John Rodgers

There is at the Plantation of the Subscriber, living in Baltimore Count, near the Lower Ferry, at the Sign of Prince Ferdinand, taken up a Stray, a middle sized Bay Mare, branded on near Shoulder thus, 55.  The Owner may have her again on proving his property and paying Charges.  John Rodgers

"December 4, 1767

Came to the House of the Subscriber, at the Sign of Prince Ferdinand, within Three Miles of Susquehanna Lower Ferry, on the 30th of November last, a small siz'd Man, on Pretence of being after a Runaway.--His Mare giving out, stops to feed her, and told he would leave the Mare 'til he return'd from the Ferry aforesaid, in order to give Notice to Stop the Runaway—which he accordingly did; but, as the said Fellow did not return for his Mare, 'tis concluded he himself must be such Person as pretended looking after.--He said he came from Port-Tobacco: Had on a blue Surtout (sp?) Coat, a close bodied brownish Cloth coloured ditto; a flowered Velvet Jacket, Cloth Breeches, with ribb'd Stockings, and good Shoes, a fine Hat and Wig.  In a Word, he had the Appearance of a Gentleman.--The Mare he left with me, is very small; of a Bay Colour, without Brand, or other discernable Mark; has a Blaze on her Face, and appears to be old and of little Value: She had on an old Saddle and Bridle.  Whoever applies for the above Mare (in Three Weeks after Date) shall have her again, on proving Property, and paying Charges, on applying to John Rodgers"

"Whoever takes up and secures said man in any of his Majesty's gaols in America, by writing a line to the subscriber [John Lathim] miller upon Deer Creek, Baltimore County or to John Rodgers, at the Prince Ferdinand, near the Lower-Ferry Susquehanna shall have the above reward, and if brought home all reasonable charges, paid by John Lathim."

Having, while in Harford county, Maryland, on some business, the 8th instant, (August) met with the vilest treatment perpetrated on any person, by  certain JOHN RODGERS, who keeps the Lower Ferry, on Susquehannah, in that county, which put me in bodily pain, and threatened my life and property with danger.  I have prepared a narrative of it to be laid before the public, as well in order to do justice to myself, by exposing such villany, as to secure the persons of other travellers, when about their lawful business, from such usage: But as the different Presses in this city are at present engaged with political matters, I am obliged to wait a little time, before I can have it inserted in  the News-Paper; and hope, as I arrived in America to my friends in a genteel manner, and have lived in, ever since I was nine years old, and wish to live all my life in it, I have a right to claim the privileges of an American subject, and the laws of the land for justice, in punishing this villain Rodgers, for his inhuman treatment to me.  I am the public's very humble servant, JAMES HUME.

Susquehanna Lower Ferry, September 5, 1774

If to detect men (under the appearance of GENTLEMN, but NOT acting in CHARACTER,) is a crime; I may be held culpable for apprehending Mr. BYWATER lately, who afterwards assumed the name of "Mr. JAMES HUME," who keeps an Intelligence Office in Philadelphia, and publishes an advertisement in the Pennsylvania Journal, No.1656, threatening to give a detail of THAT GRAND AFFAIR.-- I am a very humble Publican, that do not want to remove into particular notice, having full employ in my own craft, and contented to drag out life for a poor suflence to my family; but as I live in a country that has laws, when men act contrary thereto, thought it was "Mr. HUME." I shall esteem it my duty to have such to Justice. --Let the DETAIL be published; the Keeper of the Lower Ferry, on Susquehanna, in Harford County, can never be ashamed of the part he has acted therein whilst he is JOHN RODGERS. Sept. 14.

To the Printers of the Pennsylvania Journal, and Weekly Advertiser.

 Gentlemen,

Although since the appearance of JOHN RODGERS's advertisement in your impartial Paper, No.1658, I have delivered you for publication  refutation of it, together with the whole narrative of that atrocious grand villainous plot against my person, (which he has the insolence to call "A GRANT AFFAIR,") yet not being desirous of appearing fond of the title of a writer to the public out of the channel of business, I get my living by, and to avoid imputation of malicious design from every person, to take away the character of any man : These reasons, especially in relating the whole circumstances, I cannot help making the piece rather too long for a News-Paper, causes me to defer publishing it, and shall chearfully depend on the testimony I shall be able to obtain against him, to convict him of the facts I lay to his charge, and the "laws of the country I live in," to bring him to exemplary punishment.  September 21.  JAMES HUME

 TO THE PUBLIC.

Open revenge for a private injury being sweet, while secrete villains screen themselves from punishment of the law, and to prevent my being thought so void of spirit, as supinely to submit to the wounds of the dark machinations of hypocritical designing men, (though I am now glad,) having information of that villain JOHN RODGERS'S former character, I did not trouble myself and the public, with publishing narrative of the inhuman plot which he as a tool, aided by a certain man who feigned himself deaf on the occasion, perpetrated on my person while in Maryland in August last, nevertheless, for demonstration of such usage, the manuscript of the said piece is at my house in this city, free for the perusal of every honest man, I think it necessary to do myself this justice.

The said JOHN RODGERS who keeps the Lower Ferry on Susquehanna, is publickly reported to have used other persons as ill before me, at the time he was sold out of New Castle gaol on Delaware, for a servant on account of Mr. William Sword, formerly of this city Merchant, which fact the records of that Court besides other evidence will no doubt prove, therefore is it no wonder he desires "not to remove into particular notice," with what propriety then, can any man of credit speak, in behalf of such a villain : Other names concerned by entreaties of their friends, that I would not take the advantage of exposition, who think my story is too much interwoven with circumstances to eave them room to clear themselves, at present only I omit 'til I can bring Rodgers to punishment, when the evidence I shall obtain will fix a name of such colour on them, that they can never obliterate.

 I have just heard that the said Rodgers was prompt to mount his trusty horse DESPERADO, and armed with his heavy loaded whip, which he always carries on the turf to knock people down with, made an excursion by night from this city; if so his aiding friend and the segatious brute soon after his arrival here, smelt he was upon too honest ground to continue twenty-four hours, they advised him to fly, and his knowing steed, without spurs swiftly conveyed him back safe to his own stall. 

 I can forgive as free as any man; but nature and such vile treatment forbids, till they ask my pardon, or I get proper satisfaction of them.

 N.B. Said Rodgers may recollect, if he new Mr. Alexander Hervey, formerly goaler of New-Castle county; and I think his clerk will fail in his abilities to clear him of the slur of this infamous-bondage.  JAMES HUME

Susquehanna, Lower Ferry, December 1774.

To the impartial READER.

In Messieurs Bradford's Journal, No. 1664, I find a piece of ribaldry, signed by a person who calls himself James Hume; in which he has discovered  a disposition, in every respect, adequate to his conduct : A piece, so stuffed with malicious invectives, and of such infernal tendency, that mush shock every reader, who is not quite lost to all sense and feeling. --It is reasonable to believe, that the reader will be desirous to know, what treatment Hume received, as to excite him to utter such base scandalous language; this I shall faithfully do; and will also give some account of his conduct, which gave occasion to treat him in that manner, and them submit the whole to the judgement of every friend to candour and honesty.

 Sometime in August last, Mr. Hume crossed Susquehanna Lower Ferry, decently dressed, had no horse, and carrying  wallet on his shoulder. --His genteel appearance, under those circumstances, appeared very strange.  He walked off, without making any stop, to a tavern about five miles further, where he had some refreshment, and immediately after set off, though it was in the night.  When he was gone, the people, who were in the tavern began to conclude, that he was the notorious villian, THORP, for whom £50 was offered for securing.  Mr. Hume wandered that night some miles, till at last, he arrived a poor widow's house, so very poor indeed, that having but one blanket, she, in  hospitable manner gave it to the benighted wanderer, with which he wrapt himself and lay on the floor that night. --Next morning, three of the men, who had seen him at the tavern, came to my house in pursuit of him, and queried, if I had set him over the ferry? And seemed to threaten, in case I had done so. --I told them, I had not.  The men, determined to pursue him, being persuaded it must be THORP; but in vain ! His private haunts could not be readily found out.

 The next night he lodged with another poor widow who had no bed to spare. (Non can wonder that such conduct gave room for suspicion.)  After being informed of my gentleman's behaviour, and the houses to which he resorted, I was ready to draw the conclusion, that is must be THORP and no other.  I then immediately mounted my trusty steed, (as he politely calls him,) and having got a hint where he lodged the night before, went, and found him at one of his widow landladies.  I instantly told him, his conduct gave sufficient cause to suspect; and unless he gave some better account of himself, than his behaviour did indicate, I would secure him, and that I had come for that purpose.  He stormed, threatened, and drawing out a pistol swore he would blow out my brains.  Being no way annoyed, I laid hold on him, bound his hands with my handkerchief, and took him before a Magistrate.  As he was not the person he was suspected to be, (though I had  sufficient authority to have laid him in gaol) yet he so humbled himself, and in so self-condemned, pitiful a manner intreated to let him go, I condescended. --A lenity indeed he no way deserved, as his scandalous libel, published in the Pennsylvania Journal, doth manifest. --A great del more of his base behaviour I might mention, but as I purpose to take him to task, in a legal way, I will not exercise the patience of the Public any longer at present, about so worthless  villain.  That he deserves this character, I have the sufferage of sundry reputable gentlemen, who pronounce him  singular monster of villains. --The mean, low slurs he throws on my character I despise, as I am satisfied none, but such of the like stamp, will give credit to his malicious falsities; and as it comes from none but himself, I shall esteem it like the braying of an ass.

 A few Queries to Mr. Hume, and I have done for the present.--

1st What reparation have you made, or ever can make to the poor unfortunate girl you left in the most distressing circumstances, after getting her fortune, and giving and leaving her under a painful disorder? And whether you don't expect a tenfold vengeance for such cruelty?

2nd What could be your motive for changing your name from HUME to BYWATER, when you came to Maryland?

3rd Why did you frequent Widow's houses, of the very lowest class, who could not afford you a bed, unless the poor, indigent creature gave up her ALL, or favoured you with her company?

4th What fee did the celebrated Mrs. C---------K give you for advice and accompanying her to Maryland?

If Mr. Hume, alias Bywater, will lay aside for once the villain, and candidly answer those few queries, I mke not the least doubt but the impartial reader, and every friend to honour and honesty, will applaud the treatment he received, and justify the conduct of their very humble servant, JOHN RODGERS.

 P.S. The above genuine account of Hume's behaviour, and the treatment he met with, was sent to the Printers, in order to have been inserted in the last week's Journal; but as it was necessarily postponed for another week, by them, and since hearing, that Hume was run way, taking his housekeeper with him, I thought it proper to add a few lines by way of Postscript.

 It is evident, that on his hearing my design of prosecuting him, on account of his malicious lies forged on purpose to injure my credit and character—he took wing.  Tho' I am sensible his indigent circumstances could not afford any compensation, yet, the making such Villains an example, to deter any from the like base inhuman treatment, would be highly incumbent.  For this purpose, I hope, care shall be taken to trace his private haunts, that if possible he may be drawn out to receive his just reward.    J. R. December 9, 1774

Daniel Anderson Overseer of the Road from Reuben Perkins's ferry to Carson's Tavern and from thence with the Road until it intersected the Road from Cross Roads to Harford Town stiled the Quaker Road to James Tavern at the Cross Roads and from William Stevensons Ferry to Carson's Tavern and from Benjamin Herberts Plantation until it intersected the Road to Cox's Mill, and from John Rodgers Tavern by Mount Pleasant, to Aurther Ingram's.

Sir: I am sorry I can't attend you. My wife's relations are very ill. She is obliged to go to them and I am left to keep house for a few days."

Captain John Rodgers, at the lower ferry on Susquehannah,

Harford County, to wit

The Right Honourable Henry Harford, Esquire absolute Lord and Proprietary of the Province of Maryland:

We command you to take John Rodgers late of Harford County Yeoman

 if he shall be found in your Bailiwick, and that him so taken you safe keep, so that you have his Body before the Justices of our County Court, to be held for our County of Harford aforesaid, at the Court-house, in the Town of Harford in the same County, on the Fourth Tuesday in March next, to answer unto Daniel Nutterwell in a plea of Tresspass on the Case

 and so forth: Hereof you are not to fail at your Peril, and have you then there this Writ. Witness John Paca Gentleman, Presiding Justice of our said Court, the Eleventh Day of January in the Seventh year of our dominion, and so forth, and in the year of our Lord GOD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Seven. 

 Issued on the fourth Day of February 1777. A Lawson Clk

Susquehanna Lower Ferry, April 30, 1777 

Ran Away from the subscriber, 

On Sunday last, an Irish servant girl named MARGARET FITZGERALD, about 25 years of age, has been in the country 18 months, is much freckled and marked with the small pox; had on when she eloped, a short striped linsey bed gown, two linsey petticoats striped with green, a black calmance bonnet, check apron, half worn [illegible] with buckles, and purple leather mits; what other things she took away is uncertain.  It is thought she has gone off with a party of soldiers as she is an impudent hussey, and will be guilty of any bad action.  Whoever secures said servant, so that I may have her again, shall have SIX DOLLARS reward.  John Rodgers 

Susquehanna Lower-Ferry, Dec 29, 1778 

To be SOLD by the Subscriber, 

A GOOD MILL, and PLANTATION thereunto belonging, situated on Broad Creek, on  never-failing stream of water, the lands of the said mill seat lying and joining on Susquehanna, near to the Bald Friar Ferry, formerly known by the mane of Morgan's Mill : The Mill hath been lately repaired, and is in good order either for merchant or country work, with two pair of stones running, and two exceeding good boulting cloths; a tolerable good mill-house, with a saw-mill thereunto adjoining.  The premsises lye in a plentiful wheat country commanding the upper part of Harford County for wheat, and a great part of York County wherein is made good wheat mostly clear of the fly, within eight or nine miles of Rock-Run, commonly known by the name of Giles's Landing, is the distance they have to waggon their flour, where they have the advantage to transport it by water either to Baltimore or the Head of Elk, or to many other places where they may choose.  The plantation containeth two hundred and thirty acres of good land, a tolerable good dwelling house, and several out-houses for the use of farming; four good orchards on the land, whereon is made yearly a considerable quantity of cyder.  There is some meadow made on that part joining on Susquehanna, and more may be made.  For further particulars apply to the subscriber.  JOHN RODGERS 

"By virtue of a special Warrant granted out of the land office on the Western Shore for the State of Maryland bearing date the 18th of May 1786 to resurvey and lay out for and in the name of Col. John Rodgers of Harford County seven acres and a half of part of a tract or parcel of land called ten acre field divided originally on the 29th Sept. 1762 granted unto  a certain Samuel Bayless for 44 acres according to its antient meets and bounds..."