouth.
Countersigns Princeton,
Pluckimin.
The following are the sentences of a General Court Martial,
held the 7th, 12th and 16th inst: of which Col Sheldon was
president.
Edward Willcox, Quarter Master to Capt. Dorse's 44
troop charged with "Desertion, taking a horse belonging to Col. Moylan's
regiment, and a trooper with his accoutrements," found guilty and sentenced to
be led round the regiment he belongs to, on horseback, with his face towards the
horses tail, and his coat turned wrong side outwards, and that he be then
discharged from the army.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence
and orders it be put in execution immediately.
George Kilpatrick, and
Charles Martin, Serjeants, Lawrence Brown, and Enoch Wells Corporals,
Daniel McCarty, Patrick Leland, Philip Franklin, Jacob Baker, Thomas Orbs,
Adam Rex, Frederick Grimer, Daniel Cainking, Christian Longspit, Henry Whiner
and Nicholas Walma, privates, in Col. Moylan's regiment of light dragoons,
severally charged with "mutiny and desertion," found guilty of desertion and
adjudged worthy of death.
The Court esteemed the prisoners (excepting
Serjeant Kilpatrick) objects of compassion, and as such recommended them to the
Commander in Chief.
The General is pleased to grant them his pardon, and
the like reason which led the court to recommend them to mercy, joined with
others, induces the General to grant his pardon to Serjt. Kilpatrick also; at
the same time, the prisoners are to consider that their crimes are of a very
atrocious nature, and have by the Articles of War, subjected them to the
punishment of death, that the remission of their punishment is a signal act of
mercy in the Commander in Chief, and demands every grateful return of fidelity,
submission, obedience and active duty, in any future military service which he
shall assign them.
The prisoners are to quit the horse, and enter into
the foot service, in the corps to which they shall be assigned.
Francis
Fawkes and George House of Col. Moylan's regiment, tried by the same Court
Martial, being charged with "Mutiny and desertion," are found guilty; but some
favorable circumstances appearing in their behalf, they were sentenced to
receive twenty-five lashes on their naked backs, and be dismissed from the horse
service.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence; but for the
reasons above referred to, and with the like expectations of amendment, remits
the punishment of whipping. They will be disposed of in the foot
service.
Thomas Rannals of Col. Moylan's regiment tried by the same Court
Martial, charged with "Desertion," is found guilty, and sentenced to suffer
death. The Commander in Chief approves the sentence; but the execution of the
prisoner is respited till further orders.
Col. Lawson 45 having
already had the command of the 4th. Virginia regiment, is to continue in the
same.
Col. Elliot 46 is appointed to the command of the 6th
Virginia regiment.
44 Capt Thomas Dorsey, of the 4th Dragoons.
45 Robert Lawson resigned in Dec 1777 and subsequently served as a Brigadier
General in the Virginia Militia.
46 Thomas Elliot resigned in Sept 1777.
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