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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01740 6833
GENEALOGY
974.8
H34R
V.9
HAZARD'S
\
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEVOTED TO THE
PRESERVATION OF FACTS AXD DOCUMENTS,
AND EVERY OTHER KIND OF
USEFULi INFORMATION
RESPECTIIVCl THE STATE OF PEWflVSYEVANIA.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. IX.— JANUARY TO JULY, 183':
PHILADELPHIA.
WM. F. riBDDF.S, rniNTF.R, I.inilAUV RT.
-■1
INDEX.
Adventure and escape, extraordinary 105
African Education Society — constitution 115
Agriculture, report of committee on, to legislature 100
Aldermen, county, speech on proposed change 79
Alms House, new, estimated cost of 67
Appropriation for improvements 2
Andalusia murder, account of 411
Apprentices' library company, report, &c. 60, 207
Arrivals of vessels at Philadelphia, 1S31 32
Assessment of Northumberland county 285
of Lancaster county, ib
Attleborough, described 173
Auction duties 416
Auditor general's report, appendix 1
B
Bank, Girard, new, 28, 320, 336, 384, 412
message of Governor on chartering 384
report of committee of legislature on 384
presentment of Grand Jury 412
Bank stock, owned by state 1
Banks in the state, tabular statement of 56
Bank of United States, memorial to cong^ress for
renewal of charter 29
debate on 30, 79
list of stockholders, and shares held by 110
specie on hand, and at branches. 111
letter of N. Biddle to J. Johnson, on political
influence 118
views of the majority in Congress 145
^ report of the majority of committee of inves-
tigation 289
tabular statement of its condition 301
examination of the president by
committee " 304, 357, 374
report of the minority of committee of inves-
tigation 311
report of J. Q. Adams 321, 337
resolution of the legislature 366
Baptists, statistics of the 288
Barber, John, report on Columbia and Philadelphia
rail-road, 33
on Pennsylvania canal, 97
Bear, a large, at Mifflintown 160
Beaver, the largest steamboat built at 96
meadow rail-road, facts respecting 180
a new town and quick building 303
Bellefonte, stages between and Philadelphia 256
Bethany, a large buck, killed at 160
Biographical notices,
Stephen Girard 83
Christopher Ludwick 161
Captain Samuel Bradv 184, 206, 237,
268, 303, 395
James Logan 263
John Peters 30,31
Wm. Penn 351
Joseph Hackney 382
Hugh Hefferman 400
Governor Joseph Hiester ib
Birth, three at a 224
Blacks, are they citizens' 76
Blairsville, great freshet at 125
Brad}', Captain Samuel, life and adventures of
184, 206, 237^ 268, 303, 395
Bridge stock, owned by the state 1
Monongahela destroyed 95
Columbia " 104
Schuylkill Permanent, ceremony at laying
corner stone 267
Buck, a large one killed at Bethany 160
Bucks Co., persentment of Grand Jury respecting
use of court house, for religious pur-
poses 48
state of the thermometer, 1831 " 48
case of ejectment 301
Butler county described 385
Cabinet of Natural Science of Montgomery coun-
ty, report of 115
Caldwell David, tribute of respect to 103
Camden and Amboy rail-road, law 169
report 49
Canal stock owned by state 1
Schuylkill Navigation company, report 21
Pennsylvania, which see.
Delaware and Raritan 49, 169
Delaware and Hudson 104, 297
commissioners, report on iron contracts 112
on amount expended
for repairs 18
report of committee on their
conduct 261
Canals and rail-roads compared 222
tolls, amount of 304
Lehigh, report, &c. 62
Jlorris 379
Chesapeake and Delaware, report 390
Union, report 398
Carpet manufactory, at Bush-hill, described 224
report, Frankhn Institute 335
Cat, a wild, taken at Towanda 160
Care, a remarkable, discovered in Franklin co. 222
Census tables, Mercer, Mifflin, NorthumberIand,and
Warren counties 381
Washington, Union, and Venango
counties 405
See next volume.
Centennarv, celebration of Washington's birth
day 80, 102, 109
See next volume.
Chambersburg described 383
Cherokee case, Judge Marshall's opinion 225
McLean's " 241
Chesapeake and Delaware canal company, report 390
Chester, minerals found at 334
Cholera, alarm and sanitary measures 394
Coal, arrived coastwise at Philadelphia in 1831 48
foreign, quantity imported and exported,
1820 to 1830, 79
early sent from Susquehanna 127
ashes useful for cleaning brass 160
regions, pleasant, tour in 304
trade, statistics in Schuylkill, &c. 319, 335
Colored people of Philadelphia, memorial 361
1 Columbia, and Philadelphia rail-road^ 33, 69
Columbia, bridge destroyed 105
first settlement of 113, 145
freshets at 105, 121
statistics of 147
Congressional districts, state divided into 403
Controllers of public schools, report 156
Copper discovered in Luzerne county 303
Councils, Select and Common, proceedings
4, 2r, 38, 64, 65, 86, lOr, 120, 137, 171,
197, 232, S51, 265, 283, 362
D
Deaths in 'Wilkesbarre, 1831 173
and diseases in Philadelphia, 1831 174
in Easton 176
Delaware and Baritan canal 49, 169
law 169
and Hudson canal, rates of toll on 104
report 279
river, correspondence between Pennsyl-
vania and New Jersey, on dams 119
breakwater, specific gravities of the stone
used at 191
river, freshet in 208
Dispensary, reports 3, 101
Dividends' 304, 366
Divorce, curious debate on, in legislature 77
Duche, Rev. Jacob's letter to Gen. Washington on
revolutionary war 8 1
E
Easton, deaths at, 1831 176
freshet at 209
a sketch of 335
Economy society, schism at 109
compromised 176
Education, meeting and resolution on 6
report on ib
Girard college, plan of 11
directors of public schools 27
R. Vaux resigns as president 70
African society of Pittsburg, constitu-
tion of 115
report of committee on 154
of controllers of public schools 156
colleges, academies, &c. in the state 254
Erie, Lake, commerce and navigation, vessels on 71
communication with 402
Exchange, Philadelphia, cornerstone laid 128
memorial to Councils 170
Excursion, a pleasant 304
F
Fires, number of in 1831 80
Franklin legacy 69
Institute, address and queries on state of
manufactures 87
annual report 209
report on Spicer's machine to
carry mail 287
report on carpet factory 336
French creek, freshet in 96
Freshets, great 96, 105, 121, 159
Frost, late at Milford 352
G
Geological Society of Pennsylvania, report and con-
stitution 208
Gcrmantown, statistics of
rail-road opened
Girard Bank, new, relating to
Girard, Stephen, will of
Girard's Legacy, sketch of
letter from executors to Councils,
inclosin,' copy of will and list of
real estate
Girard committee appointed
48
367
28, 336, 384, 415
9
83
Girard's Legacy, detailed list of tenants,housesand
rents in city
do. in the county
letter from executors on the sub-
ject of the college, and streets
through the premises
letter from executors on the im-
provement of the square on Mar-
ket street
plan of buildings, and contractors
for the work
report of committee and resolutions
adopter], respecting renting and
collecting for the real estate
resolution to send copy of will to
legislature, &c. 42
furtlier return of property ib
Bchedule of real estate purchased
after 20th June, 1830 ib
letter from trustees of bank on real
estate, part of capital 4-3
tenants ask reduction of rent 65, 66, 86
committee of legislature meet com-
mittee of Councils 66,69
outlineof a bill reported 67
present state of the trusts to be
published, annuities to be paid
out of rents, &c.
Mayor to let lands in Passyunk and
Moyamensing
letter of executors asking advice
as to insurance, and resolution on 109
Mayor to proceed to Harrisburg to
obtain a law 8S
Mayor authorized to make repairs 120
committee appointed to regulate
rents
report of committee of legislature
to confer with city authorities
city treasurer authorized to receive
from trustees of Bank, deeds
for real estate
Pennsylvania Hose company ask
for lot for hose house
respecting Poudrette near the col-
lege 233, 283
Counsel to defend a suit in district
court, asked for '\\r
communications from Mr. Boyd and
others, agents, respecting the
lands in Schuylkill county 234
committee to visit the lands 234, 267
committee appointed to have AV.iter
street surveyed, and a plan de-
vised for laying it out
report of committee to digest a
plan, for the general manage
ment of the bequests
notice from' executors, that they
are going to pay tho state
$300,000
resolution proposed to inquire into
measures proper, respecting lot
on M.arket street and purchase
of lumber
resolution requesting executors to
have the square improved
resolution requesting executors to
improve the square 28,"
resolution of executors agreeing to
do so
Mayor authorized to draw for
amount of water rents and re-
pairs,
do. do. for taxes 2Z
report of committee on insuring
property 33.'
39
40
41
41
68
69
ib
127
172
ib
252
265
26r
267
ib
332
ib
ib
Girard's Legacy.
executors have agreed to pay in-
stalment on Danville and Potts-
ville rail-road 362
property purchased after the pub-
lication of his will, placed under
care of city treasurer, and per-
sons appointed by tlie heirs at law 363
resolution proposed to pay funeral
expenses 363, 394
report of committee on Girard's
lands and resolution offered 364
resolution to pay expenses of com-
mittee to visit the lands 392
petition of two nephews and le-
gatees arrived from France to re-
ceive tlieir legacies 392
execu. authorized to pay legatees \ 393
resolution for a committee to ad-
vertise for plans for coUeg'e 394
committee to carry into cfi'ect the
report of the committee on the
lands and resolution offered ib
Gold, American, received at mint, 1824 to 1831 176
Grain and coal, received coastwise atPhUa. 1831 48
Greenville, freshet at 159
H
Harrisburg, meteorol. observ. at 186, 235, 319, 390
packets between, and Huntingdon 403
Horticidtural society, premiums offered 85
Hospital, Pennsvlvania annual accounts of 359
House of Refuge reports 286, 409
Hudson and Delaware Canal report 104, 279
Huntingdon, wild animals killed at 160
Co. Iron manufactured in 368
line of packetsbetween, & Harrisburg 403
Husband, the maid's, verses by a Penns'a. lady 1766 238
I&J
Indian languages, and Penn. History 221, 235, 250 263
Indigent Widow's Society report 54
Internal Improvement, report on 25
Iron manufactured in Huntingdon county 368
Judicial districts, plan for dividing the state into,
by population 37
Kennedy, Judge, decision on tax on town lots
Kidneys of beef, remai-kable
107
188
Lancaster wishes a vacation of part of Columbia
rail-road 69
Co. assessed value of 285
Law cases and Intelligence.
Blacks, are they citizens ? 77
Commonwealth vs. Senaff, master & appren-
tice 78
United States vs. Lingle, obstructing mail by
seizing horses for their keeping 79
tribute of respect from the bar to AVm. Rawle
and D.ivid Caldwall 100
passed the session 1831-32 8, 357
M'Clellan, tax on town lots, judge Kennedy's
decision 106
Altemus vs. Rev. Dr. Ely, case of marriage 141
opinions of Binney and Sergeant on Union
Canal lotteries 166
Delaware and Raritan canal and Camden and
Amboy rail-roads 169
revised code of, second report of commission-
ers 214, 193
charge of Judge M'Lean on the Pittsburg
case 202
relating to wills and testaments 244
Cherokee case, charge of Judge M-Lean ib.
Judge Marshall 285
B. Chew vs. Keck Ecc. ejectment 301
Law cases 8ic. Recordei^'s charge to grand jury on
bank subscriptions 366
Hynman vs. State, stay of proceedings upon
fi.fas. issued on judgment 398
Commonwealth vs. Jolm lloore, murder of a
constable 398
United States vs. 23 coil cordage, sea stores 406
Legacy, Girard's, which see
Will's do
Franklin's 69
Lehigh navigation Co. report 60
agent's do 62
rail road described ib.
can.al business on ib,
reports of commissioners on tolls on Del.
division 181
Co. case of ejectment 307
Letter from B. Rush to John Adams 217
Peter CoUinson to Gov. Thomas Penn 239
Robert Morris to certain friends and
answer 406
J. Log.an on alarm of 1706 383
Rev. J. Duche to Gen. Washington 81
Lewistown, canal tolls collected 304
Library Co. Philad. purchase books of James Cox
for annuity 160
power to increase yearly charge ib.
apprentices, report 208
Logan James, letter on alarm of 1706 383
writings of 263
Longevity instances of 192
Lotteries, reports on 121, 129, 149, 165
proceeds of Union Canal, 152
Ludwick, Christopher, life of 161
Luzerne Co. copper discovered in 303
pleasant excursion 304
Lying-in-charity established 8
M
M'Lean, Judge's opinion in Cherokee case 241
Jl'Ilwaine J. charge to grand juiy relating to bank
subscriptions 366
Man,ayunk, water power of estimated 158
Manufactui-ers of carpets at Bushhill described 224
dock ward value of 368
of Chambersburg 383
Franklin Institute ask for informa-
tion respecting 87
Marietta, great freshet at 105
MaiTiage case, decided 141
Marshall, chief justice, opinion in Cherokee case 225
Mauchchunk, lots selling at 272
snow at ib.
boat-building at ib.
Mercer Co. census 381
Message of Gov. Wolf in returning canal and rail-
road bill 221
of do respecting bank charters 384
Meterological observations in Bucks county 48
at Philadelphia, SO, 355
. Columbia 96
PottsviUe 160
H.arrisburg 186,235,319
Mifflin Co. census 381"
Milford, late frost at 352
Military convention at Harrisburg, proceedings
of 43, 50
ilihtia, revolutionary, meeting of aged 54
system, report of commissioners 218
Mina, account of murder of Chapman 411
executed 400
Mint, of U. S. annual report 176
Monongahela bridge destroyed 96
Morris Robert, letter to certain friends 405
Montgomery Co. cabinet of natural science 115
Muncey, valley of described 155
Musical fund society report 349
Murder of Mr. Chapman 411
INDEX.
N
Newcastle and Frenchtown rail road opened 160
statistics of 398
New-Jersey, complaints ofthe dams in the Delaware 119
report to Gov. on 1S7
Norristown, statistics of 240
Northumberland Co. assessment 285
census 380
o
Orphan Asylum Philadelphia report 72
Orrery, made at York 336
P
Passages, short by vessels from Philadelphia 304
Paxton, massacre account of 114 144
Pear tree, sing-ular cfTect of g-irdUng- 416
an old and larg-c ib.
Penitentiary eastern, third report of inspectors,
warden, physician, and building
committee 5r to 59
Penn Thomas, letter from P. Collinson to 239
William, proclamation respecting the caves of
Philadelphia, 1686 112
grants a lot to John Key ib
letter to Emperor of Canada ib
biography of 351
Pennsylvania, stocks owned by 1
loans due by 2
plan for dividing the slate into judi-
cial districts 36
military convention at Harrisburg,
proceedings 43 5Q
banks of, statement of ' 56
instiuctions to commissioners for ne-
gotiating with Delaware and Mary-
land, respecting Susquehannah
trade in 1~S6 57
Tioga county described 65
Colmnbia, first settlement of 113
correspondence between N. Jersey
and, on d;ims in tlie Delaware 119
history and Indian langiiaifes, re-
marks on 221, 2J5, 250 ''62
sketches of 254, 264
religious sects in 264
letter of J. Logan on the alarm of
1706 309
Buller county described 385
slaves in, 1830 395
sketches of Schuylkill county 40I
division into congressional districts 403
Pennsylvania canal.
report of commissioners respecting
contractors and Columbia rail-road 24
report of J. Barber on the eabtern
division of gy
reports of committees on tolls on
on Del. division and Lehigh canal 186
report of commissioners on repairs to 189
packet boats established 352
report of commissioners on persons
employed on 55';
and Ohio r.ail-road 1 ^u
Philadelphia, ^^^
proceedings of Councils 4, 27, 38 64
65, 85, 107, 120, 137, 17l| 197
. J r /! , ' 232, 251, 283, 331
stand for fish proposed 4
Will's legacy, respecting Hj
petition for vegetable stands ib
report on stands for shoe sellers 5
on encroachments on the Schuyl. ib
letter from F.Graff on do ib
Girard's legacy, respecting, which see.
vessels arrived, and built in 18:>1 32
resolution to publish sundry wills 42
respcriing agreement with
Moyamcnsing lor water ib
Philadelphia.
resolution respecting cost of new alms-
house 43
town meeting on York and Maryland
rail-road 46
grain and coal received coastwise at,
in 1831 48
resolution of Councils on Y'ork and Ma-
rj'land rail-road 64, 66
petition for a market near Schuyl-
kill ■ 69
horse market complained of ib
vacation of Blackberry alley ib
number of fires in 1831, amount of da-
mages, and insured 80
town meeting to celebrate centennial
anniversary of Washington's birth
day ib
weather at 80
lour additional wardens for the port of 86
complaint of .VIoyamensing about wa-
ter ib
water works, report of the committee
on, rents, expenses, cost, &c. from
commencement 94
memoriid against western market 137, 108
letter from J. S. Wain, on Locust
and Schuylkill wharf ib
memorial of colored porters on stand
at Sixth and Market streets ib
fire companies, report on 109
appropriation of $2000 for centennial
celebration ib
Wm. Penn's proclamation respecting
tlie caves at, 1686 m
petition of John Key, (first bom,') for
a lot in, 1705 ]12
Wm. Penn's letter to Emperor of Ca-
nada, respecting society of free tra-
ders ib
water pipes to be laid at side of Co-
lumbia rail-road 120
lease of drawbridge lot ib
corner stone for Washington monu-
ment presented by m.arblc masons " 141
watchman disabled in service, asks
rehef 121
Exchange, corner stone laid 128
memorial 170
report of Haines and M'Clure of sur-
vey and soundings of Schuylkill 137
compUint of wardens respecting cul-
vert on SchiiylkiU 171
report and estimate of improving Lo-
gan siiuare and culvert i|>
annual report on sinking fijnd ib
front of Will's hospit,al to be of brick 172
old engines at Fair Mount, to be sold ib
committee to inquire into expediency
rnaking Permanent bridge free 172
petition to extend rail-road along
Broad street ib
act proposed in relation to market be-
tween Third and Fourth, rent free ib
resolution to extend market between
Tenth and Thirteenth I73
annual statement of diseases and deaths
in 1831 J74
memorial of farmers respecting mar-
ket stalls ]97
petition against markets between Tenth
and Thirteenth 193
memorial of fire companies 198,201
petition of Paul Beck respecting mar-
ket stalls ]98
' report on distribution of wood 199
petition ofwatclunciifor higher w.ages 200
■■eport 202, 347
Philadelphia.
present of gold and silver artifi-
cers 201
petition of David E. Shapley, respect-
ing a lot leased by him 201
report of committee for improving ci-
ty property on Schuylkill ib
Institute report of 212
memorial respectingstreets on Schuyl-
kiU _ 233
picture frame presented by society of
cabinet-makers 234
old tan-yards in Dock street discov-
ered 239
sickness in 1699 ib
ancient graves discovered near Bush-
hUl _ 240
old tombstone discovered in Second
below Cliesnut ib
complaints respecting setting and re-
setting curbstones 252
re-setting curbstones proposed as a
public charge ib
proposal to build stores on Water
street, under new plan ib
graduation and paving new streets,
gutters, of curbing and digging 253
report of Library committee in favor
of Hazard's Register ib
Wills's Hospital foundation laid 256
commissioners propose making offices
- under fire proof buildings 267
committee on Wills's Hospital to draw
for money to build 283
of committee and ordinance repealing
that directing markets being extend-
ed between Eleventh and Thirteenth ib
and for a market on Vine and Schuyl-
kill Front streets 332
report of committee on rail-road be-
tween Vine and Cedar 284
committee for improvements on Schuyl-
kill 285
vessels, short passages of 304
memorial relating to whari-es on
Schuylkill 331
memorial of commissioners of Moy-
amensing on wr.ste water ib
petition of Kern and Snyder to be paid
for improvements on drawbridge lot 332
of committee on survey of Water
street, and plan of it 333
"Bull's Head," sign of, not painted
by West 335
new Presbyterian church, meeting to
form 345
report of committee on drawbridge lot 346
do. do. on fire companies 347
meeting of friends of protective sys-
tem ib
report on the city title to certain pro-
perty set apart for burial g^-ounds 362
new regulations of Vine street 363
do. of Locust street ib
resolutions of Board of Health respect-
ing the cholera 364
committee appointed to obtain drafts
and plans of a rail- road 365
second presbytery of Philadelphia
formed 368
manufacturers of Dock ward ib
petition of the Messrs. Lewis to be ex-
empt from ordinance on wooden
buildtngs 393
petition of Stephen Kingston, rela-
tive uniform buildings near Rltten-
house square 593
Philadelphia.
letter from West Philadelphia canal co. 393
report of committee, with plan for im-
proving the western front 394
ordinance for sanitary purposes ib
suggestions to Board of Health 395
improving Drawbridge lot ib
proceedings of South wark, in relation
to cholera ib
physicians sent to Canada to gain in-
formation about cholera 403
house on Barbadoes lot pulled down 416
Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown rail-
road cclebr.ation 368
president's address at 379
amount of travelling ib
Pittsburg, Monongahela bridge, destroyed at 96
African education society, constitution 115
great flood at 125
case. Judge M'Lean's charge, low water
mark 202
Breckenridge'sreminiscenses 155
Poetry, Pennsylvanian 238
Port Carbon ' "389, 4
Potter CO. census of 396
Pottsville, statistics 76
snow at 160
Presbyterian church, new, formed 347
Presentment of Grand Jury, on excluding religious
meetings from court house of Bucks co. 68
Public schools, correspondence on resignation of
Roberts Vaux 70
R
Rail roads.
Williamsport and Elmira 18, 89
Columbia and Philadelphia reports of
Messrs. Barber and AVilson, and esti-
mate cost of 3J
York and Maryland, town meeting re-
specting . 46
resolutions of councils 64
Camden and Amboy report on its affairs 49
rise and length of Room-run, near Mauch
Chunk 62
letter of G. W. Smith on proposal to
vacate part of Columbia rail road 70
of West Chester, report 73
report of contracts for iron for 112
Penn. and Ohio fro.-n Pittsburg to Mass-
alon 158
New Castle and Frenchtown opened 160
and canals compared 223
from Vine to Cedar along Broad, report
committee of councils 284
Philadelphia, Germantown and Norris-
town opened, celebration 367
address of president at do. 378
amount of travellmg on 379
N. Castle and Frenchtown, costs of 398
Rawle, William, tribute of respect to 102
Reading, Old German Reformed Church taken
down, 240
Corner stone re-laid, 403
Register of Pennsylvania, report of Library com-
pany in favor of 252
Councils subscribe for, 320, 332, 334
Religious denominations and Churches in
state, 264
Reports of fPhiladelphia dispensary, 3
of Southern do ib .
on education 6
the Philadelphia Lying-in-Charity 8
on Williamsport and Elmira rail road 20
of Schuylkill Navigation company 21
Penn. canal commissioners on contractors 24
commissioners of internal improvement fund 25
Report«
of John Barber on Columbia and Philadel-
phia rail road 33
of John Wilson on do. and estimate of cost 35
respecting 'Girard'9 property 41
of Del. and Raritan canal company, and
Camden and Araboy rail road 49
Indigent Widow's Society 54
Inspectors of east, penitentiary and list of
prisoners
of wardens, physicians and building com-
mittee of do. 59
Lehigh Navigation Co. 60
acting agent of 62
of Orphan Asylum 72
West Chester rail road company 73
of the watering committee, showing the
amount of water-rents and expenses from
1802 to '1831, ind also the total cost of
tlie works 92
of John Barber on Eastern division of Penn-
sylvania canal 97
of A. B. Warfordon do. 99
of committee on agriculture 100
of Northern Dispensary 101
of canal commissioners on contracts for iron 112
first, of Cabinet of Nat. Science of Mont-
gomery CO. 116
Mr. Dunlap's, on lottteries 121, 129
of committee of Leg. on Girard's legacy 127
of Haines and M'Clure, survey and sound-
ings of Schuylkill 141
to senate on lotteriea 149
of committee on education 154
of controllers of public schools 156
on citv Sinking fund 171
of mint of U. S. 176
of committee on tolls of Delaware and Le-
high canals 177
counter report on do. and facts respecting
Beaver Meadow CO. 181
of commissioners ,on dams in the Delaware,
to Governor of N. J. 187
of canal commissioners on repairs 189
of Apprentices Libraiy co. SCS
of Franklin Institute 209
of Philadelphia do. 212
of commissioners on revised code 195, 214
of committee on the militia system 218
of committee on conduct of the canal com-
missioners 261
of committee to digest a plan for managing
the bequests of S. Girard 266
of Union Benevolent society 273
of Delaware and Hudson canal company 279
of House of Ucfuge 287
of Franklin Institute on Spicer's machine
for carrying mail 287
of the majority on the U. S.Bank 289
of the minority of com. on do. 311
of Jno. Q. Adams 321, 337
of Franklin Institute on carpet manufactory 336
of Musical Fund society 349
of canal commlssionei-s on engineers, &c.
employed by the state 3
of Pcnnsylv.ania Hospital 359
on city title to certain burjing grounds 363
of committee on Girard's lands 364
of committee of Legislature on Governor's
message on charter of Girard's Bank 384
of Chesapeake and Delaware canal co. 390
Resolutions of Legislature on tariff and B. U. S. 367
Revolutionary heroes, interesting meeting of 55
Letter from IJcv. J. Duche, to Gen.
Washington, 81
Hocks, used at breakwater, specific gravities of 191
Huih, Benjamin, letter to jno. Adams 217
Schuylkill river, report on encroachments on 3
letter from F. Grafl' on lb
freshets of 1784, 1812-22 jb
business of 23
Haines and M'Clure's report of
survey and soundings 137
resolution of wardens 141
Permanent Bridge, proposal to
make it free 172
trade of 384
County, sketches of 401
navigation company, report 21
tolls receiv'd 336
Shad, appear on market 160
Sinking fund, annual report'on city 171
spring valley, described 375
Slavery in Pennsylvania, statistics of 270, 395
Slaves in do. 1790, 1800, '10, '20and '30 272
Smith, G. W. letter on vacating a part of Colum-
bia rail-road 69
Small pox, physician goes from Philadelphia to Co-
lumbia to inoculate for 115
Solesbury, T. metereological observaUons 48
Stages, running 256
Statistics of West Chester IT
Germantown 48
Pottsville 76,319
Columbia 147
Norristown 240
slavery in Pennsylvinia 270
the Baptists in do. 288
Schuylkill county coal trade 319
trade 384
Union canal company 398
Steam boat, the laigest on tlie western waters,
built at Beaver 96
use of coal on 582
Sugar, fine, made in Lycoming co. 320
Susquehanna, trade, Instructions to commissioners
respecting, in 1786 57
freshet and destruction 96
shad and sturgeon fii;st taken in 113
county census 396
T
Tables, meteorological 48, 186, 234, 319, 352, 319, 390
of the state of the different banks in the
state 56
of prisoners in Kastern penitentiary 58
of foreign coal imported and exported, in
U.S. from 1820 to 1830 79
showing number of fires, damage, and insu-
rance for 1831 80
of the cost, rents, !ic. of the water-works
at Philadelphia 90
ofstockholders and specie Bank U. S. 110
ofdiseases and deaths in 1831 in Pliilad. 174
of slaves in Penn. at each census 272
of the state of U. S. Bank 301
census 381, 396
of congressional districts 403
Tax on town lots. Judge Kennedy's decision and
charge 107
Toll, rates of, on Del. and Hudson canal 104
Tioga county described 65
census 396
Towanda, a wild cat taken at 160
shingle trade of 336
Turnpike stock owned by state 1
V ^ V
Union Benevolent Association, reports of executive
board and of managers of Ladies Branch 273
Union canal lotteries, reports on 121, 129, 149
statement of tolls and proceeds of lot-
teries 153
memorial of A. M'lntyrc, 16$
opinions of Binney and Sergeant on 166
INDEX.
Union canal, statistica of 398
Union county censu3 404
United States Hank, see Bank U. S.
Vaux Roberts, letters to, on his reignation as presi-
dent of board of comptrollers 70
Venango county, census of 405
^y . , ^
Warford, A. B. report on Pennsylvania canal o81
Washington, centennial anniversary, celebration of
[See 10th Vol.] 80, 102, 109, 120, 234
Uen. letter to, from Rev. J. Duche 81
county, census of 405
monument, meeting respecting 415
Watering committee, annual report, summary of
cost and extent of Fair
• mount works 90
authorized to lay pipes by
Columbia rail-road 120
Water power at Manayunk, estimated value of 158
West Chester, statistics of 17
rail-road report 72
J. Wilson's letter 74
White, Josiah, appointed canal commissioner 272
Williamsport and Elmira rail-road, report on 18
memorial 83
great freshet at, and extraord. escape 105
Wilkesbarre, deaths at, 1831, 173
bones of persons massacred at, found 173
WiUs's legacy, plans of hospital presented 4
plan adopted described 43
front to be of granite 172
hospital foundation stone laid 256
committee to draw for money 283
Wills and Testaments, bill reported by commls'rs 214
Wilson John, report on Columbia and Philadelphia
rail-road 35
Wolf Gov. message on returning bill on Penn.canal
and rail-road 221
message on Girard bank charter 384
Wool, extraordinary growth of S79
Y
York and Maryland rail-road, town meeting 46
resolution of councils 64, 66
an orrery made at 336
HAZARD'S
REGII^TER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
l.KVOTKII
TO Tilt; PI
tSEnVATIO.V OF EVEllI KlMl OF ISKFfL 1 N r U ll.M ATI UN lltSPH Tl.\ r.
THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAiMl EL IIAZAKD.
VOL. IX.
-NO. 1.
PUILA.DELPHI 1, JAXUAUY 7, lS3i.
NO 210.
DOLLS. CTS.
AIM'ENDIX
TO THE AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT.
Dunk anduthcr Slock, Ihtproperli/ nf the Coinniomueulth,
Udubtr, ls',1.
BANK STOCK.
2,500 shares in the B.mk of
Pennsylvania, subscribed
by the state on its incor-
poration,atS4UJ per share, 1,000,000 00
1,25J shares subscribed in
pursuance of an act pass-
ed in Februarv, ISIO, ex-
tending tlie charter, 531,000 00
5,233 shares in tlie Ph!]a-
phi.i Bank, at SlOU per
share,
1,7l)8 shares in the Farmers'
and Mjchan'cs' Bank, at
$5 J pershiire.
-1,500,000 00
85,400 0)
?J,lj8,7d Oj
TURN'PIKE STOCK.
llarrisburj.Carlisle and Cham-
bersburg-, 106,202 51
Ch iinbersburgf and Bedford, 216, 56 7i
Biidford and Stoystown, lj7,69i 84
Sloystown and Greensburg, 12h,217 35
Greensburgand Pittsbnrg, 89,JoO Oj
Huntington, Cambria and In-
diana, 171,85) 00
Erie and Waterford, 5, jjU UJ
Perkiom^n and Reading', 5 ),U lu UO
Gap and Newport, 2j,00J 00
Waynesburg, Greencaslle and
Mercersburg-, 11,J79 96
Morguntown, Churchtown and
Blue Ball, 9,0 '0 00
Little Coneitoga, 1 ,UjU 00
Berks and Dauphin, 29, Oj 00
Lancaster and .M.ddletown, 1i),Ujd dO
Boston and VV.lkesbarre, 12,500 &J
Suiqiehanna and Leh.gh, lJ,JuO 00
M.lf'ord and Owcgo, 31, /Oj UU
Down ngton, Epm-ataand
Harr.sourg, 6 ',00) 00
Centre and K.shacoquiUas, 2 i, /OJ 00
Centre, 8'^,0 .0 UO
Susq.iehanna and York, 5,000 (W
York an I Gettysburg, 4j,j00 OJ
New Holland, 1j,O0j OO
Spr.nghouse, Northampton and
Bethlehem, 10,000 00
Cayuga and Susquehanna, 6,000 00
Sujqu.hinna and Waterford, 14 ,0 OJ
Susquehanna and T.o.^a, 3i,4)0 00
Bndgewater and Wdkesbarre, 25, JOO uO
P.ttsburg and New Alexandria, 48,36 J 00
New Alexandria and Cone-
maugh, 16,100 00
Vol. IX. 1
Belmont and F.aston, 17,5 ^0 00
Hh 11 psiiurg and Susquehanna, 17,5 (i:J
P.ttsburg and Butler, 19,666 67
Butler and Mercer, 19,666 67
Mercer nnd Meadville, 19,666 67
Anderson's Ferry, Waterford
and New Haven. 10,000 00
Pittsburg and SteubenvUle, 12,'JOO 03
Ridge Road, ' 25,000 00
Bethany and Dingman's cho'ce, 8,000 00
Robbstown & Mount Pleasant, 15,000 00
Mount Pleasant and Somerset, 33, i).^6 50
Somerset and Bedford, 34,6 6 f4
Hanover and C irl.sle, 1 ,00 ) th)
M llerstown and Lewistown, ;>5,n65 62
Bellefonle and Ph 11 psburg, 20,iJt,0 oO
Ph ladelphia, Brandyw.ne and
New London, 2,5)0 00
Belmj.it and O^'hquega, 5,JJJ OJ
Han'isburgand M llerstown, 4 ',COJ 00
Ph ladelpha and Great Bend, 12,) oO
Lewistown and Hnntingdon, 46,534 33
Armstrong and Indiana, 9,')00 00
CI fl'ord and Wdkesbarre, 4,852 84
Indi ma and Ebcnsburg, 1?,M(,) 0')
Wash'ngton and vv ill amsport, 8,122 32
Washngton an-1 Pittsburg, 22, io 3i
Lycom ng and Potter, 11,594 16
M ddletown and Harrisburg, 14,000 00
Bellcfonte, Aaronsburg. and
Youngmanstown, 29,'i00 00
Bufler and K ttan'ng, 5,000 OJ
M lesburg and Smethsport, 7,279 67
"Berrstown and Youngmans-
town, 5,C92 50
SOLLS. CTJ.
- 2,042,759 59
Columbia,
Harrisburg,
Northumberland,
Monongahela,
Allegheny,
W.lkesbarre,
Lew sburg,
B g B eaver,
Danv He,
Nescopeck,
Norr.stown,
BRIDGES.
90,000 00
9 ,000 00
5),0j0 00
4 ,000 (,0
41, OJ 00
2S,0JJ 00
2J, .00 00
15,0 J) 00
I :, )O0 OJ
8,'JOO 00
6J00 00
French creek bridjpe at Frankl'n, 5,000 CO
Caneman^h, 5,000 03
Schuylkill bridge at Patterson, 3,)Oo 00
CANALS.
Un=on Canal, 50,000 03
Schuylkll navigation company,.*J>OJO 00
Five hundred sh.ares in the
Chesapeak an<l Dt-laware
Canal, subscribed by the
Ph. ladelphia Bank, and to
be transferred to the state
It the expiration of 1 5 yean
410,000 00
APPENDIX TO AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT.
[Jasuabt
from the date of subscrip-
tion, per act of 18th March,
1S2J, 100,003 03
SOO.QOO 00
RECAPITULATION.
Bank Stock, 2,108,700 00
Turnpike Stock, 2,042,759 59
Bridg-e Stock, 410,000 00
Canal Stock, 200,000 00
-4,761,459 59
^ppro/iriations and hn/ances nf appropriations, &c. un-
paid Ist jVoveiiiber, 1831.
TURNPIKES.
Springhoitse, Northampton,
and Bethlehem, 15,000 00
Lycoming and Potter, 8,405 84
Chffordand Wilkesbarre,. 1,667 15
York and Gettysburg, 6 09
Downingtown, Ephjata and
Harrisburg, 69 63
Waynesburg, Greencastle and
Mercersburg, 3,620 04
Huntir.gdon, Cambria and In-
diana, 25 95
Philadelphia, Brandywine and
New London, ' 12,500 00
■Washington and Pittsburg, 2t39 40
AVashingtoii and AViUiamsport, 8,333 34
Chambersburg and Bedford, 118 22
New Alexandria and Cone-
maugh, 75 93
Harrisburg and Millerstown, 300 50
Little Conestoga, 22 04
Derrstown and Northumberland, 4,607 50
ililesburg and Smethsport, 12,720 53
Gettysburg aiid Hagerstown, 20,000 00
York Haven and Harrisburg
Bridge, 18,000 00
105,701 97
BRIDGES.
Juniata Bridge, ' 1,000 00
Catawissa Bridge, 5,000 00
Robbstown Bridge, 6,000 00
12,000 00
RIVERS.
Delaware, 1,000 00
Susquehanna and branches,
per act of the 26th of March,
1821, 2,000 00
For improving the navigation
of the Susquehanna from
Colum.bia to tide, per act
ofSlst March, 18.3, 4,312 52
Do. from Columbia to North-
umberland, per act of 25th
March, 1825, 10,878 00
18,190 62
MISCELL-A.NEOUS.
Penitentiary near Pittsburg,per
actof 1st of April, 1826, 114 98
Dickinson College, per act of
13th February, 1826. 6,000 00
Commissioners of Erie county,
for re-building public build-
ings, per act of tht I5th
March, 1824, 2_500 QO
For improving a road from
^ the mouth of the Juniata to
Mahontongo creek, per act
of 13th AprU, 1827, 600 00
DOLI.8. CT>.
Deaf and Dumb Institution,
per act of i3d January, 18-9, 8,000 00
Washington College, per act
of4thof April, 1831, 2,000 00
For opening a state road from
the junction of the Philadel-
phia and Great Bend and
Easton and Belmont turn-
pike roads, in the county of
Pike, to the public road
leading from Priceburg to
the Delaware Water Gap,
in the county of Northamp-
ton, per act of 21st March,
1831, 300 00
DUE ON LOANS.
Stock loan, per act of 2d of
April, 1821. re-imbursable
1st of .June, 1841, 930,00000
Stock loan, per act of 30th
March, 1824, §380,000, re-
imbursable 1st May. 1834,
and the residue 1st Januaiy,
1839, 600,000 00
Stock loan, per act of 11th
April, 1825, re-imbursable
1st January, 1840, 150,000 00
Bank of Montgomery county,
at an interest of 4 j per cent,
re-imbursable 1st May 1835, 60,000 00
Farmers' Bank of Lancaster,
at an interest of 4i per cent,
re-imbursable 1st Ma3',l8J7, 25,000 00
Easton Bank, at an interest of
5 per cent, re-imbursable •
1st May, 18j7,reserving the
right of the state to re-im-
burse the same at any time
within that period, 25,000 00
Harrisburg Bank, at an inter-
est of 5 per cent, re-imburs-
able in May, 1837, reserv-
ing the right of the state to
re-imburse the same at any
time within that period, 50,000 00
Stock loan pertaining to the
Pennsylvania_,canal, per act
of 1st April, 1 826,re-imburs-
able 1st December, 1846, 300,000 00
Stock loan pertaining to do.
per actof the 9th April, re-
imbursable 1st December,
1850, 1,000,000 00
Stock loan pertaining to do.
per act of 18th December,
1828, re-imbursable 1st Ja-
nuary, 1854, 800,000 00
Stock loan pertaining to do.
per act of 22d April, lS-'9,
re-imbursable 1st Decem-
ber, 1854, . 2,200,000 00
Stock loan pertaining to do.
per act of 7th of December,
1829, continued per act of
4th Januarj-, 1831, 202,500 00
Stock loan pertaining to do.
per act of 13thMarch,1830,
re-imbursable 4th March,
1858, 4,000,000 00
Amount received of Stock
loan pertaining to do. per
act of 21st March, 1831, re-
19,514 98
■ 1,680,000 00
160,000 00
1M2.]
PHILADELPHIA AND SOUTHERN DISPENSARIES.
SOLLS CTS.
imbursable 1st of July,
1856, 1,444,948 54
Amount received of Stock
loan pertaining' to do. per
act of 30th March, 1831, re-
imbursable 1st July, 1856, 275,000 00
-12,223,448 54
$14,062,448 54
lieeapilulation of debts due by the Commmonwealt/i.
Tumpike.i,
Bridges,
Rivers,
Miscellaneous,
Due on loans.
105,701 97
lJ,00a 00
18,190 52
19,514 98
14,062,448 54
14,217,856 01
PHILADELPHIA DISPENSARY.
Avyvxi. heport.
Three thousand four hundred and fourteen Patients
have been under the care of the Dispensary since last
report, viz:
Remaining- from last year.
Admitted since that time, -
37
3377
3414
2183
97
53
64
17
3414
$405
00
387
00
50
00
50
00
273
00
12
93
20
00
120
00
470
00
60
00
192 00
$2J39
93
nagers would take occasion to felicitate the contri-
butors of the PhiUidelpliia Dispcnsar)-, upon its contin-
ued prosperity and usifulness. Owing however to the
healthfulness of the past season, and particularly to the
absence of those annual and intermittent diseases, which
formerly prevailed in the North and South Western Dis-
tricts of this institution, the number' of patients has not
been so great as in some precedi"g years.
In addition to the number of persons as above enu-
merated, who have partaken of the benefits of this
charity, the -Shelter for Coloured Orphans, a benevo-
lent Institution of this City, has fur several years past,
been furnished from this source witli all its medicines.
Under a belief that amid the many and efficient chari-
ties for whicli Philadelphia has become so justly cele-
brated, there was no one which sufficiently comprehen-
ded in its proper scope, the medical care and attention
necessary to the lying in-female, the managers during
the past year turned their attention particularly to this
class, as being of all others, particularly the objects of
the sympathy and succour of the benevolent. It is
therefore with feelings of sincere satisfaction that they
announce to the contributors, and to their fellow citi-
zens generally, that poor married women of this descrip-
tion, by making timely appHcalion to the Dispensary,
will be carefully and skilfully attended to at their own
houses.
Contributions and donations will be thankfully re-
ceived by our Treasurer, Thos. Blddle, No. 26 Walnut
street, and bv all the Managers. J
WILLIAM WHITE, President.
CiSPAK WisTAn, Secretary.
Of whom the number recovered is.
Relieved,
Died,
Irregular and uncertain,
Ksmalnlng under care.
RECEIPTS.
Annual contributions,
Interest on Bonds and Mortgages,
Life Subscription of Thomas Astley,
Do. do. Thomas Blddle,
Dividends on Bank Stock,
Do. U. States do.
Do. Schuylkill Permanent Bridge,
Do. Union Canal Lo.an,
House rent, including proportion of income
of Real Estate, bequeathed bv James
Wills, - . - .
Ground Rent, - • -
Received by Wm. Davidson, administrator
of the late Dr. Charles Brown,
EXPENDITURES.
House expenses, - - $400 26
Medicines, - - - 768 66
Apothecary's Salary-, - - 40J 00
Statlonaries, ' - - - 51 00
Repairs and Tax on Zane street property, 104 39
Balance paid Wm. Davidson, late Treasurer,
due from last year, - - 84 03
Annuity paid under the will of the 4ate Dr.
Charles Brown, - - - 100 00
Balance in Treasurer's hands, - 131 54
$2039 93
In presenting; their forty-fifth annual report the ma-
SOUTHERN DISPENSARY.
One thousand one hundred and eight patients have
been attended by the Physicians of the Dispensary, du-
ring the year, from the' l8th December, 1830, to the
.7th December, 1831.
Remaining from last year, - - 17
Admitted since that time, - - 1091
1108
Of these the number Recovered is.
Relieved,
Died,
Irregular or uncertain.
Removed,
Remaining under care,
1108
The receipts and expenditures have been as follows:
The Treasurer has received from the 18th December,
1830, to December 27th, 1831,
In Donations, - - - - -$5 00
Annual Contributions, - - 120 25
Thomas Riddle's proportion of the Rent of Pro-
perty left by James Wills, to the ttjree Dis-
pensaries, - - - - 180 00
Interest on Bond and Mortgage, - - 60 00
P. Goeller, I vear's Ground Kent, - 7 85
Balance in Tr'easui-er's hands Dec. 18, 1830, 73 49
?445 59
EXPENDITURES.
Apothecaries' Salary,
House expenses and medicines.
Collecting Subscriptions,
One year's Ground Rent on Dispensary Lot,
Balance in Treasurer's hands this day,
200 00
2l,8 67
8 67
2) 52
$44t> 59
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[Jarcaiit
Donations and subscript'ons w;i] be gratefullv re-
ceived by the Presidenf, Cliarles Penrose, Robert Mc-
Mullen, Treasurer, or any of the Manag-ers.
Published by d rect on of the Bourd^
CHAHLES PENROSE, President.
PiTEB Williamson, Secretaiy.
Flu, II Il,p !'l,,l„l, l,,l,,3 G..Z.-.I.;.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
THcnsD.ir, Dec. 22, 1831.
SELECT COUNCIL.— Mr. Fox presented the an-
nexed petition for a l-'ish market, which was referred
to the Comm.tte on markets.
Tu the Hunorubk the Select nnrf C'nmmcn Councils of
Ike Cili/ „f PhilaJdplua.
The petition of tlie subscribers respectfully shewcth:
—That the want of a stand appropriated for the pur-
pose of sell ng: Fish in tlie m ddJe p.trt ofHgh street
market, has long- been felt and much complained of.
The only stands for selling- the article, are, ih; one in
H.gh street, between Water and the River Delaware,
and the one at the east side of S x'h street, at the end
of the market. These it m.-iy be thought are sufficxnt
for the exh b ton of whatever quantity of the artcle
may be brought to the market, and as convei\ent for
the citizens as they could des re W.th all respect for
the opin'ons of those of our fellow citzens who may be
jncl.ned thus to think, we are convinced that if your
honorable bodies would appropriate the East end of
the Third street market for a F.sh stand, it would be
a conven'ence to a very large portion of the citizens,
and would in the end, be more advantageous to them
than either of the stands now appropriated for this pnr-
pose.
The bring'ng of Fish to market in the winter season,
we bel.evr, is carr'ed on wholly by a company who have
taken all tne stands of any importance in the markets,
and hav.ng secured to themselves this advantage, they
make pujchasers piy their own price for the arti-
cle they deal In. If the stand we ask shall be granted
by your honorable bod es, we know that ano h^r com-
pany who have been some time endeavour ng to br ng
F sh to this market, wotdd gladly ava 1 themselves of
the opportun.ty to rent the stand proposed, and accom-
modate their fellow c.tizens by sell ng the'r Fish at a
more reasonable and more moderate rate and in greater
variety than they can now be had. A fair and honora-
ble competition wsuld thus be established, and the
cit zens have an opportunity of purchasing at more ac-
ceptable prices, the d fferent kinds of Kish that would
be brought to market by the different companies, and
ofjudgngfor themselves of their quality. The stand
now asked for would also be of great advantage to
those of our fellow citizens who are in the habit of
marketing in the m ddle and lower part of H'gh street
market. If your honorable bodies sh.all th'nk proper
to grant the stand pr.aycd for, your pettoners will be
grateful, and the pubic soon feel and acknowledge the
favor bestowed.
Mr. DciN-E, as Chairman of the Committee of Wills'
Leoact, made the following report and resolution,
wh ch were agreed to. '
The committee on the Wills' Legacy, respectfully
report,
Tha», in compliance with the instructions given to
them, by Counc Is, on the 2oth of August last, they
publ cly offered a prein um of one hundred dollars
for the best, and a prem um of fiftv dollars, for the
second best plan of a bu Id ng for an' asylum for the
lame and bind, agreeably to the intenfon of the late
.lames W Ih; and, that in consequence, plans have
been presentred by the geniemen, who are here named
in the order in wh ch the r respective plans were pre-
sented.— Mr. John Haviland, Mr. John C. Trautwine,
Mr. William Rodr'gues, Mr. Thomas W. Walter, and
Ml- George Sennefi'.
As Counc Is have resolved that they w'll-<lcc'dc, on
or before the first day of January, 1832, on tlie plan to
be i.djpted, the whole of the plans recently presented,
and two plans one by Mr. Strickland, and the othtr by
Mr. Haviland, presented prior to Avigiist last, arc now
laidbifjre Councils by the committee on the W.lls'
Legacy: The following resolution is also respectfully
submitted.
Resolved, That when Councils adjourn, they adjourn
to meet on Thursday, the 29th December, inst. at 3 P.
M. for the purpose of deeding on the plan to be adopt-
ed for the asylum for the lame and blind.
COMMON COUNCIL — Mr. Fnir/. presented a pe-
tit'on s'milar to the one presented by Mr. Fox in tlie
Select Council wliich was referred to the same Com-
mittee.
Mr. Cohtfll presented a petition for an Alarm Bell
in the North Western section of the city, which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Fire Companies.
Mr. McnoAT presented the annexed petition from
the occupants of stalls for sell ng vegetables, which
wasrefen-ed to the Committee on markets.
To /he Honorable ihe Select n- H C'nmmnn Councils of the
City of Philadel/,h.a.
The petition of the Subscribers, respectfully shew-
eth. That they are renters and occupiers of the stands
for the sale of veget.ibles on the north side of the
maiket-house between Second and Th'rd streets in the
city of Ph ladelphia, and labour under great inconveni-
ence from the want of the use of the back ends of the
benches of the stalls in the market there occupied by
the victuallers. Your memorialists being on the outside
of the market are exposed to the weather, and having
at present no use of and part of the stalls, nor any
thin.e;* sim lar, have no place, if occasion requires, to
stand any th'ng on. They are obl'ged, for instance,
either to hold their breakfasts in their hands whilst eat-
ing, or, if a customer is to be served, to place it on the
ground. So if cit'zens wish to leave any part of their
market'ng with them till their return from other mar-
ketng, as often happens, they have no place to put it
except on the g ound, where it is liable to become dirty
and be exposed to the dogs that are prowling about.
Besides they regret to say that the victuallers, behind
whom they stand, are in the habit of putting offals and
bloody parts of the carcases of the creatiu-es they have
killed, on those back ends of the benches of the' stalls,
so that they can scarcely turn round without smearing
their clothes; the flies also swarm there in summer, and
smells that are very disagreeable are produced thereby.
Indeed the grieiances under which your petitioners
labour are vei-y great in this respect, and they find
they can get no accommodafon from the v'ctu'allers
without submittng to exactions and being beholden to
them as a sort of tenants .at sufferance, and as they pay
a rent of #15 per .annum for these outside stands which
are so inconvenient at best, they respectfully ask Coun-
c'ls to take the'r case into considerat'on and grant thera
the use of the back ends of the benclies of the stalls, in
the market aforesa'd, near up to the railing, wh'ch they
conceive moreover properly belonging to them, as they
project over the part yotu' petitioners occupy; where-
fore they hope this their reasonable request, will be
g^nted bv Councls.
Philadelphia, 8th Dec. 1831.
A commun"cation was received from AVilliam Born,
Esq relative to closing Blackberry Alley, which was
laid on the table.
Mr Moor, from the comm'ttee on Markets, made
the following report and resolution, which were agretd
183S.)
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
The Comm'ttee on Markets to whom was referred the )
pet t:orLof siindiy >>hne dealers, and also the memo- I
ral of a number of shoemakers occupying stalls un-
der the eaves of the H tfh street market between
Third and Fourth street, beg leave to report,
That, by the ordinance of June 8 h, 1826, the west-
ern moety of the space under the eaves on the north
side of the 11. gh street market house, between Th'rd
and Fourth streets, is appropriated as stands for the
sale of shoes, stockings, and other domestic manufac-
tures.
This ordinance being in full force and opcrat'on, and
the stand rented to the present occupants, who have
long since paid the rent thereof to the City Commis-
sioners, your committee are of ' pinion that it is inexpe-
dient to legislate on the subject at present and offer the
following resolution:
Resolved, That the committee be discharged from
the further cons'derat'on of the subject.
Mr. Okie as Chairman of the Comm ttec of Accounts,
made the annexed report wh ch was adopted.
The Committee of Accounts beg leave to Report,
1 hat they have exam'ned the accounts of the C ty
Treasurer for the third quarter of the present year,
together with his accounts with Dr Benjam n Franklin's
and John Scott's Legacies, for the same period, and
compared the same w.th the respective books of ac-
counts, bank books and other vouchers; all of which
thev have found to be correct.
Mr OLhE>-Brnr. as Chairm.-in of the Comm'ttee, to
whom WIS referred the commuii'cation of Will am
Rush, Rsq made the following report and resolution,
accompan ed by the annexed documents. The resolu-
tion was agreed to.
The Committee to whom was referred the letter of
William Ru.sh, Esq relative to encroachments on tile
river Schuylkill, beg leave to report:
Thatt'iey have consulted with Messrs- Samuel Hains,
Frederick Graff and David McClurc, and h;ive received
communications from them which they herewith sub-
mit to Counc Is From the views of these gen'lemen,
and the facts sfa'cd by them, the importance of Coun-
cils making an early appl.cat on to the Legislature to
pass an act providing aga.nst encroachments by wh;irves
and bu Id ngs, on both sides of the Schuylkill, from
Far Mount to its mouth, will be clearly seen. In order
to enable the Legislature to act with proper informa-
tion on the subject, it will be necessary to have a cor-
rect survey made of the Schuylkill, designating the
soundin-3, area for the passage of water at different
points, lie. as recommended if the above named gen-
tlemen. The (.'ommittee therefore respectfully submit
the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, Hy the S<lect and Common Councils,
that Samuel Hains and I)av d .McClure be appointed to
make a survey of the river Schuylkill from Far Mount
to its mouth, with a plan there f, and report the same
to Councils; the expenses thereof to be charged to
appropr ation No. 21.
2 Resolved, By tlie authority aforesaid, that on said
report being made, the Wardens of the port be request-
ed by (;otuicils not to suffer any encroachments on said
river contrary to said plan and report, until opportunity
can be afforded of the Legislature acting on the subject.
To the Comm'ttee of Councls appointed on the com-
munication of William Rush, Esq.
Gentlemen: — The undersigned having carefully ex-
amined the s\ibject to which you had called their atten-
tion, agree to report — that in their opinion regular
wharf-lines, ought to be fixed on each side of the river
Schuylk'U, from F;iir Mount to the river Delaware.
The distance between two lines, in no place to be
less than five hundred feet — and that distance to be in-
creased, where the average depth of the channel to
hard bottom, is less than sixteen feet, so as to pre in
all places a section of r/tnr witer wv, the area of
wh ch sh:dl be at Ic.ist, eight thousand square f^et.
Tile channel between the wharf-1 iKS, to be located,
so as to embrace the deepest part of the river to hard
bottom, w thout rcgiird to present improvements, or
deposits of soft mud, avo ding as much as poss.ble, all
crooks and turns of short radius.
L nes for permanent buddings, ought also to be fix-
ed on each s.de of the river, pne hundred and fifty feet
d stant, from each wharf-line, between wh ch and the
wharf-line, no building, fixture, or improvement, of a
permanent character to be made. th.at shall rise on an
average higher tiian two feet above common high
water.
In order to decide upon the best location for the
channel of tlie river, a correct survey of its margin,
with numerous and accurate soundings to hard bottom,
will be necessary.
The wharf ;ind bu'lding lines when fixed, and estab-
lished, to be recorded and known by bear. ngs and dis-
tances taken to fixed and permanent objects, that may
be at all times easily referred to.
Vei-y respectfully, yours, &c.
Samckl Hatss,
DiTiu McClcrr.
December 19, 1831.
To the Committee of Councils, appointed on the com-
munication of t^ illiam Rush, Esq. on the subject of
the navigation of the Schuylkill river.
Gentlemen, — Tn compliance with your request, I '
offer my opinion as to the most effectu;il manner of
maintaining the navigation of the river Schuylk.ll, of
preserving fiom destruct ve effects of the back wa'er,
the store houses and other improvemi'nts on its banks
and (if protecting the future operations of the Water
Works, at FaT Mo\int, which in my opinion will be
destroyed if ih; wharves on the river should be ex-
tended from the Upper Ferry to its junction w.th the
river Delaware, agreeably to the plan which has been
alre:uly adopted with the wh;irves recently erected.
On mature cons deration of the subject, 1 beg leave
to recommend that correct soundings be made of the
depth of the river to hard bottom, or rock, in order to
establish standard widths to be regidated in such man-
ner as to give free vent to the water between the
wharves wh ch should be erected, equal in area of not
less in any section of the river throughout than 7200
feet, taking as a data that the spaces to be left between
the wharves to be erected on each sde of the river
shall never be less than 453 feet, and that where the
river shall be found pliant by the projection of hard or
rock bottom, that the distance shall be widened be-
tween the whan'cs to be built opposite such shoal in a
ratio so as to retain the required area as above mention-
ed, which shoidd on no account be dimin shed.
I also recommend that with the operation of sound-
ing the river, a survey be made, establishing perma-
nent boundaries, or wharflines, whereby the scutes
f.)r wharves intended to be erected can be ascertained
and regulated suitable to the space to be retained be-
tween them at any point.
In my opinion no wharves or other improvements
should in future be raised higher than t» o feet above
the established high tide plain, and th:it no permanent
or other fixtures should be erected on any wharf at a
less distance fiom the said 1 ne than 100 feet, wh'ch
added to the space of 4.50 feet recommended to be re-
tiincd between the whancs, will leave together an
area for the passage of ice and water in times of fresh-
ets of 650 feet.
The rise of ice and water above liigh tide at the per-
manent bridge at High street, during tlie freshet of
181.' was 10 feet 2 inches, the w.iter way between the
wharves and piers of the High street bridge is 407 f.:et
10 inches; and the width between the abutments is 532
feet 3 inches, and had it not been for the addition&l
6
EDUCATION.
[jANUi.Br
passage afforded for the ice and water over the turn- Some benefits have resulted to particular sections, from
pike road on the west side of the bridge, tlie rise of the leg-islative provisions of local operation, and from the
river would have been mucli greater; under these con- benevolent exertions of philanthropic individuals, but
siderations, I am of opinion that the area foi" the passage no ^OTfro/ system has been adopted.
of the water recommended as a standard throughout | \^ith a view of promoting the establishment of public
the whole section of the river cannot be too great.
The effect produced by the freshets of 1784 and 1822
leave but little doubt that much greater disasters may
take place again, unless immediate and effectual means
be adopted to prevent iimovations on this stream, som.e
of wh'ch it is to be regretted have already been made
schools tliis meeting has been called, and in a hope of
pointing out the proper means of amving at so desira-
ble an end, it is
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, the
means of education in Pennsylvania are wholly inade-
quate to the wants of the people, and immeasurably be-
by extending wharves into the river from 10 to 20 feet I liind the advantages which are enjo^'ed by the citizens
beyond low water mark. of other states, while there is nothing in the peculiarity
In order to illustrate more clearly the necessity of | of our situation to warrant or excuse the disparity,
establishing permanent wharf-lines, I bee; leave to state Resolved, That, recognizing the truth of the axiom
that on a measvu-ement of the water space between the that "knowledge is power," we are bound as republi-
wharf at the foot of Cedar street on Schuylkill, and the cans, to seek to procure for every class of the ccmmu-
wharf lately erected on tlie property of the new Alms I nitj", the necessary advantages of education, that "pow-
Hpuse opposite, the distance was found to be only 405 ermay not with knowledge" steal from the many to the
feet, and the space, between the wharf of Messrs. AVeth- 1 few.
eriU's below Chesnut street, and the wharf opposite, Resolvedj That the Legislative delegation of the city
measures but 366 feet, leaving only an area of water I and county of Philadelphia, be requested to use all
passage 5856 feet, whilst the area between the abut- constitutional means to prociu-e the enactment of a law,
ments of High street bridge is 11,800 feet. | authorising the establishment of schools by which every
If the soundings of the river, and a survey of wharf- ' child in the state may obtain, at public expense, the
lines be estabhshed as recommended, it will enable ! solid branches of an English or German education.
the Wardens of the Port to determine the locations for \ Resolved, That this meeting recognize with satisfac-
wharves "without difficulty, and will preserve a perfect , tion, the exertons of the friends of public schools in
navigation, and prevent destruction by inundations, j the last Legislature; and augur fi-om their zeal and the
which otherwise must occur by every trifling freshet I evident improvement in public opinion, a successful is-
when a number of wharves shall be built according to j sue to similar efforts
the present regulations.
Very respectfully, your humble serv't.
J"bed. Graff.
December 19, 1831.
GENEUAL EDUCATION.
At a-verv large and highly respectable meeting of
citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, friendly
to the promotion of General Education, held on
Tuesday evening, Nov. 29, at the nistrict Court Room,
B. W. RICHARDS, Esq. Mayor of the city was called
upon to preside, ass sted by SAMCEt GnirE, Esq. of
Kensington, and John L. Woolf, Esq. of Penn town-
ship, as Vice Presidents; James Pack, of the city, and
B. M.iTTHiAS, of the Northern Liberties, were appoint-
ed Secretaries.
The object of the meeting being stated by the
Chairman, Joseph R. Chinhler, Esq. offered the fol-
lowing preamble and resolutions, which were unani-
mously approved of:
PREAMBLE.
One of the 'most distinctive features of the -present
age, and that bv which it will hereafter be most favour-
,ably known, is" the active spirit of improvemeiit that
'seeks to meliorate the condition of every rank in life,
insuring comforts to the humble, and security to the el-
evated. In no way has this spirit been more benefi-
cially active than in the advancement of Education,
and the diffusion of that species of learning that has
now become necessary to the ordinary business of
tradesmen, and the understanding and enjoyment of the
rights of citizenship. ■
Aware of the requirements of the times, the citizens
and legislators of other states are seen making provi-
sions fjr public schools when none have been in use
before, and when systems of free schools have long
been established, they are improving those systems to
meet the advancement of science, and give to them
practically all the beneficial features which their theory
would seem to comprehend.
Attempts have been made from time to time to intro-
duce "into Pennsylvania some of those advantages that
have distinguished and blessed her more favoured
neighbours) hitherto this object has been unattained.
p Resolved, That a committee be appointed to corres-
pond with any member or members of the state Legis-
lature, or with others who may be desirous to obtain or
impart information on the subject of publ c schools.
In pursuance of the last resolution, the following-
gentlemen were appointed a committee of correspond-
ence: .
Citv. County.
B. W. Richards, John C. Browne,
Joseph R. Chandler, John L Woolf,
John Ashton, jr. Adam Woelper,
AV alter R Johnston, Jesse Groves,
M. M- Carll, Wm. J. Young,
W. H. Gllingham, John Thompson, jr.
Geo. M. Stroud, Joseph R. Bolton,
Job R. Tyson, . B. Matthias,
James Page, W. G. Alexander,
" Antony Lausatt, Samuel Harvey,
Samuel Grice.
The meeting was addressed by Joseph R, Chandler,
M. M. Carll, B. W. Richards, John Ashton, jr. Esq'rs.
and by several other gentlemen.
On motion of Mr. Antony Lausatt, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be ten-
dered to B. W. Richards, Esq. for the able and impar-
tial mannner in which he has presided over its delibera-
tions.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
published.
On motion, the meeting adioumed.
B. AV. RICHARDS, Chairman.
Samuel Grice, ? y^^^ presidents.
JOHS L. WooiF, >
James Page, ? secretaries.
Matthias, )
B
REPORT
Of one of Ihe Comml/lees arising out of the lale
Town Meetisg.
Your committee, " appointed to devise and recom-
mend the most suitable mode of caUing the attention of
the people of the state of Pennsylvania, to the impor-
tance of a system of Common Schools," beg leave to
report.
t832.]
EDUCATION.
That they have taken the subject embraced in the
above resolution, into the serious consideration which
itj importance demands.
Your committee will, in the first place, invite your at-
tention to some of the more prominent fticln as they
now exist, in relation to this momentous subject of edu-
cation.
The first well-authenticated fact, well calculated to
startle every reflecting: man in the commonwealth is,
that Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of her
sons and daughters, who are entirely destitute of the
means of intellectual culture ! and thus, this great and
flourishing state has a dark and portentous cloud of ig-
norance and imbecility hanging over and obscuring her
future prospects.
Second, That repeated memorials and petitions have
been sent from different sections of the state, to the
legislature, praying for a system of genei-al educa-
tion, adapted to her wants and necessities, but hitherto,
witliout any adequate result.
Third, That liberal provision has been gi-anted to col-
leges, academies, and the higher departments of learn-
ing, whilst that for common schools, adapted to the ex-
igencies of the great mass of the people, has been with-
held, or at best imparted with a penurious and grudg-
ing policy.
Fourth, Th.at an extraordinary degree of supineneSS
and indift'erence has hitherto prevailed among the peo-
ple of this state upon this subject,and hence it has been
regarded by the representatives as an unpopular mea-
sure.
Fifth, That the circumstances of the state of Penn-
sylvania are, in relation to this subject, peculiar; and
this peculiarity arises out of the nature and character of
her population: having a numerous and respect;ible
class of Germans,speaking their own language, and from
their industry and wealth, exercising no inconsiderable
influence in the councils and measures of government.
Wisely and judiciously to meet this state of things,
and to devise a pUn which shall have a tendency to ob-
viate the difliculty, appears to be the important duty as-
signed your committee.
It is obvious that every measure of importance must
emanate f.-nm the people; and that the legislature will
not act, either on this or on any other subject, contra-
ry to the the wislics of their constituents.
The editoi-s of newspapers generally, throughout the
state, are actuated by a similar spirit; (to tliis there are,
no doubt, many honorable exceptions, i the course,
then, to be pursued, is plain and manifest; — make the
measure popular, and yet seciu-e the talents and co-op-
eration ot both legislators and editors of public jour' als.
The course, then, to be pursued is, to make a direct
appeal to the people. How is this to be done? is the
question next to be considered.
The three following modes present themselves to
your Committe, as the most likely to be attended witli
success. First, through the medium of the press,
•wherever accessible; second by callmg public meetings
in different sections of tlie State; and, third, by an agent
suitably qualified to address public assemblies, and
make earnest appeals to the people, face to face.
First, through the medium of the Press. In order
that this mode may be rendered efi"ect\ial, well written
communcations addressed to the people, would be re-
quired, bearing particularly upon the following points :
The vast importance of education to man, in relation to
his future state of existence; in relation to his individual,
moral, and intellectual energies; and, in relation to his
character and duty, as a citizen of a free and indepen-
dent state.
These communic itions should be written both in the
English and German language, and for this purpose
your committee would recommend that some philanthro-
pic and enlightened German be sought out and added
to our body, that we might tlius avail ourselves of liis la-
bors and influence among those who speak his lan-
guage.
In this Way the people rriay be reached, they might
be simulated to exertion, and exhorted to follow the
example of their brethren in other sections of the State,
in call ng pubhc meetings, in which the subject might
be discussed, and instructions sent to their delegates in
the Legislature.
Both these means would be greatly facilitated by the
presence and co-operation of an experienced and judi-
cious agent or agents,who,by delivering public lectures,
and well-timed addresses to the people, might diffuse
light and information, and certainly enlist the feelings
and approbation of the more influential and better in-
formed portions of the community.
In addition to his addressing tiie publi?, it would be
an important part uf llie duty of these agents to be pos-
sessed of a knowledge of all the recent and valuable im-
provements in elementary or primary instruction. They
should have the requisite information, and be furnished
with the means necessary for forming those infantile
establishmeiUs on the most improved plan, in all the
towns and populous villages, and, as a matter of econ-
o"iy, should consider it as a part of their duty to qualify
females to take charge of them.
What numbers of females are there in the coimtry,
who for a small salary, would willingly underaake the
management of such a school !
And how many are there in easy circumstances,
whose kind and benevolent feelings would prompt
them to devote a part of their leisure in the fulfilment
of sui:h an exalted and delightful duty !
That this is not so fanciful as some, at first view,
may be led to suppose, t.ake the following fact:' one of"
your committee, chn-ing the last summer, in travelling'
to Pittsburg, passed the Fourth of July in one of tlie
intermediate towns: In walking through town accom-
panied by a young lady, daughter of a friend, our at-
tention was attracted to a man lying on a bench in the
sun, in a piti.able state of intoxication, on enquiry it
proved to be Ihe iSc/ioiilmmier cf llie ftllngr.' the only
man in the town to whom was entrusted the morals
and intellects of the rising generation !! This naturally
led to a convers;ition on the subject of Infant Schools;
one of your committee strongly recommended to tlie
young l;idy, who he knew hid suflicient leisure, to
commence one in the town without delay; and at her
request left the outline of a plan for the mode of con-
ducting it. She said she would consult her female ac-
quaintance, and seemed pleased with the benevolent
idea of collecting the little children together, who were
running wild about tlie houses, and of introducing
something like order and improvement among them.
Had it been consistent with other duties to remain a
few days among them, to call the people together and
address them in the spirit of affection and reason, can
any one doubt the result.' A school of the little ne-
glected children would have been formed in a week !
From this and other facts of a similar nature, your
committee are confirmed in the opinion, that our ob-
ject would be greatly facilitated by the three modes
above suggested, 'were they put into simultaneous
practice.
Your committee beg leave to conclude their report
with the following reflection: —
The power of unlimited progressive improvement is
a faculty peculiar to man, and one of those striking
characteristics by which he is distinguished from the
inferior orders of existence. The subordinate races of
beings commence life with all the science and all the
instincts necessar)' for their prescr^•ation, and for the
purposes which they are designed to fulfil: but man
comes into the world helpless, ignorant, and wholly un-
able to provide for himself. He is at first impotent,
but furnished with a latent, controlling power, which
gives him dominion over every living tiling, and forces
even the eknienls to contribute to his will.
He is at first ignorant, because capable of all know-
ledge; uninsfructeA by instinct, because his mind ii
8
PHILADELPHIA LYING-IN CHARITY.
(Jaxcabs
susceptible of boundless expansion, under the enlarg-
ingf influence of love, intelligence and reason.
Sue 1 is the nature of man! — can any labor be con-
sider^-d too arduou-i, any sacr.fices too .?reat, in a cause
wh ch is des g'lied to foiter, to develope, and give a
pj-oper d.rect.on to talents and faculties so wonderful
and so prec'ous.
S.g-ned M. M. CARLL, ^
SAML. GIIICE, i „
W.M. J. YOUiVG, f Committee.
B. MATTHIAS, J
PHIL.\DELPH1A LYING-IN CHARITY,
I'ur nllendiiig /iijigeiit Fernuks at ihelr own Hi/uses.
- Among the numerous objects that have excited the
active charity of the benevolent and humane in this
c;ty, it is rather matter of surprise that the urgent, anx-
ioui necessities of tile indigent parturient female, have
received so small a share of publ.c attention. With a
view to invite a portion of the munificence of the phi-
lanthropist to tbe cheerless residence of the lying-in
female — to awaken in her behalf the tender sympa-
thies of her own sex, and to secure profess'onal attend-
ance to such as are unable to compensate medical prac-
titioners for their serv.ces at this trying period — The
Phii.ade^ paii Lvisr.-ix Chvuitt, /("• uttend no '"d'-
gent ft-nalcs at ftieir own hnuses^ has been established.
Institutions for the gratuitous accommodation of ly-
ing- n women, are common in the large cities of Eu- ,
rope, and they have been justly esteemed among the
pr.m.iry objects for tbe exercise of benevolence. Nor i
have tile inhabit;ints of Ph ladelph'a been altogether |
unmindful of the interests and comforts of that necessi- i
tous class of the female commun ty, whose interesting j
situation claims the fostering care of the humane: the
Pennsylvania Ho'spital ha?, for a series of years, afford-
ed a comfortable sojourn for a limited number of the |
n2c;-sstous married lying-in females, and many have '
ava.led th.-mielves of its bounty; the Lying-in Ward of
the Pii.ladelpli a Alms House Infirmary, an institution |
supported at the publ c expense, has also been the |
friendly asylum of thousands who, but for its existence,
mist have undergone much severe suffering, ar.s'ng from
indigence, and' risk of l.fefrom incompetent attendants;
the several Dispensaries, too, of the city and its Liber-
ties, are institutions wh ch, for many years, have ex-
tended their charitable medical care and attendance
to in d. gent lying-in females.
The accommodations at the Pennsylvania Hospital,
litnited as they are to a very smair" number, are closed
against such females as cannot first provide for the care
and support of the ch klren they may have already de-
pendent on their attention. The chikben cannot be
admitted with the mother, and to provide for their wel-
fare during her absence, if at all practicable, may re-
quire an expense beyond her means.
At the Alms House Infirmary, a d'fficulty not easi-
ly removed, aho occurs: the ch Idren must first be pro-
vided for by the parent; or, if admitted with the mo-
ther, they are separated from her, turned into the com-
mon herd, where her control cannot reach, and where
they are dejirived of parent's watchful eye, at that
tender age w'len most required.
There is also another c'rcumstance wlvch must limit
in some degree the benefits of these pubic institutions
to females. However extensive and complete may be
the advantages afforded to a large number who can
conveniently enter them, yet there w'U always exist no '
small number whose reluctance to lying-in in a pubic I
institution is so great, that rather than consent, they j
will undergo the greatest suffering and inconvenience at j
home. This may arise from various causes — such as a
separation from their friends — the dread of supposed |
experiments, and the fear of a public exposure of their j
dependence upon charitable institutions, J
We cannot omit mentioning what is of very seriotis
importimce, and wh ch shows in a strong light the no-
cess:ty of estiiblishing some general .rrangement by
which ind'gent females can obtain with certainty, the
professional aidof competent and instiucted physicians.
We allude to the kirge number of still-born ch-ldrcn
which appears in almost every weikly b 11 of mortality.
It is to be feared that many of these cases have been
the result of ignorance or temerity on the part of in-
competent attendants, where delicacy, under straitened
c rcumstances, may have prevented the employment of
well instructed practioners.
W.th regard to the appl'cation of the charit}' of this as-
sociation, great care w.U be taken to discriminate be-
tween the deserving and the undeserving. Its benefits
w.U be confined exclusively to those who are indigent,
necessitous, and unable to command professional attend-
ance. Our object is not to encourage inactivity, and
improvidence, but to mitigate the unavoidable sufl'ering
incident by nature to the feebler portion of the human
family, and to furnish some of the cheering comforts re-
quired, and which the individuals cannot possibly pro-
cure. We need not name the particidar causes that
may render the application of this charity necessar}',
such as long continued sickness in a fimily — a want of
employment in the inclement season of our climate — the
worthlessness of some husbands— unavoidable ill success
in business, &c. such cases are known to exist and very
extensively.
True charity adm'nisters to the wants of indigence in
whatever form they may appear, and wherever found;
nor shrinks from affording rekef, let the cause have been
what it may.
In this character it is expected the Philadelphia Ly-
ing-in Charity will appear; w.lling to extend its pecul ar
a'd to every case of helpless ind gence, and our sincere
wish is, that it may prove extensivel)' useful, in addition
to the means already employed for diffusing among the
indigent an increased degree of comfort and happiness.
At a meeting of the association hdd No> ember i6, the
follow' ng gentlemen were elected officers for the ensu-
ing vear:
P'res dent— W. P. Dewees, M. D.
Vce Presidents — Roberts 'Vaux, Ales. Henry.
Chairman— F. S P,eattie, M. D.
Treasurer — Eclv.'ard Needles
Secretary — Karpe;- Walton, M. D.
MANAGERS.
j Christopher Marshall, Eli Welding,
I R' chard S. Risley. John Crean, jr.
I Alexander Cook, James Hutchinson,
i Roberts Vaux, John Stile,
: Alexander Henr)', A L. Pennock,
' Edward Needles, Thomas Eustace,
Iiewis Walton, Samuel Moore,
' Thomas Estlack, Lewis Ryan,
j Moses Reed, ' Levi Garrett.
ATTENDING PHYSICIANS.
I Charles Lukens, M. D. Harper Walton. M. D.
Joseph Warrington, SI. D. T. F. Ash, M D.
F S Beattie, M. U W Jewell, M D.
lE Y: Howell, MT). J G. Nanc ede, M. D.
George Spackman, M D. C. Dunnat, M. D.
Robert Stewart, M D.
December 6, 1831.
MiLF"Br, Dec. 16.
The Delaware river at this place has been closed for
three weeks past; and we understand that a number of
teams have crossed on the ice.
Skating. — Mr. Gerber, from Northumberland coun-
ty, on a late visit to Philadelphia, returned to this bo-
rough, by way of the SchuylkiU Canal, with Skates
on the ice. He left the City after breakfast, and arrived
at Reading on the evening of the same day, without let
or hindrance of tolls or gates. — Berks Journal.
1832.]
GIRARD'S WtLL.
d
THE W I L L
OF Tll»". r. \TE
STEPHEN (;il{.\Kl), ESQ.
I, STErnEN Gin.ini), ofiheCity of Philadelphia, in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mariner and
Merchant, bein^ of sound mind, memory and under-
standing^, do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament, in manner following': that is to say —
To PlDLlC ISTSITITIOSS.
I. I give and bequeath unto "The Contributors to
the Pennsylvania Hospital," of which Corporation I am
a member! the sum of Tlurli/ Tlwumnd llolbrs, upon
the following conditions, namely, that the said sum
shall be added to their Capitil, and shall remain a part
thereof for ever, to be placed at interest, and the in-
terest thereof to be applied, in the fir^t place, to pay to
my black woman Hannah (to whom I hereby give her
freedom,) the sum of two hundred dollars per 3'ear, in
quarterly payments of fifty dollars each in advance,
during- ;ill the term of her life; and, in lite second place,
the said interest to be applied to die use and accommo-
dation of the sick in the said Hospital, and for pro-
viding, and at all times having competent matrons,
and a sufficient number of nurses and assistant nurses,
in order not only to promote the purposes of the said
Hospital, but to increase this last class of useful per-
sons much wanted in our city,
H. I give and bequeath to "The Pennsylvania In-
stitution for the Deaf and Dumb," the sum of Twenty
Thousand Dullurs, for the use of that Institution.
HI. I give and bequeath to "The Orphan Asylum
of Philadelphia," the sum of Ten 7'AousanU DuUurs, for
tjie use of that Institution.
'IV. I gi-e and bequeath to " The Comptrollers ofthe
PubUc Schools for the City and County of Philadelphia,"
the sum of Tt.n Thousand Dollurs, for tlie use of the
Schools upon the Lancaster system, in the first section
ofthe first school district of Pennsylvania.
V. I give and bequeath to "The Mayor, Aldermen
and Citizens of Philadelphia," the sum of Ten Tliou-
land Dulliirs, In trust, safely to invest the same in some
productive fund, and with the interest and dividends
arising dierefrom to p\irchase fuel between the months
of March and August in every year for ever, and-in the
month of January in every year for ever, distribute the
same among poor white ho\ise-keepers and room-keep-
ers, of good character, residing in the city of Philadel-
phia.
VI. I give and bequeath to the Society for the Relief
of poor and distressed Masters of Ships, their Widows
and Children, (of which Society I am a member) the
sum of Yen Tlunurind Dallam, to be added to their
Capital stock, for the uses and purposes of said Society.
VII. I give and bequeath to the gentlemen who shall
be Trustees of the M.isonic Loan, at the time of my
decease, tlie sum of Ttvenhj Tlmusand Dollars, includ-
ing therein ten thousand and nine htmdred dollars due-
\r> me, part ofthe Masonic Loan, and any interest that
may be due thereon at the time of my decease, in trust
for' the use and benefit of " The Grand Lodge of Penn-
sylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereto belonging,"
and to be paid over by the said Trustees to the said
Grand Lodge, for the purpose of being invested in
some safe stock or funds, or other good security, and
the dividends and interest arising therefrom to be agiiin
so invested and added to the Capital, without applying
any part thereof to any other purpose, until the whole
capital shall amount to thirty thousand dollars, when
the same shall for ever after remain a permanent fund or
Capital, ofthe .said amount of thirty thousand dollars,
the interest whereof shall be applied from time to time
to the relief of poor and respectable brethren; and in
order that the real and benevolent purposes of masonic
institutions may be attained, I recommend to the sever*
iX lodg^cs not to admit to membership, or to receive
Vol. IX. 2
members from other lodges unless (he applicant; shall
absolutely be men of sound and good morals.
ScllOOL-IlOLS}: IN Pissn^K.
VIII. I give and bequeath urtto Philip Peltz, John
Lentz, Francis Hesley, Jacob Baker and Adam Young,
of Passyunk township, in the County of Philadelphia,
the sum of Six Thousand Dollars, in trust, that they or
the sun'ivors or survi\or of them shall purchase a suit-
able piece of ground, as near as may be in the centre of
said township,and thereon erect a substantial brick build-
ing, sufficiently large for a school-house, and the resi-
dence of a School-master, one part thereof for poor male
white children, and the other part for poor female white
children of said township; and as soon as the said
school-house shall have been built, that they the said
trustees or the survivors or survivor of them, shall con-
vey the said piece of ground and house thereon erect-
ed, and shall pay over such balance of said sum as may
remain une.\pended, to any board of directors and their
successors in trust, ■%vhjch may at the time exist or he
by law constituted, consisting of at least twelve discreet
inhabitants of the said township, and to be annually
chosen by the inhabitants thereof; the said piece of
ground and house to be carefully maintained by said
directors and their successors solely for the purposes
of a school as aforesaid for ever, and the said balance
to be securely invested as a permanent fund, the
interest thereof to be applied from time to time to-
wards the education in the said school of any number
of such poor white children of said township; and I do
hereby recommend to the citizens of said township to
make additions to the fund whereof I have laid the
foundation.
BEarrsTS to Isditidcais.
IX. I give and devise my house and lot of ground
thereto belonging, situated in rue Ramouet aux Chai^
trons, near the city of Bordeaux, in Fi-ance, and the
rents, issues, and profits thereof, to my brother, Elienne
Girard, and my niece Victoire Fenellon, (daughter of
my late sister Sophia Girard Capayron,) (both residing
in France,) in equal moieties for the life of my said
brother, and, on liis decease, one moiety of the said
house and lot to my said niece Victoire, ancThcr heirs for
ever, and the other moiety to the "six children of my
said brother, namely, John Fabriclus, Margvierite, Ann
Henriette,Jean August, Marie, and Madclaine Henriette,
share and share alike, (the issue of any deceased child,
if more than one, to take amongst them the parent's
share) and their heirs for ever.
X. I give and bequeath to my said brother, Eticnne
Girard, the sum o{ Five Thousand Dollars, and the like
sum o( Five Thmisnnd Dcllars to each of his six cliildreil
above named: if any ofthe said children shall die prior
to the receipt of his or her legacy of five thousand dol-
Icrs, tlie said sum shall be paid, and I give and bequeath
the same to any issue of such deceased child, if more
than one, share and share alike.
XI. I give and bequeath to my said niece, Victoire
Fenellon, the sum of Five Thousand Dollars.
Nil. I give and bequeath 'absolutely to my niece. An-
toinetta, now married to Mr. Hemphill, the sum of Ten
Thousand Dollar}, and I also give and bequeath to her
the sum of Fifit/ Thousand Dollars, to be paid over to
a trustee or trustees to be appointed by my executors,
which trustee or trustees shall place and continue the
said sum of fifty thousand doll:irs upon good sectirity,
and pay the interest and dividends thereof as they shall
from time to time accrue, to my said niece for her sepa-
rate use, during the term of her life, and from and im-
mediately after her decease, to pay and distribiite the
capitiil to and among such of her children and the issue
of dccased children, and in such parts and sliares as she
the said Antoinetta, by any instrument under her hand
and seal, <'Xccuted in the presence of at least two
credible witnes.?cs, shall direct and appoint, and for de-
fault of such appointment, then to and amonp the said
10
GIRARD'S WILL.
[JjiKWAHt
children and issue of deceased children in equal shares,
such issue of deceased children, if more than one, to
take only the share which their deceased parent would
have taken if living'.
XIII. I give and bequeath unto my niece, Carolina,
now married to Mr. Haslam, the sum of Ten Thtmsutid
Dollars, to be paid over to a trustee or trustees to be
appointed by my executors, which ti-ustee or trustees
shall place and continue the said money upon good se-
' curity, and pay the interest and dividends thereof from
time to time as they shall accrue, to my said niece, for
her separate use, during the term of her life; and from
and immediately after her decease, to pay and dis-
tribute the capital to and among- such of her children
and issue of deceased cliildren, and in such parts and
shares, as she the said Carolina, by any instrument under
her hand and seal, executed in the presence of at least
two credible witnesses, shall direct and appoint, and
for default of such appointment, then to and among tlie
said children, and issue of deceased children, in equal
shares, such issue of deceased cliildren, if more than
one, to take only the share which the deceased parent
would have taken if living; but if my said niece, Caro-
lina, shall leave no issue, tlien the said ti-ustee or trus-
tees on her decease, shall pay the said capital and any
interest accrued thereon, to and among Caroline Lallc-
mand, (niece of tlie said Carolina,) and the childi-en of
the aforesaid Antoinetta HemphiU, share and share
alike.
XIV. I g^ive and bequeath to my niece Henrietta,
now married to Dr. Clark, tlie sum oiTm Thmisand Dol-
lar!:; and I give and bequeath to her daughter Caroline,
(in the last clause above named, } the sum of Twenfi/
Thousand Dultars — the interest of the said sum of twen-
ty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be ne-
cessary, to be applied to the maintenance and educa-
tion of the said Caroline during her minority, and the
principal with any accumulated interest, to be paid to
the said Caroline,' on her arrival at the age of twenty-
one years.
XV. Unto each of the Captains who shall be in my
employment at the time of my decease, either in port,
or at sea, having chai-ge of one of my ships or vessels,
and having performed at least two voyages in my ser-
vice, I give and bequeath the sum oi Fifteen Hundred
Dollars — provided he shall have brought safely into the
port of Philadelphia, or if at sea at the time of my de-
cease, shall bring safely into that port, my ship or ves-
sel last entru«led to him, and also that his conduct
during the last voyage shall have been in every respect
conformable to my instructions to him.
XVI. All persons, who, at the time of my decease,
shall be bound to me by indenture, as apprentices or
sen'ants, and who shall then be under age, I direct my
executors to assign to suitable masters immediately
after my decease, for the remainder of their respective
term?, on conditions as favourable as they can in regard
to education, clothing and freedom- dues; to each of
the said persons in my service and under age at the
time of my decease, I give and bequeath the sum of
Five Hundred Dollars, which sums respectively I direct
my executors safely to invest in public stock, to apply
the interest and dividends thereof, towards the educa-
tion of the several apprentices, or servants, for whom
the capital is given respectively, and at the termination
of the apprenticeship or service of each, to pay to him
or her the said sum of five hundred dollars and any in-
terest accrued thereon, if any such interest shall remain
unexpended; in assigning any indenture, preference
shall be pven to the msther, father, or next relation,
as assignee, should such mother, father, or relative de-
sire it, and be at the same time respectable and com-
petent.
XVn. I give and bequeath to Francis Hesley (son of
Mrs. S. Hesley, whoismother of Marianre Hesley, ) the
sum of One Thousand Dollars, over and above such
sum as may be due to him at my decease.
AssniTiES.
XVIII. I ch.arge my real estate in the State of Fenn-
syhania with the payment ofthe several annuities or sums
following, (tlie said annuities to be paid by the Treas-
urer or other proper officer ofthe City of Philadelphia,
appointed by the corporation thereof for the purpose,
out ofthe rents and profits of said real estate herein-
after directed to be Uept constantly rented,) namely: —
1st I give and bequeath to Jtrs. Elizabeth Ingersoll,
Widow of Jared Ingersoll, Esq., late of the City of
Philadelphia, Counsellor at Law, an annuit)', or yearly-
sum of Une Thouiond Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly
payments, in advance, of five hundred dollars each,
during her life.
2d. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Catharine Girard,
now widow of Mr. J. B. Hoskins, who died in the Isle
of France, an annuity, or yearly sum of Four Hundred
Dollar?, to be paid in half-yearly payments, in advance,
of two hundred dollars each, during her life.
3d. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Jane Taylor, my
present housekeeper, (the widow of the late Captain
Alexander Taylor, who was master of my ship Helve-
tius, and died in my employment,) an annuity, or year-
ly sum of Five Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-year-
ly payments, in advance, of two hundred and fifty dol-
lars each, during her life.
4th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. S . Hesley, my house-
keeper at my place in Passyunk Township, an annuity,
or yearly sum of Five Hwidred Dollars, to be paid in
half-yearly payments, in advance, of two hundred and
fifty dollars each, during her life.
5th. I give and bequeath to Marianne Hesley, daughter
of Mrs. S Hesley, an annuity, or yearly sum of Tli re Hun-
dred Dollars, to be paid to her mother, for her use, in
half-yearly payments, in advance, of one hundi-ed and
fifty dollars each, until the said Marianne shall have at-
tained the age of twenty-one years, when the said annu-
ity shall cease, and the said Marianne will receive the
five hundred dollars given to her and other indented
persons, according to clause XVI. of this will.
6th. I give and bequeath to my late housekeeper,
JIarv Kenton, an annuity, or yearly sum of Three Hun-
dred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly pa^-ments, in ad-
vance, of one hundred and fifty dollars each, during her
fife.
7th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Deborah Scott, sis-
ter of Mary Kenton, and wife of Mr. Edwin T. Scott, an
annuity, or yearly sum of Three Hundred Dollars, to be
paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of one hun-
dred and fifty dollars each, dming her life.
8th. I give and bequeath to Mrs Catharine M'Laren,
sister of Mary Kenton, and wife of Mr. M. M'Laren, an
annuity, or yearly sum of Three Hundred Dollars, to be
paidin half-yearly payments, in advance, of one hundred
and fifty dollars each, during her Ufe.
9th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Amelia G. Taylor,
-wife of Mr. Richard M. Taylor, an annuity,oryearly sum
of Three Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly pay^
ments, in advance, of one hundred and fifty dollars
each, duiing her hfe.
Estate I3r LocisiA:ri.
XIX. All that part of my real and personal estate,
near Washita, in the State of Louisana, the said real
estate consisting of upwards of two hundred and eight
thousand arpens, or acres of land, and including therein
the settlement herein after mentioned, I give, devise,
and bequeath, as follows, namely: 1. I give, devise and
bequeath to the Corporation ofthe City ofNew Orleans,
their successors and assigns, all that part of my real
estate, constituting the settlement formed on my behalf
by my particular friend. Judge Henry Bree, of Washita,
consisting of upwards of one thousand arpens, or acres
ofland, with the appurtenances and improvements there-
on, and also all the personal estate thereto belonging,
and thereon remaining, including upwards of thirty
1832.]
GIRARD'S WILL.
11
slaves now on said settlement, and tlieir increase, in ti-ust,
however, and subject to the following reservations:
I desire, that iiu part of the said estate or property,
or the slaves thereon, or their increase, shall be disposed
of or sold for tlie term of twenty years from and after my
decease, should the said Judg-e Henry Bree survive me
and live so long;, but that the said settlement shall be
kcptup by the said Judge Henry Brec.forand during- said
term of twenty years, as if it was his own; that is, it shall
remain under his sole care and control, he shall improve
the same by raising such produce as he may deem most
advisable, and, after paying tiixes, and all expenses in
keeping up the settlement, by clothing the slaves and
otherwise, he shall have and enjoy for his own use all
the nett profits of said settlement. Provided, hnwever,
and I desire that the said Judge Henry Bree shall render
annually to the Corporation of the City of New Orleans,
a report of the st:ite of the settlement, the income and
expenditure thereof, the nvimber and increase of the
slaves, and the nett result of the whole. I desire that,
at the expiration of the said term of twenty years, or on
the decease of the said Judge Henry Dree, should he
not live so long, the land and improvements forming
-said settlement, the slaves thereon, or thereto belonging,
and all other appurtenant personal property, shall be
sold, as soon as the said Coiporation shall deem it advi-
sable to do so, and the proceeds of the said sale or sales
shall be applied by tlie said 'Corporation to such uses
and purposes as tliey shall consider most likely to pro-
mote the he.altli and the general prosperity of the inhab-
itants of the City of New Orleans. But, until the s.aid
sale shall be made, the said Corporation shall pay all
taxes, prevent waste or intrusion, and so manage the
said .settlement and the slaves,and their increase thereon,
as to derive an income, and the said income shall be ap-
phed from time to time, to the same uses and purposes
for tlie health and general prosperity of the said inhab-
itants.
2. I give, devise, and bequeath to the M.ayor, Alder-
men, and Citizens of Philadelphia, their successors and
assigns, two undivided third parts of all tlie rest and resi-
due of my said real estate, being the Lands unimproved
ne.ar VV':ishita, in the said State of Louisiana, in trust,
that, in common with the Corporation of the City of
New Orleans, they shall pay tlie taxes on the said lands,
and preserve them from waste or intrusion, for the term
often years from and afier my decease, and at the end
of the said term, when they shall deem it advisable to do
so, j shall sell and dispose of tlieir interest in said lands
gradually from time to time, and apply the proceeds of
such sales to the same uses and purposes hereinafter de-
clared and directed, of and concerning the residue of my
personal estate.
3. And I give, devise, and bequeath to the Corpora-
tion of the City of New Orleans, their successors and
assigns, the remaining one undivided third part of the
said lands, in trust, in common with the Mayor, Alder-
men and Citizens of Philadelphia, to pay the taxes on
the said lands, and preserve them from waste and intru-
sion, for the term often years from and after my decease,
and, at the end of the said term when they shall deem
it advisable to do so, to sell and dispose of their interest
in said lands gradually from time to lime, and apply the
proceeds of such sales to such uses and purposes as the
said Corporation may consider most likely to promote
the health and general prosperity of the inhabitants of
the City of New Orleans.
Fob tbe Educatiox of the Poon — BtarxsT to the
MaTOB, AlUERME:?, StC. or PHILAnELPUIA.
XX. And whereas, 1 have been for a long time im-
pressed with the importance of educating the poor, and
of placing them by the early cultivation of their minds
and the developement of their moral principles above
the many temptations, to which, through povertj' and
ignorance they are exposed; and I am particularly desi-
rous to provide for .such a number of poor male white
orphan children, as can be trained in one institution, a
better education, as well as a more comfortable main-
tenance than they usually receive from the application
of the public funds : And whereas, together with the
object just adverted to, I have sincerely at heart the wel-
fare of the City of Philadelphia, and, as a part of it, am
desirous to improve the neighborhood of tlie river De-
laware, so that the health of the citizens may be promo-
ted and preserved, and that tlie eastern part of the city
maybe made to correspond better with the interior:
Now, Ido give,devise and bequeatli allihe residue and re-
mainder of my Real and Personal Estate of every sort and
kind wheresoever situate, (tlie real estate in Pennsylva-
nia charged as aforesaid) unto "the Mayor, Aldermen
and Citizens of Philadelphia," their successors and as-
signs, intrust, to and for the several uses, intents, and
purposes hereinafter mentioned and declared of and
concerning the same, diat is to say : So far as regards
my real estate in Pennsylvania, in trust, that no part
thereof shall ever be sold or alienated by the said " The
Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia," or their
successorsjbut the s.ame shall for ever thereafter be let
from time to time, to good tenants, at yearly, or other
rents, and upon leases in possession not exceeding five
years from tlie commencemont thereof, and that the
rents, issues,aiul profits arising therefrom shall be applied
towards keeping that part of the said real estate situ-
ate in the city and liberties of Philadelphia constantly
in good repair, ( parts elsewhere situate to be kept in re-
pair by the tenants diereof respectively) and towards
improving the same, whenever necessary, by erecting
new buildings, and that the nett residue (after paj-ing
the sevenU annuities herein before provided for) be ap-
plied to the same uses and purposes as are herein declared
of and concerning the residue of my personal estate:
And so far as regards my real estate in Kentucky, now
under the care of Messrs Triplett and Burmley, in trust,
to sell and dispose of the same, w'hetiever it may be ex-
pedient to do so, and to apply the proceeds of such sale
to the same uses and purposes as are herein declared of
concerning the residue of my personal estate.
College ecu the EnrcATiON or the Poob.
XXI. And so far as regards the residue of my person-
al estate, in trust, as to Two Millions of Dollars, part
thereof, to apply and expend so much of that sum as may
be necessary — in erecting, as soon as practicable may
be, in the centre of my square of ground between High
andChesnut Streets, and Eleventh and Twelfth Streets,
in the City of Philadelphia, (which square of ground I
hereby devote for the purposes hereinafter stated, and
for no other, for ever, ) a permanent college, with suita-
ble out-buildings, sufficiently spacious for the residence
and accommod.ation of at least three hundred scholars,
and the requisite teachers and other persons necessary
I in such an institution as I direct to be established: and
in supplying the said college and out-buildings with de-
cent and suitable furniture, as well as books and all
things needful to earn," into cft'ect my general design.*
The said college shall be constructed with the most
durable materials, and in the most permanent manner,
avoiding needless ornament, and attending chiefly to
the strength, convenience, and neatness of the whole:
It shall be at least one hundred and ten feet eaSt and
west, and one hundred and sixty feet north and south,
i and shall be built on lines parallel with High and Ches-
nut Streets aid Eleventh and Twelfth Streets, provided
those hnes shall constitute at their junction right an-
gles: It shall be three stories in height, each story at
I least fifteen feet high in the clear from the floor to the
1 cornice: It shall be fire-proof inside and outside. The
floors and the roof to be formed of solid maferial.s, on
arches turned on proper centres, so that no wood may
be used, except for doors, windows and shutters: Cel-
I lars shall be made under tlie whole building, solely for
• See Codicil, Peel Hall.
12
GIRARD'S WILL.
[jASDiHr
the purposes of the institution; the doors to them from
the outside shall be on the east and west of the building;
and access to tliem from the inside shall be had by steps,
descending- to the cellar floor from each of the entries
or halls liereinafter mentioned; and tlie inside cellar
doors to open under the stairs on the nortli-east and
north-west corners of the northern entry, and under the
stairs on the soutli-east and south-west corners of the
southern entry; there should be a cellar window under
and in a line with each window in the first story — they
should be built one half below, the other half above the
sui'face of the ground, and the ground oiitside each win-
dow should be supported by stout walls; tlie sashes
should open inside, on hinges, like doors, and there
should be strong iron bars outside each window; the
windows inside and outside should not be less than four
feet wide in the clear: There shall be in each story four
rooms, each room rot less than fifty feet square in the
clear; tlie four rooms on each floor to occupy the whole
space east and west on such floor or story, and tlie mid-
dle of the building north and south; so that in the north
shall be laid; the outside and the inside walls shall
then be caiTied up of tlie same thickness of two feet
throughout, as high as ma}' be nccessaiy to begin in the
recess intended to fix the centres for tlie third floor and
landings; and, when so far cairied up. anotlier chain
similar in all respects to that used at the second story,
shall be in like manner worked into the walls throughout
as tightly as possible, and clamped in thi; same way
with equal care; centres shall be formed, the proper
arches tui'ned, and the third floor and landings shall be
laid: the outside and inside walls shall then be car-
ried up, of the same thickness of two feet throughout,
as high as may be necessary to begin the recess intend-
ed to fix the centres for the roof; and, when so carried
up, a thh'd chain, in all respects like those used at the
second and third stories, shall in the manner before de-
scribed, be worked as tightly as possible into the walls
thi'oughout, and shall be clamped with equal care; cen-
tres shall now be fixed in the manner best adapted for
the roof, which is to form the ceiling for the third story,
the proper arches shall be turned, and the roof shall be
of the building, and in the south thereof, there may re- laid as nearly horizontally as may be, consistently with
main a space of equal dimensions, for an entry or hall tlie easy passage of water to the e.aves: the outside walls
in each, for st;urs and landings : In the north-east and still of the thickness of two feet throughout, shall then
in the nortli-west corners of the northern enU-y or hall be carried up about two feet above the level of the
on the first floor, stairs shall be made so as to form a platform, and shall have marble capping, with a strong
double stair-case, which shaU be carried up through the
several stories; and, in like manner, in the south-east
and south-west corners of the southern entry or hall.
id neat iron railing thereon: The outside wails shall be
faced with slabs or blocks of marble or granite, not less
than two feet thick, .and fastened together with clamps
stairs shall be made, on tlie first floor, so as to form a , securely sunk therein, — they shall be carried up flush
double stair-case, to be carried up tlirough the several from the recess of one foot formed at the first floor
stories; the steps of the stairs to be made of smooth where the foundation outside wall is reduced to two
■white marble, with plain square edges, each step not i feet: The floors and landings as well as the roof shall
to exceed nine inches in the rise, nor to be less than ten ! be covered with marble slabs, securely laid in mortar;
inches in the tread; the outside and inside foundation j the slabs on the roof to be twice as thick as those on
■walls shall be at least ten feet high in the clear from the 1 the floors. In constructing the walls, as well as in
ground to the ceiling; the first floor shall be at least , turning the arches, and laying the floors, landings, and
three feet above the level of the ground around the j roof, good and strong mortar and grout, shall be used,
building, after that ground shall have been so regulated j so that no cavity whatever may any where remain. A
as that there shall be a gradual descent from the centre ! furnace or furnaces for the generation of heated air
to the sides of the square formed by High and Chesnut, I shall be placed in the cellar, and the heated air sh.all be
and Eleventh and Twelfth Streets: all the outside fo.un- ' introduced in adequate quantity wherever wanted by
dation walls, forming the cellars, shall be three feet six means of pipes and flues inserted and made for the pur-
inches thick up to the first floor, or as high as may be J pose in the walls, and as those walls shall be con-
necessary to fix the centres for the first floor; and the j structed. In case it shall be found expedient for the
inside foundation wall, running north and south, and i purposes of a library, or otherwise, to increase the num-
the three inside foundation walls running east and west ber of rooms, by dividing any of those directed to be
(intended to receive the ijiterior walls for the four i not less than fifty feet square in the clear, into parts,
rooms, each not less than fifty feet square in the clear, the partition wall's to be of solid materials. A room
above mentioned,) shall be three feet thick up to the j most suitable for the purpose, shall be set apart for the
first floor, or as high as may be necessary to fix the | reception, and preservation of nij' books and papers,
centres for the first floor when carried so far up, the out- ! and I direct that tliey sliall be placed there by my exe-
side walls shall be reduced to two feet in thickness, cutors, and carefully preserved therein. There shall be
leaving a recess outside of one foot, and inside, of six i two principle doors of entrance into the college, one
inches — and when carried so far up, the inside founda- into the entry or hall on the first floor, in the north of
tion walls shall also be reduced, six inches on each side, ' the building, and in the centi-e between the east and
to the thickness of two feet; centres shaU then be fixed \ west walls; the other into the entry or hall in the south
on the various recesses of six inches throughout,left for
the purpose, the proper arches shall be turned, and the
first floor laid; the outside and the inside walls sliall
then be earned up of the thickness of two feet through-
out, as high as may be necessary to begin the recess in-
tended to fix the centres for the second floor, that is,
the floor for the four rooms, eacli not less than fifty feet
square in tlie clear, and for the landing in tlie north,
and the lauding in the south of the building, where the
stairs are to go up — at this stage of the work, a chain,
composed of bars of inch square iron, each bar about
ten feet long, and linked together by hooks formed of
the ends of the bars, shaU be laid straightly and horizon-
tally along the several walls, and shall be as tightly as
possible worked into the centre of themthroughout,and
shall be secured wherever necessary, especially at all
the angles, by iron clamps soHdly fastened, so as to pre-
vent cracking or swerving in any part; centres shall
then be laid, the proper arches turned for the second
of the buildiuET, and in the centre between the east and
west walls; the dimensions to be determined by a due
regard to the size of the entire building, to that of the
entry, and to the purposes of the doors. The necessity
for, as well as the position and size of, other doors, in-
ternal or external, and also the position and size of the
windows, to be, in like manner, decided on by a con-
sideration of the uses to which the building is to be apr
plied, the size of the building itself, and of the several
rooms, and of the advantages of light and air: there
should in each instance be double doors, those opening
into the rooms to be what are termed glass dooi-s, so as
to increase the quantity of light for each room, and
those opening outward to be of substantial wood worlf
well lined and secured; the windows of the second and
third stories I recommend to be made in the style of
those in the first and second stories of my present
dwelling house, North Water Street, on the eastern
fi ont thereof; and outside each window I recommend
floor itnd landings, and the second floor and landings | that a substantial and neat iron balcony be placed suflR.^
1832.1
GIRARD'S WILL.
13
cienlly wide, to admit the opening' of the shutters competent authority, shall have given, by indenture,
against the walls; the windows of the lower story to | relinquishment, or otherwise, adequate power to the
be in the same style except th:it they are not to descend Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Philadelphia, or to
to the floor, but so far as the surbase, up to which ihc ! directors, or others by them appointed, to enforce, in
wall is to be carried, as is the case in the lower stoiy of
my house at my place in Passyunk Township. In mi-
nute particulars, not here noticed, utility and good taste
should determine. There should be at least four out-
buildings, detaclied from the main edifice and from each
other, and in such positions as shall at once answer the
purposes of the institution, and be consistent with the
symmetry of the whole establishment: each building
should be, as far as practicable, devoted to a distinct
pui-pose; in that one or more of those buildings, in
which they may be most useful, I direct my executors
to place my plate and furniture of every sort.
The entire square, formed by High and Chesnut
Streets, and Eleventh and Twelfth Sti-eets, shall be en-
closed with a solid wall, at least fourteen inches thick,
and ten feet high, capped with marble and guarded with
relation to each orphan, every proper restraint, and to
prevent relatives or others from interfering with, or
withdrawing such orphan from the institution.
6. Those orphans, for whose admission application
shall first be made, shall be first introduced, all other
things concurring — and at all future times, priority of
application shall entitle the applicant to preference in
admission, all other tilings concurring; but if there shall
be at any time, more applicants than vacancies, and the
applying orphans shall have been born in different
places, a prcfisrence shall be given — -JirsI, to orphans
born in the city of Philadelphia; secondly, to those bom
in any other part of Pennsylvania; thirdlii, to those born
in the city of New York (that being the first port on the
continent of North America at which I arrived;) and
lastly, to those born in the city of New Orleans, being
irons on the top, so as to prevent persons from getting j"^^ ^i^' port o" the said continent at which I first
over; there shall be two places of entrance into the - ^ ''•''■'■ ' .- .«
square, one in the centre of the wall facing High Street,
and tlie other in the centre of the wall facing Chesnut
Street; at each place of entrance there shall be two
gates, one opening inward, and the other outward;
those opening inward to be of iron, and in the style of
the gates north and south of my Banking house; and
those opening outward to be of substantial wood work
well lined and secured on the faces thereof with sheet
iron. The messuages now erected on the south-e.ist
x:orner of High and Twelfth Streets, and on Twelfth
Street to be taken down and removed as soon as the
.college and out-buildings shall have been erected, so
that the establishment may be rendered secure and
private.
When the college and appurtenances shall have been
constructed, and supplied with plain and suitable furni-
ture and books, philosophical and experimental instru-
ments and apparatus, and all other m;itters needful to
carry my general design into execution; the income,
issues and profits of so much of tlie said sum of two
millions of dollars as sh.-dl remain unexpended, shall be
applied to maintain the said college according to my
directions.
PllOTISlOSS HESPECTISG THZ CoLLEGi:.
1. The institution shall be organized as soon as prac-
ticable, and to accomplish that purpose more effectuallv,
due public notice of tlie intended opening of the col-
lege shall be given — so that there may be an opportu-
nity to make selections of competent instructors, and
other agents, and those who may have the charge of
orphans, may be aware of tlie provisions intended for
them.
2. A competent number of instructors, teachers, as-
Bistants, and other necessary agents, shall be selected,
and when needful, their places from time to time sup-
phed: they shall receive adequate compensation for
their services: but no person shall be employed, who
shall not be of tried skill in his or her proper depart-
ment, of established moral character, and in all cases
persons shall be chosen on account of their merit, and
not through favour or intrigue.
3. As many poor white male orphans, between the
ages of six and ten ye.ars, as the said income shall be
adequate to maintain, shall be introduced into the col-
lege as soon as possible; and from time to time as there
may be vacancies, or as increased abihty from income
may warnuit, others shall be introduced.
4. On tlve application for admission, an accurate
statement should be taken in a book prepared for the
purpose, of the name, birthplace, age, health, condition,
as to relatives, and other particujars useful to be known
of each orphan.
5. No orphan should be admitted until the guardians
«r directors of the poor, or a proper guardian or other
traded, in the first instance as first ofl^cer, and subse-
quently as master and part owner of a vessel and cargo.
7. The orphans admitted into the college, shall be
there fed with plain but wholesome food, clothed with
plain but decent apparel, (no distinctive dress ever to
be worn) and lodged in a plain but safe manner; Due
regard shall be paid to their he.alth, and to this end their
persons and clothes shall be kept clean, and they shall
have suitable and nit-onal exercise and recreation;
They shall be instructed in the various branches of a
soundeducation, comprehending reading, writing, gram-
mar, arithmetic, geography, navigation, surveying,
practical mathematics, astronomy, natural, chemical,
and experimental philosophy, the French and Spanish
languages, (I do not forbid, but I do not recommend
the Greek and Latin languages) — and such other learn-
ing and science as the capacities of the several scholars
may merit or warrant; I would have them taught facts
and things, rather than words or signs: And, especially,
I desire, that by every proper means a pure attach-
ment to our republican institutions, and to the sacred
rights of conscience, as guaranteed by our h.ippy con-
stitutions, shall be formed and fostered in the minds of
the scholars.
8. Should it unfortunately happen, that any of the
orphans admitted into the college, shall, from mal-con-
duct, have become unfit companions for the rest, and
mild means of reformation prove abortive, they should
no longer rem.ain therein.
9. Those scholars, who shall merit it, shall remain in
the college until they shall respectively arrive at be-
tween fourteen and eighteen years of age; they shall then
be bound out by the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of
Philadelphia, or under their direction, to suitable occu-
pations, as those of agriculture, navigation, arts, me-
chanical trades, and manufactures, according to the
capacities and acquirements of the scholars respectively,
consulting, as far as pnidence shall justify it, the inclina-
tions of the several scholars, as to the occupation, art,
or trade, to be learned
In relation to the organization of the college and its
appendages, I leave, necessarily, many details to the
Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia, and
their successors; and I do so, with the more confidence,
as, from the nature of my bequests and the benefit to
result from them, I trust that my fellow citizens of
Philadelphia, will obsen'C and evince especial care and
anxiety in selecting membei-s for their city councils, and
other agents.
There are, however, .some restrictions, which I con-
sider it my duty to prescribe, and to be, amongst
others, conditions on which my bequest for said col-
lege is made and to be enjoyed, namely :_/Sr»/, I enjoin
and require, that, if, at the close of any year, the in-
come of the fund devoted to tlie purposes of the said
college shall be more than snfficient for the mainte-
11
GIKARD'S WILL.
jANUAnr
nance of the institution during- that year, then the ba-
lance of the said income, after defraying' such mainte-
nance, shall be forthwith invested in good securities,
thereafter to be and remain a part of the capiUil; but,
in no event, shall any part of the said capital be sold,
disposed of, or pledged, to meet the current ex[ienses
of the said institution, to which I devote the interest,
income, and dividends thereof, exclusively: Second/y, I
enjoin and require that ho ecclesiastic, missionary, or
minister of any sect tuhatsnecer, shall ever hold or exercise
any station or duty whatever in the said college; nor shall
any such person ever be admitted for any purpose, or us a
visiter within the premises appropriated to the purposes
of the said college.- — In making this restriction, I do not
mean to cast any reflection upon any sect or pei-son
whatsoever; but, as there is such a multitude of sects,
and such a diversity of opinion amongst them, I desire
to keep the tender minds of the orphans, who are to
derive advantage from this bequest, free from the ex-
citement, whicli clashing doctrines and sectarian con-
troversy are so apt to produce; my desire is, that all the
instructors a' id teachers in the college shall take pains
to instil into the minds of the scholars, the purest prin-
ciples of morality, so that, on their entrance into active
life, they may ^rom inclination and habit evince benevo-
lence towards ilieir ftlhito creatures and a love of truth, so-
briety and industry, adopting at the same time such re-
ligious tenets as their nioiured reason may enable them
to prefer. — If the income, arising from that part of the
said sum of two million of dollars, remaining after the
construction and furnishing of the college and out-
buildings, shall, owing to the increase of the number of
orphans applying for admission, or other cause, be in-
adequate to the construction of new buildings, or the
maintenance and education of as many orphans as may-
apply for admission, then such further sum as may be
necessary for the construction of new buildings, and the
maintenance and education of such further number of
orphans as can be maintained and instructed within such
buildings as the said sq\iare of ground shall be adequate
to, shall be taken from the final residuary fund here-
inafter expressly referred to <or the purpose, compre-
hending the income of my real estate in the city and
county of Philadelphia, and the diridends of my stock
in the Schuylkill Navigation Company; my design and
desire being, that the benefits of said institution
shall be extended to as great a number of orphans as
the limits of the said square and buildings therein can
accommodate.
IjIPEOVEMEirrS ON TBE DEI-iWiHE.
XXII. And as to the further sum of Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars, part of the residue of my personal
estate, in trust, to invest the same secui-ely, and to
keep the same so invested, and to apply the income j
thereof exclusively to the following purposes: that is!
to say — j
1 : To lay out, regulate, curb, light and pave a pas- j
sage or street, on the east part of the city of Philadel-
phia, fronting the river Delaware, not less than twenty-
one feet wide, and to be called ZJf/iiitiare Avenue, ex-
tending from South or Cedar Street, all along the east
part of Water Street squares, and the west side of the I
logs, which form the heads of the docks, or thereabouts;
and to this intent to obtain such Acts of Assembly, and
to make such purchases or agreements, as will enable |
the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Philadelphia to [
remove or pull down all the buildings, fences and ob- |
sti-uctions which may be in the way, and to prohibit all j
buildings, fences, or erections of any kind to the east-
ward of said Avenue; to fill up the heads of such of the j
docks as mav not afford sufficient room for the said |
street; to compel the ownei-s of wharves to keep them (
clean and covered completely with gravel or other hard
materials, and to be so levelled that water will not re-
main thereon after a shower of rain; to completely clean
and keep clean all the docks within the limits of the
city, fronting on the Delaware; and to pull down all
platforms carried out, from the east part of the city over
the river Delaware on pilesTar pillars.
Removal of Woodex Bdildijtgs.
2. To pull down and remove all wooden buildings,
as well those made of wood and other combustible ma-
terials, as those called brick-paned, or frame buildings
filled in with bricks, that are erected within the limits
of the city of Philadelphia, and also to prohibit the
erection of any such building, within the said city's lim-
its at any future time.
Widening Wateb Street.
3. To regulate, widen, pave and curb Water Street,
and to distribute the Schuylkill water therein upon the
following plan, that is to say — that Water Street be wi-
dened east and west from Vine Street all the way to
South Street, in like manner as it is from the front of
mydwelling to tlie front of my stores on the w-est side
of Water Street, and the regulation of the curb-stones
continuedat the ^ame distance from one another, as they
are at present opposite to the said dwelling and stores,
so that the regulation of the said street be not less than
thirty-nine feet wide, and afford a large and convenient
footway, clear of obstructions and incumbrances of
every nature, and the cellar doors on which, if any
shall be permitted, not to extend from the buildings on
to the footway more than four feet; the said width to
be increased gradually, as the fund shall permit, and as
the capacity to remove impediments shall increase, until
there shall be a correct and permanent regulation of
AVater Street, on the principles above stated, so that it
may run north and south as straight as possible. That
the ten feet middle Alley, belonging to the public, and
running from the centre of the east squares to Front
Street all the way down across Water Street to the
river Delaware, be kept open and cleaned as city prop-
erty, all the way from Vine to South Street; that such
part of each centre or middle Alley as runs from Front
to Water Sti-eet, be arched over with bricks or stone, in
so sti-ong a manner as to facilitate the building of plain
and permanent stone steps and plat-forms, so that they
may be washed and kept constantly clean; and that the
continuance of the said Alleys,from the east side of Wa-
ter Sti-eet be curbed all the way to the river Delaware,
and kept open for ever. (I understand that those mid-
dle or centi-e Alleys, were left open in the first plan of
the lots, on the east front of the city, which were grant-
ed from the east side of Front Street to the river Dela-
ware, and that each lot on said east front has contribut-
ed to make those Alleys by giving a part of their gi-ound
in proportion to the size of each lot; those Alleys were
in the first instance, and still are, considered public pro-
perty, intended for the cnnvenience of the inhabitants
residing in Front Streetto go down to the river for wa-
ter and other purposes; but, owing to neglect or to some
other cause, on the part of those who have had the care
of the citv property, several encroachments have been
made on tiiem by individuals, by wholly occupying, or
building over them, or otherwise, and in that wa_v the
inhabitants, more particularly tliose who reside in the
neighbourhood, are deprived of the benefit of that
wholesome air, which their opening and cleansing
throughout would afford.) That the iron pipes, in Wa-
ter Street, which, by being of smaller size than those in
the other streets, and too near the surface of the ground,
cause constant leaks, particularly in the winter season,
which in many places render the street impassable, be
taken up and replaced by pipes of the same size, qual-
ity and dimensions in every respect, and laid down as
deeply from the surface of the ground, as the u-on pipes,
which are laid in the main streets of the city; and as it
respects pumps for Schuylkill water and fire-plugs in
Water Street, that one "of each be fixed at the south-
west corner of Vine and Water Streets, and so running
southward, one of each near the steps of the centre
1832 •]
.GIRARD'S WILL.
15
Alley, going: "P to Front Street; One of each at the
south-west corner of S.issafrus and Water Streets, one
of each near the steps of the centre Alley going' up to
Front Street, and so on at every south-west corner of all
the main streets and Water Street, and of the centre
Alleys of every square, as far as South or Cedar Street;
and when the same shall have been completed, that all
Water Street shall he repaved by the best workmen,
in the most com|)lcte manner, with the best paving wa-
ter-stones, after tlie height of the curb-stones shall have
been regulated throughout, as well as the ascent and
descent of the street, in such manner as to conduct the
water tlirough the main streets and the Centre Alleys
to the river Delaware, as far as practicable; and when-
ever any part of the street shall want to be raised, to use
nothing but good paving gravel for that purpose, so as
to make the paving as permanent as possible. By all
which improvements, it is my intention to' place and
m intiin the section of tiie city above referred to, in a
condition which will correspond better with the general
cleanhness and appearance of the whole citv, and be
more consistent with the safety, health and comfort of
the citizens. And my mind and will are, that all the in-
come, interest, and dividends of the said capital sum of
five hundred thousanddo'lars, shall be yearly, and every
ye.ar, expended upon the said objects, in the order in
which I have stated tliem as closely as possible, and
upon no other objects until those enumerated shall have
been attained; and, when those objects shall have been
accomplished, J authorize and direct the said The M;iy-
or, Aldermen, and Citizens, to apply such part of the
income of the said capital sum of five hundred thousand
doliars,asthey may think proper to the further improve-
ment, from time to time, of the eastern or Delaware
front of the city.
Be«,DEST to the St.VTE of PES.fSTLVAKIl,
XXIII. I give and bequeath to the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, the sum of Thrct Hundred Thousand
Dnllara, (or the purpose of internal improvement by canal
navigation, to be paid into the SUite treasury by my
executors, as soon as such laws shall have been'cnacted
by the constituted authorities of the said Common-
wealth as shall be necessary, and amply sufficient to
carry into efl'ect, or to enable the constituted author-
ities of the city of Philadelphia, to carry into effect tlie
several improvements above specified; namely,
LiWS to BE E^IACTEn.
1 . Laws, to cause Delaware Avenue, as above de-
scribed, to be made, paved, curbed, and lighted; to
cause the buildings, fences, and other obstructions now
existing to be abated and removed; and to prohibit the
creation of any such obstructions to the eastward of said
Delaware Avenue; 2- Laivn, to cause all wooden build-
ings as above described to be removed, and to prohibit
their future erection within the limits of the city of Phil-
adelphia; 3. Law.'', providing for the gradual widening,
regulating, paving, and curbing Water Street, as heiein
before described, and also for the repairing the middle
alleys, and introducing the Schuylkill w.ater,and pumps,
as before specified — all which objects may, I persuade
myself, be accomplished on principles at once just in
relation to individuals, and highly beneficial to the pub-
lic: the said sum, however, not to be paid, unless said
laws be p.assed within one year after my decease.
XXIV And as it regards llie remainder of said residue
of my personal estate in trust, to invest the same in
gaod securities, and in Ike mann;r to invest the inter-
terest and income thereof from time to time, so that the
whole shall form a permanent fund; and to apply the
income of the said fund,
1st. To the further improvement and maintenance of
the aforesaid College, as directed in the last paragraph
of the XXIst clause of this Will:
2d. To enable the Corporation of the City of Phila-
delphia to provide more eflfectually than they now do,
for the seturity of the -persons and property'of the in-
hahitants of the said City, by a competent police, in-
cluding a sufficient number of watchmen, really suited
to the purpose; and to this end, I recommend a division
of the City, into w:itch districts, or four parts, each un-
der a proper head, and that, at least two watchmen
shall, in e;ich round or stition, patrole together.
3d. To enable the said Corporation to improve the
City property, and the general appearance of the City
itself, antl, in effect, to diminish the burden of tax.ation,
now most 0])pressive, especially on those who are the
least able to bear it: —
To all which objects, the prosperity of the City, and
the health and comfort of its inhabitants, I devote the
said fund as aforesaid, and direct the income thereof to
be appl ed yearly and every year for ever.after providing
for the College as hereinbefore directed, as my prima-
ry object But, if the s;iid City shall knowingly and
wilfiilly violate any of the conditions hereinbefore and
hereinafter mentioned, then I give and bequeath the
said remainder and accumulations to the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of internal naviga.
tion; excepting, however, the rents, issues, and profits
of my real estite in the City and County of Phihadel-
phia, which sh.all for ever be reserved and applied to
maintain the aforesaid College, in the manner specified
in the last paragraph of the XXIst clause of this Will:
And if the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall fail to
apply this or the preceding bequest to the purposes be-
fore mentioned, or sh.all apply any part thereof to any
other use, or shall, for the term of one year, from the
time of my decease, fail or omit to p.ass the laws herein-
before specified for promoting the improvement of the
City of Philadelphia, then I give, devise and bequeath
the said rem>ainder and accunudations (the rents afore-
said always excepted and reserved for the College as
aforesaid) to the United States of America, for the pur-
poses of internal navigation, and no other.
CoSniTIOSS OF THE BEftUEST TO THE CiTT.
Provided, nevertheless, and I do hereby declare, that
all the preceding bequests and devises of the residue of
my estate to the M:iyor, Aldermen, and Citizens of
Philadelphia, arc made upon the following expresscon-
ditions, th.at is to sny -.—Firsl, That none of the monies,
principal, interest, dividends, or rents, arising from the
said residuary devise and bequest, sh.all at any time be
applied to any other purpose or purposes whatever,
than those [herein mentioned and appointed:— &con(/.
That separate accounts, distinct from the other ac-
counts of the Corpor.'itlon, shall be kept by the said
Corporation, concerning the said devise, bequest. Col-
lege, and funds: and of the investment and application
thereof; and that a separate account or accounts of the
s.ame shall be kept in b.ank, not blended with any otlier
account, so that it may .at all times appear on 'exami-
nation by a committee of the Legislature as herein-
:ifter mentioned, that my intentions had been fully
complied \v\th:—T/iird, fh:it the said Corporation ren-
der a detailed account annually, in duplicate, to the
Legislature of the Commonwe:'ilth of Pennsylvania, at
the commencement of the session, one copy for the
Senate, and the other for the House of Representatives,
concerning the said devised and bequeathed estate, and
the investment and application of the same, and .also a
report in like manner of the state of the said college,
and shall submit all their books, papers, and accounts
touching the same, to a committee or committees of
the Legislature for examination, when the same shall b»
requirs'd.
Fourth, the said Corporation shall also cause to be
published in the month of .lanuarv, annually, in two or
more newspapers printed in theCity of Philadelphia,
a concise but plain account of the state of the trusts,
devises and bequests herein declared and m;ide, com-
prehcnding the condition of the said college, the num-
ber of scholars, anil other particidars needful to be
publicly known, for tlie year next preceding the said
month of January, annuallv.
16
GIRARD'S WILL.
[Jakuast
Bakk establishment.
XXV. And, whereas I have executed an assig-nment,
intrust, of my banking estabhshment, to take effect the
day before my decease, to the intent that all the con-
cerns thereof may be closed by themselves, without be-
ing blended witli the concerns of my general estate,
and the balance remaining to be paid over to my execu-
tors: Now, I do hereby direct my executors, herein-
after mentioned, not to interfere with the said trust in
anv way except to see that the same is faithfully execut-
ed, and to aid the execution thereof by all such acts
and deeds as may be necessary and expedient to effec-
tuate the same, so that it may be speedily closed, and
the balance paid over to my executors, to go, as in my
Will, into the residue of my estate: And I do hereby
authorize, direct, and empower the said trustees, from
time to time, as the capital of the said bank shall be re-
ceived, and shall not be wanted for the discharge of the
debts due thereat, to invest the same in good securities
in the names of my executors, and to hand ovei- the
same to them, to be disposed of according to this mj-
Will.
XXVI. Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint
Timothy Paxson, Thomas P. Cope, Joseph Roberts,
William J. Duane, and John A. Barclay, executors of
this my last Will and Testament: I recommend to them
to close tlie concerns of my estate as expeditiously as
possible, and to see that my intentions in respect to the
residue of my estite are and shall be strictly complied
with: and I do hereby revoke all other Wills by me
heretofore made.
In witness, I, the said Stephen Girard, have to this
my last Will and Testament, contained in thirty-five
pages, set my hand .at the bottom of each page, and my
hand and seal at the bottom of this page; the said AVill
executed, from motives of prudence, in duplicate this
sixteenth day of February, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and thirty.
STEPHEN GIRARD. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed, published, and declared"
by the said Stephen Girard, .is and To
his last Will and Te.stament, in thf
presence of us, who have at his re- 1
quest hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses thereto, in the presence
of the said Testator, and of each other.
Feb. 16, 1830.
JOHN H. IRWIN,
S.\MUEL ARTHUR,
S. H. CARPE.NTER.
Codicils.
WHERE.VS, I, Stephen Girard, the Testator named
in the foregoing AVill .and Testament, dated the six-
teenth dav of February, eighteen hundred and thirty,
have, since the execution thereof, purch.ased several
parcels and pieces of real estate, and have built sundry
Messuages all which, as well as any real estate 1 hat I may
hereafter purchase, it is my wish and intention to pass
by the said Will; Now, I do hereby republish the fore-
going last Will and Testament, dated Febru.ary 16, IS.SO,
and do confirm the same in all particulars: In witness,
I, the said Stephen Girard, set my hand and seal here-
unto, the twenty-fifth d:>y of December, eighteen hun-
dred and thirtv.
STEPHEN GIRARD. [.%a/.]
Signed, sealed, published, and declared"
by the said Stephen Girard, as and for
a re-publication of his last Will and
Testament, in the presence ofus, who,
at his request, have hereunto subscrib-
ed our names as Witnesses thereto in
the presence of the said Testator and
of each other. December 25th. 1830.J
JOHN H. IRWIN,
Si^MUEL ARTHUR,
JNO. THOMSON.
Pr.EL Hall.
WHEREAS, I, Stephen Girard, the Testator named
in the foifegoing Will and Testament, dated February
16, 1830, have, since the execution thereof, purchased
several parcels and pieces of land and real estate, and
have built sundry Messuages, all which, as well as any
real estate that I may hereafter purchase, it is my in-
tention to pass by said Will; And whereas in particular,
I have recently purchased from Mr. William Parker,
the Mansion House, out-buildings, and forty-five acres
and some perches of land, called Peel Hall, on the
Ridge Road, in Penn Township: Now, I declare it to
be my intention, and I direct, that the Orphan establish-
ment, provided for in my said Will, instead of being
built as tlierein directed upon my square of ground be-
tween High and Chesnut, and Eleventh and Twelfth
Streets in the City of Ph ladelphi.a, shall be built upon
tile estate so purchased from Mr. W. Parker, and I
hereby devote the said estate to that purpose, exclusive-
ly, in the same manner as I h.ad devoted the said square,
hereby directing that all the improvements and arrange-
ments for the said Orphan establishment prescribed by
my said AVill as to said square shall be made and ex-
ecuted upon the said estate, just as if I had in my AVill
devoted the said estate to said purpose — consequently,
the said square of ground is to constitute, and I declare
it to be a part of the residue and remainder of my real
and personal estate, and given and devised for the same
uses and purposes as are declared in section twenty, of
my Will, it being my intention that the said square of
ground shall be built upon and improved in such a man-
ner as to secure a safe and permanent income for the
purposes stated in said twentieth section. In witness
whereof, I, the said Stephen Girard, set my hand and
seal hereunto, the twentietli day of June, eighteen hun-
dred and thu-ty-one.
STEPHEN GIRARD. [Seat]
Signed, sealed, published, and declared,")
by the said Stephen Girard, as and for j
a rc-publication of his last AVill and )
Testament, and a further direction in j
relation to the real estate therein men- (
tioned, in the presence of us, who, at f
his request, have hereunto subscribed
our names as witnesses thereto, in the
presence of the said Testator, and of
each other, June 20, 1831.
S. H. CARPENTER,
L. BARDIN,
SAMUEL ARTIRTR.
Philadelphia, December 31st, 1831, — Then person-
ally appeared Samuel Arthur,and S. H. Carpenter, two of
the witnesses to the foregoingAVill and the second Codicil
or republication thereof, and on their oaths did say that
they were present, and did see and hear Stephen Gi-
rard the testator in the said AVill and second republica-
tion thereof named, sign, seal, pubhsh and declare the
same as and for his last AVill ami Testament, and re-
publication thereof, and that at the doing thereof, he
was of sound mind, memory and understanding, to the
best of their knowledge and belief; and at the same
time appeared Jno. Thomson, one of the witnesses to
the first republication of said Will, and on his solemn
affirmation did say that he was present, and did see and
hear Stephen Girard, the testator in the first rcpubhca-
tion of said AVill, named, sign, seal, publish, and declare
the same as and for a repubhcation of his last AVill and
Testament. And the said Samuel Arthur, another of
the witnessess to said first republication of said V\ ill,-
on his oath did further say, that he was present, and did
see and hear Stephen Girard, the testator in the first
republication of said AVill, named, sign, seal, publish
and declare the same as and for a republication of his
last Will andTestament,and they both did say thatat the
doing thereof, he was of sound mind, memory and un-
derstanding, to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Coram, J. HUMES, Register.
December 31, 1831. — Timothy Paxson, and Thomas'
P. Cope, two of the Executors, affirmed, and Joseph
Roberts, William J. Duane, and John A. Barclay, the
other Executors, sworn, and letters testamentary granted
unto them.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE P KESEBVATION OF EVER^ KIND OP USEFUL INPOnMATlON IIESPECTIMO THE STATE.
EDITED BY SA3IUE1, HAZAKD.
VOL. lX.-i\0. 2. PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 14, 1831. NO 211.
Statistics of West Chester.
We are much obliged to "W. D." for the following'
statistical article — it is just such a collection of facts
as we should be glad to receive from every town and
portion of the State. It is therefore respectfully re-
commended to the imitation of all, who may have it in
their power, to furnish facts of the same kind; which,
in time, would prove an exti-emely valuable amount of
information.
For the Register of Pennsylvania^
The recent Triennial Assessment suggested the idea,
and afforded some of the requisite data, to present a
brief Statistical view of the Borough of West-Chester.
The following sketch, is believed to be tolerably ac-
curate; and as its preservation, in the Register, may
serve to gratify the curiosity of those who, may, here-
after, take an interest in noting the growth and im-
provement of the Borough, it is respectfully submitted
for that purpose. AV. D.
December 26th, 1831.
WEST-CaESTEn, AT THE CLOSE OF 1831.
The town of West-Chesteiv Pennsylvania, is situated
on the dividing ridge, between the waters of Chester
Creek and the Brandywine, two miles east of the latter
stream, five miles soutli of the great Limestone Valley,
and twenty-three miles west of Philadelphia. It be-
came the scat of Justice of Chester County, in the
year 1786; and was erected into a Borough, in the year
1799. The boundaries of the Borough embrace a tract,
about one mile and a quarter square; which tract was
taken wholly out of the township of Goshen, having
the township line of East-Bradford for its western limit.
In tlie year 1800, the inhabitants amounted to 374
1810, " « 471
" 1820, ' " " 552
<• 1830, " « - 1252
At present, Dec. 1831, the population is about 1500
The number of Citizens entitled to vote, about 250
The original plan of the Town consisted of four con-
tiguous squ;ires, with two principal streets, crossing in
the centre. In 1829, several streets were opened and
new squares formed, on the south-western side of the
primitive squares, by William Everhart, Esq.
The DwELLiSG Houses amount to 234 in number;
of which about 200 .ire in the Village, and the residue
on the adjacent farms.
The Assessed Valdi of the Borough, in December,
1831, is as follows: —
Vol. IX. 5
i LisDs, including eleven small farms, with town
lots, $167,618
BtiLDixcs, subjected to taxation, - - 167,974
HonsEs, 118 in number, - - - 4,070
Cows, and working oxen, 124 in number, 1,860
Occupations and professions, taxed, - 59,800
Total. $402,222
Stocks, Bonds, Mortgages, &c, yielding divi-
dends, or interest, - - - 530,287
Aggregate amount of property, &c. taxed, $932,509
The number of Taxable inhabitants, is
Mules, 1297,
Females, 32
Total, 325
Of the m.ale taxables, seven are bla^s — being hoU5e»
keepers.
The Public Buildiitgs in the Borough, are
Court House and Prison, commenced building
in the year - . . . 1784T
Suspended during the year - - 17H5 C
Finished in the year - - - 17863
Offices of Clerks, Register and Recordeii, built 1791,
Market Houses, utd one, in the rear of the pub-
lic offices, built .... 1802
New one, 100 feet long, in Market st., erected 1831
Academy, built and incorporated, 1812
Roman Catholic Chapel, built 1793
Methodist Episcopal Church, built 1816
Two Quaker Meeting Houses, one built 1812
The other, in 1830
The I.vsTiTUTioNS, of a Public character, are
Post office, established in the year 1802
Bank of Chester County, cliartered 1814
Library founded 1814
Cabinet of Natural Science, founded 1826?
I ncorpotated 1 83 1 5
Athenxum, founded and incorporated 182J'
Female Boarding School, established 1830
Six day schools, of various grades, and dates.
Two Fire Companies, one established in the year 1800
The other in 1818
One Volunteer Corps of Infantrj', formed 1830
Four weekly Newspapers, viz.
American Republican, commenced at Dovning-
town, . - - . 1808?
Transferred to West-Chester 1822 $
Village Record, commenced 1809
National Republican Advocate, commenced 1828
Anti-Masonic Register and Examiner, commenced M39
18
'WTLLIAMSPORT AND ELMIRA RAIL-ROAD.
Amon- the Occupations, and Establishments, in the I Lycomm^, submitted the followiiig Report and Reso-
° lutions.
Borough, may be enumerated the following': —
5 Male*! eachers,
8 Female do.
2 Clergymen,
1 President Judge,
20 Attorney's at Law,
1 Conveyancer,
2 Notaries,
5 Justices of the peace,
4 Physicians,
2 Apotliecaries,
4 Confectioners,
1 Brewery,
2 Bakers,
2 Butchers,
8 Tailors,
6 Boot and shoemakers,
2 Hatters,
3 Saddlers,
2 Coach-makei-s,
2 AVlieel-wrights,
4 Black-smi'-hs,
2 Copper do. Si tinplaters,
1 Silver plater,
1 Gun-smith,
1 Lock-smith,
3 Cabinet-makers,
2 Chair-makers,
2 Cedar coopers.
15 Stores, of dry goods, gro- 5 Masons & brick-layers,
ceries an-l hard ware, 2 Plasterers,
8 Taverns, and a ninth, a 7 Carpenters,
splendid new Hotel, 3 Painters, glaziers &paper
nearly finished,
2 Oyster and beer houses,
1 Tobacconst,
1 Potterj-,
1 Tunnery,
2 Currying shops,
4 Printing offices.
hangers,
S Watch-makers,
2 Weavers,
2 Brick-yards, and a third,
just without the borough
limits,
2 Lumber & coal yards.
The Side Waiks, or foot ways of the Streets, were
first paved with bricks, in the year 1S23. The two
principal streets were McAdumized, in the years 1829
and 18j0. I we to refer to this true'standard of tlve utihty of rail-
One diiily line of Mail Stages passes through the bo- 1 roads, we could show you that in England t expensive
rough, between Phdadelphia and Lancaster. One iri
In submitting to your notice a propos.al embracing so
various, important, and durable interests, as seem to be
involved in tliat having in view the construction of a
rail-road, to run from Williamsport to Elmira in the
state ofN. York, your committee have reason to con-
gratulate you, in that tlie prejudices, with wh ch men,
even of the most correct judgment, have, almost uni-
formly, met those expedients of enlightened minds —
which were new, indeed, and dependent, fo. the illus-
tration of their practical utility, upon the deductions of
science, and the theoretical doctrines of the originators;
have, in this enlightened age and country, been dissipa-
ted; particularly with regard to the utilty of turnpike
roads, canals and rail-roads, by their operation and evi-
dent results; 'and, that in recommending this road to
your entire approbation, we are therefore enabled to
"address you without entering Into a discussion of those
elementary principles which tend to prove that, as the
bridle road of tlie pack horse is superior to the foot
path formed for the accommodation of savage hfe, so
our highways afford greater accommodation to civilized
man, in his social intercourse, than such bridle roads;
or, that, as our turnpikes are better calculated to afford
accommodation to an agricultural people than the natu-
ral roads of our country, so our canals are superior, in
every way, for promoting the interests of every class of
society, to any turnpike road; or, that the canals of our
country are Inferior in such accommodation, to that
which would be yielded by a rail-road, located upon
such ground as may be selected for tills under our im-
mediate notice.
It may be unnecessary, also, to repeat here the well
known test by which the benefit, yielded to the country
by all such improvements, is most accurately determin-
ed; we mean the price of stocks in those markets which
are located in the vicinltv of the Improvements. Were
weekly mall stage line passes the same way, between
Philadelphia and Baltimore; and two daily lines of
stages run between AVest-Chester and Philadelphia.
The mail is also carried on horse-back, daily, between
West-Chester and Downlngtown; and weekly, be-
tween West-Chester and Wilmington, Elkton, Chester
and Norristown,
A Rail-Road, (commenced in Jlay last, and now-
more than half completed,) is in progress, from West-
Chester to the Pennsylvania Rail way; by which, as
soon as finished, the borough will enjoy all the facilities
of communication, whichthat important improvement is
calculated to afford, with the trade of the Delaware, the
Schuylk 11, and the Susquehanna.
N. B. The principal Seminaries, botli for girls, and
young men, in the borough of West-Chester, ai-e now
in "the full tide of successful operation;" and eminent-
ly deserving of the pati-onage they receive.
WILLIAMSPORT AND ELJCRA RAIL-ROAD.
At an adjourned meeting of many of the citizens of
Lycoming county, held in the court house on the even-
ing of the ethinst. the committee, upon whom had de-
volved the duty, in pursuance of the object of their ap-
pointment, of preparing and presenting a repoit on the
prospects of connecting the Chemung and Penxsylva-
NiA CASALS by a RAIL-ROAD, to run from Ehnlra in
the state of New York, to WilUamsport in the county of
as the construction of their roads has been, from the
cost of land, the amount of damages, mode of construc-
tion, and other causes combined, which cannot exist
here) the price of tlieir stocks, in several instances, has
more than doubled since the roads have been in success-
ful operation.
Y'our committee again have cause to congratidate
you, in that it is unnecessary, at tills da}', to go into an
elaborate disquisition to prove the gre.it Importance to
the country generally, of prosecuting in every practica-
ble mode, such means of intercourse as will extend, in-
vigorate and perpetuate our commercial relations; par-
ticularly as those relations tend to unite, by tics of in-
terest, as well as by those of kindness and urbanity, the
citizens of our united and sister states. We feel gratified
In being able to say, that these results, as necessary con-
sequences of this, and every other great", noble, and
very beneficial improvement is fullj- appreciated; and
that our fellow-citizens are now satisfied, that, in extend-
ing rail-roads and canals to every practicable point
where the trade of the country, or the prospective re-
stdting benefits will afford at all, in their estimation, the
means of remuneration to the stock-holder, they will
each aid, in its measure, to promote the intercourse and
harmony of the states; the equalization of wealth, and of
population; the security of our civil, political and reli-
gious liberties; an addition to tliereal value of our pro*
perty; an equalization among the different sections of
om* country, of the cost of those supphes which are es-
sential to every family— together with many others re-
sulting local and general benefits, which the present
state of information in our countiy, has, doubtless ren-
dered fiimiliar with all.
It will therefore be necessary to descend to some de-
tail witli regai-d to this particular road; for, unless it can
be demonsti-ated that from its consti-uction, will result
1832.]
WILLIAMSPORT AND ELMIRA RAIL-KOAD.
19
benefits to society at large, and, as a necessary conse-
quence, liberally reniimerate the stockholder for his in-
vestment, the attempt to proceed should be arrested,
and no man be desired to aid, by pecuniary advances,
that purpose which would only reduce liis means, and
be of real disservice to the community.
\n the first place, then, the nature of the ground is
such that we question much whether any location, run-
nini^to tile same extent from the margin of our rivers
can be found in which so few obstructions are present-
ed. About one third of the distance has been already
passed over with a level, canied by an experienced and
practical man, (Mr. Wilson,) and the ascent found to be
not equal to one half of •,iiat which may be overcome by
a. Locomotive engine without difficulty, viz: 22 feet per
mile. And, it is presumed, the remaing two thirds, pre-
sent ground equally favoral)le, with exceptions at one
or two points, at whicli, even, it is not supposed that
stationary power will be requirtd.
Stone and timber for constructing the road, it is known
to all, are every where in abundance along the line; and
almost witliout cost, in their rude state, to a company
forming the road.
Your committee feel themselves justified in presenting
to your view, the most flattering prospects in regard to
the amount of tonnage wliich would, at once, be placed
upon this road were it completed. It may be demonstrat-
ed that one tliousand fiirms will not yield on an average,
annually, as much tonnage for transportation on a rail-
road, as one coal mine; the farms being of the same size
and quality, as those on our West Branch — which we all
know are not deficient in either. Then, oUU bushels of
wheat is more than an average annual yield for each
farm, beyond the consumption of the f;*rmer and his
sales at home, to place upon a rail road to be transported
to a foreign market. These 300 bushels, in wheat, will
weigh about 7i tons; in flour about 5^ tons; the average
is6i; IOj farms at6J tons each, will thus yield 6,500 tons;
but asingle coal mine, in which 12 m ners are employed,
will yield more than 7,000 tons; and. that there are many
veins of coal along the route of the contemplated road,
no one doubts; several being already known.
What, then, is it probable, will be the demand for
coal, so as to require a large transportation of tliis mi-
neral upon this road'
In answer, we reply that our blast furnaces consume
from 60i) to 1000 busliels of wood coal per day; which
would perhaps equal .a consumption of 1,500 tons of
stone co:d, in coke per annum. Tliere are, then, sever-
al blast furnaces in the state of New York, so located,
that the use of their wood coal being abandoned for that
of our stone coal, furnished at the price it may be upon
the conipletion of this road, will, perhaps, be found to
residt in the benefit of their owners.
In addition to this source of demand, almost every
village in the stale of New York h:is its iron foundry;
the use of coal in which, in the form of coke, would be
found materially to promote the interest of the proprie-
tors. Indeed, it is now known to be a profitable trade
to haul, in the winter season on sleds, our Bituminous
coal to that st;ite, and bring a returTi load of Plaster.
Again, every blacksmith's shop will furnish a continued
consumption for our coal; and thus stead ly promote the
interest.3 of the stockholder in this road. It is a well
known fact, that, at present. Anthracite coal, with all
the expenses attendant upon the (^resent mode of con-
veyance, is taken into the 9t;itc of New York, at least .as
far as Geneva, to be u.sed in smelting iron, (p'g metal)
in their foundries. How soon, then, would tliat coal
be abandoned for such purpose, could a supply of coke,
from our Bituminous coal be furnished them; not only
as it could be h;ul fiir less than half the price per bush-
el, bi^, because in place of burning, and thus imparting
a brittle, rotton quality to the iron subjected to the ac-
tion of the Anthracite, the coke would soften, render
tough, and of far superior quality tlie metal smelted by
it.
Again, as our Bituminous coal, so far as yet discover-
ed, is solid in its texture, and free from disagreeable
smell, would it not be used as a substitute generally for
fuel in private families.' As it has been in many instan-
ces with us; its low price, and perfect fitness for the
purpose, recommending it for many miles along the N.
York canals.
The salt works also, in the state of New York have,
some of them, as we have understood, been abandoned
for want of fuel; here then we have anotlier extensive
demand for our coal.
Taking these objects into view, together with many
others that might be enumerated, such as the use of coal
in distilleries, breweries. Sic. &c. would it be exagger-
ating to sav, that coal alone would in its transportation
return an adequate ren>uneration to the stockholders in
this road.' part.cularly as we know that many proprietors
of mines in this country and in Europe have been, them-
selves, at the solo expense of consti-ucting rad-roads to
them, and have found it a profitable expenditure.
However, pei-mit us to extend our views a little far-
ther. The pig metal of Pennsylvania is known to be
equal in quality to any other in the United States, (the
Scotch metal is superior, being made with coke,) for
casting into stoves, hollow ware, machinery for mills,
factories, he. and large quantities of it are annually
hauled to the state of New York, along the superlative-
ly wretched road leading from this place to Klmira. To
what amount, then, the demand for this article would
arise, upon so gi'eat a diminution in its cost occiuring,
as would necessarily follow so great a difl^erence in the
reduced cost of its transportation, your committee are
at a loss to sav; but believe it would :dso furnish a very
material article in the list of tonnage canied upon tlie
road.
Bar iron, large quantities of which are at present,
taken f,-om this state to that of New York, by the same
wav, and mode of conveyance as before described,
would also furnish no inconsiderable item among those
articles which would yield an advantageous return to
the rail-road company. And as a means of accommo-
dation for the transpo'rt.ation of merchandize gem rally,
including the heavy ;uticles of Mackarel, Shad,Herrings,
Sec. to supply a great extent of country northward of us,
this road will doubtless be extensively used.
Permit us now tcfinquire what inducements we can
present to you, as fui'nished by the nortlrern extremity
of tlie road.
We would first, tlien, draw your attention to those
impiovcments by rail-roads which arc either in progress,
or contemplated, between this and Phihdelphia, and
the intervening spaces and distances, wliich we fully be-
lieve, will, before many years shall have elapsed, be fill-
ed up. The rail-road from Sunbiu-y to I'ottsviUe is now
in train for constmction; tlie stock ha^jbeen taken,anda
resolution of the holdci-s passed, requiring its commence-
ment; this part of the ro.ad is 45 miles in length- The
citizens of Reading are turning tlieir attention seriously,
to the construction of a rail-road fiom their l)orough to
Philadelphia; and which they will, doubtless, shr)rtly
efl'ect; this road will be about 55 miles long. Here,
then, we have 100 miles of rail-road between Sunl)ury
and Philadelphia; the whole distance being 130, leaves
but 30 to be completed. IVe have what will, we pre-
sume be a good canal from Williamsport to Sunbui-y
(4) miles) but which distance, should our contemplated
rail-road be completed, will, no doubt, very soon be
also Ral-raiidizal. Thus with 70 additional miles, from
Elmira to Philadelphia, wc shall have an unlirokcn com-
munication, by rail-road, from tliat point (Elmira) to
Philadelphia. And who will venture to say that tlie
road from Sunburv shall stop at Pottsville.' or, should
ours be constructed, tliat it shall terminate short of Sun-
bun'
Then, witli this project in view, we have a great por-
tion of the trade of tlie western part of the state of New
Yorkf of the inland seas stretching from the falU of Nia-
u
WlfaLrAMSPORT AND ELMIKA RAlL-KOAti.
[jAnjABi
gara, to the lake of the AVoods; and, of that extent of
empire, which reaches from the St. Lawrence on tlie
east, to the Rocky Mountains on the west.
The grounds upon which your committee have arri-
ved at this conclusion, are these: The pUin principles
upon which the utility of all improvements, similar to
that we now have under our notice, are advocated, are
in our favor, viz: h'me and dislance. The trade of the
almost boundless country to which we have referred, is
now the property of the city of New York, without a
rival; but, connect Elmira with VViUiamsport, Sunbury,
Pottsville, Reading' and Philadelphia, and the distance
thus from Montezuma — which is at the confluence of
the Elmira and Seneca lake, (Chemung-) and the Erie
canals — to Philadelphia, will be about 3 18 m.les; where-
as from Montezuma, by the Erie canal and North river
to New York, is 360 miles; thus making- a difference, in
our favor, of 42 miles, in point of dis.ance. But ',60
miles of our 318 being- Rail-road, the gain in point of
time, will be immense. The distance by i-ail-road (£60
miles) may be passed in less than one day, at a rate of
speed not exceeding- 12 miles an hour — which it is -well 1
known is lessthan one-third of that at which Locomotive !
engines have travelled — whereas Montezuma being 200
miles from Albany, by canal, that distance alone, would
require from 6 to 8 days to pass it.
However, should no connection by Rail-road ever be
effected between XS'illianispbrt and Sunbury, or between
Pottsville and Heading, we shall not lose an advantage
either in time or dii/ancf.
But casting- away all such calculations of increased
trade from the north, let us see what inducements are ;
offered to construct this road, by the trade from tliat
quarter, a portion of which now seeks an outlet this 1
■wav for a market. j
't'he article of Plaster or Gypsum, which is furnished i
so abundantly at the mines, in the state of New York,
would form no inconsiderable one on the list. We be
lieve that this, as well as all other heavy articles now
sent from the western part of the state of New York, j
either by land conveyance down Lvcoming creek (tlie 1
contemplated route for this road,) or by water down the '
Tioga and Susquehanna rivers, would be transported
along this road, for these manifest reasons. The dis-
tance from Elmira to Sunburv- by the river, and North
Branch canal, is 170 miles; and by the rail-road to Wil-
liamsport, and thence by canal^ to Sunbury will be but
about 115 miles, making the \ast comparellve difference
of 55 miles. And, as the rail-road may be passed, at a
very moderate calculation, at the rate 'of 12 miles per
hour, this will require 6^ hours on it, and, say 2 days on
the canal; whereas, by the Tioga and Susquehanna ri-
vers and canal — all risks from dams, &c. being inclusive
— the time consumed in arriving at the same point
(Sunbury) would not be less, perhaps, than 8 days;
thus making a difference, in point oi limt — and conse-
quently of expense also — of about 5 or 6 days.
We then find that the plaster, salt, pot and pearl ash-
es, wheat, flour, clover-seed, flax-seed, beef and pork,
&c. afforded by a very extensive and wealthy agricul-
tural district, will, by the unfaihng inducements of eco-
nomy in time, and expense, and also, by those of conve-
nience and profit, be led into this channel in seeking a
market, in preference to the comparatively, very cir-
cu'tous, and expensive courses they have hitherto ta-
ken.
It is notorious that the timber and lumber trade,
has become an object of much greater interest, within
a few years, than it was, which must, mainly, be attri-
buted to its scarcity along the navig-able streams. This
road, then, would open a country of, perhaps, not less
than 4 or 500 square miles — 8 or 9 wide, by 60 long-
in extent, abounding with Pine, Oak. and other valua-
ble forest trees, to this very useful, and to tlie road, and
country, profitable trade.
In England, Rail-road waggons have been construct-
ed, and JD use for some time, calctdated to transport
sheep and swine in them to a distant market. And
there also, are preparing wagons for the ti'ansportation
of horned cattle. Here, then, will be an article of no
trifling amount, in point of tonnage; and of much great,
er in point of benefit, to the western part of the state of
New York. By pos-ess':ng this mode of conveyance,
graziers may prepare their cattle at hum for the knife
of the butcher, and the table of the epicure; which they
are now unable to do because of the distance from mar-
ket, and consequent fatigue of the animal, before
reaching the place of its destination. Let us then ac-
commodate Broad horn -ivith a wagon to ride in, and
save him the accustomed travel, on foot, of from 6 to 10
days; and also the pain of crippled feet; or, perhaps
death from eating laurel, or wandering astray in the
mountains.
In the transportation of live stock upon this'Rail-road,
perhaps as much as in any other particular, the city of
rhiladclphia, and indeed the inhabitants of the interme-
diate towns, would be benefited. Pasturage, and coarse
grains being low, in the western part of the state of New
York, and the cost of taking cattle, sheep, and swine to
market very much reduced, the price of beef, mutton^
and pork must experience a corresponding reduction.
And, that our road could be used for transporting live
stock upon, cannot be questioned. N\ ho would drive
an ox, a sheep, or a hog to market, to remain 6 days on
the way, at the expense of 5 or 6 dollars when, for 50
cents, or less, the owner and his animal, may be trans-
ported the same distance in 6 or 7 hours.'
The convejance of passengers, also, upon all Rail-
roads yet constructed, for general purposes, has been a
very material source of remunei'ation to the stockhold-
ei-s." And, when we take into view, that this road will
foi-m a great connecting link between the eastern and
middle, and several of the western states, as the present
natural road — on its designated location — does; the re-
venue to be derived from this source, must be presum-
ed to be vei-y considerable.
Again, the contemplated route of this road was, in
part, that selected during the last war, upon which the
line of express mails between Washington, Buffalo,
Sacket's Harbor, &c. was established; and also, that by
which many detachments of the United States' troops
then passed, with all tlieir military equipage, to the Ca-
nada frontier, this route being the most direct possible,
from Washington to the Canadas. May not the United
States' authorities be, therefore, induced to use this
road in the conveyance of their troops, their cannon,
and other military equipments and supphes.'
A vei-y great inducement, again, in the estimation of
your committee, for the construction of this road, should
be, the encouragement that will be thereby given to
the erection of iron works along the line of it; such as
furnaces, forges, rolling and slitting mill.s, nail factories,
and all other establishments for the manufacture of iron;
as steam engines, chain cables, anchors, machinery for
mills and factories, and other heavy articles, a first ob-
ject in encouraging the establishment of which is, an
abundance of the article used in the manufacture, at a
low rate; and a second, and indispensable one is, a
cheap, and expeditious mode of conveyance to market.
It is notorious that the manufacture of iron, in Eng-
land, at so low a cost as to pay a considerable duty, and
bear the heavy expense of transportation to this coun-
try, and yet be afforded here at a less price, than we
can make it, does not so much depend upon the lower
rates of wages there than here, — for we have in some
m.easure an equivalent for that in the cheaper mode of
subsistence — as it does in this, tliat the English furnaces
are erected almost in contact with their Bituminous
coal mines; and their ore is found, often, in alternate
strata with their coal; so that one single laborer will ef-
fect as much in one day, towards furnish'ng ore, and fu-
el, for a fiirnace, in such a location, as four or five men
can in the process we pursue, of chopping timber,
cording, hauling, stacking, coaling, and then hau]in(^
1832.]
SCHUYLKILL NA\1GATI0N COMPAIs-V.
21
again; andin striping^, drifting', or s'nkin^shaftsand mi-
ning the ore; and let it be observed, also, that horses,
wagons, and their attendant great expenses, are, at
the English furnaces, forges, &c. comparatively almost
entirely dispensed with. Now there are, at this mo-
ment several beds of iron ore, apparently extensive,
known near to the route of this road; and at some of
them, coal is located almost in contact with the ore. It
is, moreover, notorious, that, in many places throughout
the whole range of the Allegheny mountains — through
which, entire, this road is designated to pass — iron ore
is scattered profusely upon the surface of the ground;
but, it is also well known, that little search, by boring,
or digging has yet been made for it.
1 hen the carrying of this road, and of all similar ones
through, or into the region of the Allegheny, svill not only
induce the erection of such ir.m establishments as require
a cheap conveyance for the r manufactured articles, and
thus yield an adequate return for the sums invested by
the stockholders, but, will have the eft'ect of increasing
the numerous products of agricidture by the markets
thus furnished for them; and moreover, w ill do more to
bring our iron establishments into fair competition with
those of England, than an)' protecting duties can effect;
and thus, indeed, be of n.itional advantige.
Manufactories of various other kincLn, we cannot
doubt, will also be established along the line of this
road. We have hitherto been accustomed to locate
those requiring great power to put them in operation,
just where a location, furnishing such power, may be
had; submitting to many unpleasant disadvantages,
otherwise attendant upon such location. This will not
be the case where fuel can lie procured at a cheap rate;
and when the superior advantages, and power of ma-
chinery propelled by steam, become generally and
properly understood. Location, in EngL.nd, is .select-
ed with a view to the advantage yielded by sun-ounding
circumstances; and, ///erf, machinerj' is put in opera-
tion on a hill, or in a valley, as the interests of the pro-
prietor may require. Factories, tlien, using a heavv
raw material, and sending off packages of considerable
bulk, and weight, will be established, doubtless, along
this line; for, to many such, a distance of 20, 30, or 40
miles, which may be possessed in 2, 3, or 4 hours, and
at a small expense, will be no object; particularly where
counterbalanced by many, and superior advant:iges.
In conchision we find that, in England, where the rail-
road system has been more extensively tested than any
where else, an act of Parliament has recently been p:iss-
ed authorizing the bed of a canal located in one of the
most wealthy, populous and manuficturing districts in
that countr)' to be converted into a I'ail road. There-
fore, with this very satisf:ictoiy additional proof of tlie
utility of these roads; and under the verv flattering
prospect of entire satisfaction to the stockholders, we
take pleasure in offering for your approval the follow-
ing resolutions.
Hesolved, That we esteem, and highly approve the
wisdom, spirit and energy with which the citizens of
Elmira, in the state of New York, have origin.atcil, and
are pursuing to completion, the plan of connecting the
Grand canal, of the state of New York — through that
branch of it called the Chemung canal — with the West
Branch Pennsylvania canal — by means of a rail road at
WiUiamsport.
Resolved, That a committee be now appointed to
correspondent with one at Elmira; to draft petitions,
similar to theirs; procure sign;itures, and present them
to the legislature of Pennsylvania, desiring that body
to pass an act authorizing the incorporation of a com-
pany to earn.' into effect the object of this meeting.
The gentleman appointed in accordance with tlje
requisition of the second resolution, were .lames Arm-
strong, James Ilepbvnn, .lacob Grafiiis, John H. Cow-
den, Henry .Sproul, Robert Allen, Samuel Humes, A.
V. Parsons and John K. Hays.
On motion, it was further resolved, that the report
presented to the committee be accepted, and ordered
to be printed in the d.fferent papers of this county.
J. n ANTHONY, Chairman.
WM. WILSON, Assist. Chairman.
JiMXs AnMsmos
Robert Flemi
nosG, 2
use, S
Secretaries.
llEPnnT OF THE PnZSIDEST AND MiSAOInS Ot
THE SCHUYLKILL NAVIGAI ION COMPANY,
To Ihe Stockholders of the Schuylkill Navigation Com-
pany.
According to their usual custom, the President and
Managers present their Annual Keport to the Stock-
holders.
The early arrival of the winter, sooner by several
weeks than has been experienced for many years past,
put a stop to tlie receipt of tolls, which would other-
wise have increased those of the year just ended, to an
amount, equal at least to those oftheprececdlng one, and
also lessened the supply of coal by 15,000 or 2U,000
tons, for which a ready market would have been
found in addition to what has come down; the late pe-
riod, too, of commencing the coal ti-ade, had a serious
effect upon the Company's income.
At the c"bmmenccment of 1831, a very large quantity
of coal was on hand from the business of the preceding
year; the dealers, not anticipating the prodigious in-
crease which has t;iken place in its consumption, were
discouraged from again trying the market until a late
period in the season, when a very active demand for
coal satisfied them, that their industry would be fully
rewarded.
The prospects for the present year, the Board have
the pleasure to say, are of the most encouraging kind.
The consumption of coal in 1831 has nearly doubled
that of 1830, and bids fair to go on in an increased ratio;
the following statement will show the contrast between
the two yeai-s, and it will be seen from it that the
Schuylkill coal has found a full degree of fuvoiu- in the
public estimation.
In the year 1830 the coal sent to market from the
Schuylkill mines amounted to
Tons.
89,984
Of which it is estimated there w.as on
hand when the trade recommenc-
ed in 1831, 20,000
Showing the consumption to be
Duringthesame yearthe Lehigh sent
down and had on hand from 1829, 42,790
And there was remaining in 1831, 10,572
Making the consumption of 1830,
The Lackawanna produced in 1830, 43,000
Of which there remained, at the end
of the year, 30,000
Showing a consumption of
69,984
32,218
13,000
Making a total consumption in 1830 of 115,202
In 1831, the Pchuylkill conveyed to
market, ' 81,854
And there was on hand, as before
mentioned, 20,000
Making the total consumption (none
maining) 101,854
The Lehigh sent 41,085
And there was on hand from 1830, 10,572
Making, as none remained.
51,657
22
SCHUVLIOLL NAVIGATION COMPANY.
[Jasuabt
54,000
30,000
The Lackawanna introduced
And there was on hand
Making together,
And it is estimated there is on hand,
Showing the consumption to be
Andmakingthe total consumption in 1831, 226,511
Being an increase in 18.31, of 111,309 tons, and show-
ing the consumption in tliat year to be nearly double
that of 1830.
It is reasonable to suppose that the increase in 1832,
will be at least as great as that of the preced'ng year,
and that the demand for the current year will be nearly
350,000 tons, of which it is believed the Schuylkill will
be required to supply its full proportion.
The public spirit and enterprize of many of our fel-
low citizens, have afforded fiicilities for a supply of coal
bv means of numerous Rail-roads, terminating at points
upon our navigation, which will be beneficially felt in
the current and future years. Among these may be
named the Little Schuylkill R.ail-road, extending from
Port Clinton to Tamaqua, - - 22 miles.
The M est Br.inch or Schuylkill Haven, 15 "
Mount Carbon, - - - 8 "
Schuvlkill Valley, - - - 11 '■
MiU Creek, ... 3 «
In addition to these roads, the Board have the plea-
sure to state that the important work alluded to in their
last Report as in contemplation, (the Rail-road from
Pottsville to Danville and Sunbury) has been commenc-
ed, and from tlie subscription obtained there can be no
doubt will be completed at no very distant period of
time, thus adding another link to the chain of business
gradually extending to our works.
The remaining branches of the Company's revenue,
arising from sources other than the ti-ansportation of
coal, will be found quite equal to the ex]Dectations de-
rived from former experience. The extension of the
works of the state will every day increase the income
by throwing into our navigation a portion of their trade.
The works which were in progress at the date of the
last Report have since been nearly completed and put
into operation, excepting the locks at the Duncan Canal
outlet, which were delayed by the high state of the water
all the last season, preventing the excavation of the
lowerlockpit and the channel below it to the river, and
excepting also the locks at the mountain. Botli, how-
ever, are now nearly finished, and it is expected tliey
will be in operation by the 1st of May next. The
new locks at Althouse's and Mohr's on the Hamburg
Canal, it is believed wiU be in operation by the same
time.
The Weigh lock at Schuylkill Haven has been
found to be of very gre.at advantage, and the new
Pail-road on the Little Schuylkill, the outlet of which
is at Port Clinton, will render necessary, also, a weigh-
lock at the Kernsville Canal. Measures have been
taken to erect one during the present winter, contracts
have been already made for th.at purpose.
In carrying into effect the provisions of the agree-
ment mentioned in the last year's report respectimj
the Norristown dam, it was found that the terms of
a perpetual lease of water for a mill upon the canal,
interfered with the conditions of that a_gi-eement, and
the mill being offered for sale by the sheriff, it was
deemed best to purchase it in order thus to avoid the
difficulties that were threatened. The property, after
securing fully the privileges necessary for the Com-
pany, is now leased at a fair rent and will shortly
be offered for sale.
A constant recurrence of the derangements to the
trade upon the Reading Canal and consequent losses
to the Company alluded to in the last report, as
caused by the treacherous nature of the limestone
formation over which it passes, (rendered more alarm-
ing by the decay of the sleepers and planking upon
which reliance had been placed) required the Board
seriously to consider, whetlier the time had not ar-
rived for a change of locat on.
The necessity for this consideration was more fully
demonstrated by an examination of the four combined
locks in Reading, which were found to be effected by
the same cause that had produced so much trouble and
anxiety about the canal. It would have been obviously
unwise to attempt to erect another set of locks alongside
of them upon so bad a foundation, and yet it was mani-
fest that some additional facility there, for the ta-ade, would
be very soon required
The Board under these circumstances, after much se-
rious deliberation, came to the unan'mous conclusion,
that it was necessary to resort to the location referred to
in their last report, and sanctioned by the opinion of the
Stockholders attlieir last annual meeting.
Having determined upon their course, in conformity
with the wishes of the Stockholders, it was proper that
as little time as possible should be lost, in carrying into
effect so vital an improvement. Mr. George Duncan, a
gentleman long and advantageously known by his ser-
vices to the Company, was therefore engaged to superin-
tend the work, part of which has been put under con-
tract, and other parts are in progress under his direct
management. It is hoped and believed that the work
will be completed by the 1st of November next.
An estim.ate of the sum required to meet this extraor-
dinary expenditure, and defray the expenses of other im-
provements now in progress, is herewith submitted It
is suggested that the money should be ra sed by loan,
the former loan authorized by the Stockholders on the
third of .January last having been obtained on very favor-
able terms, that is to say —
$150,000, at 4| per cent.
50,000, 5 do.
payiible on the 1st of January, 1850.
The holders of that part of the Company's six per
cent, loan, who had the right of converting the same in-
to the Company's stock previous to the 15th of Novem-
ber last, h.ave all availed themselves of that privilege,
and have accordingly converted
$18(1,000 of the loan of 9th August, 1824; and
53,250 do. 20th October, 1823.
It has never yet happened that the navigation has been
suspended by the want of water, although in some of
the very dry seasons, within a few years past, a consi-
derable deficiency hasbeen experienced near the head of
the works during two or three months in the fall. Ap-
prehensions have been felt by many persons, largely con-
cerned in the trade, that with the increase of business,
increased embarrassment would be likely to arise frora
this cause, injuriously alike to the Company, and to those
having occasion to use this channel of conveyance.
Repeated communications have therefore been made
to the Board, urging very strongly the necessity of an
eai'ly provision by reservoirs for supplying swch occa-
sional deficiencies. The Board have been fully aware
of the importance of anticipating, and as far as possible
preventing, an evil of so much consequence. Af\er de-
liberate reflection and examination. Tumbling Run Val-
ley was considered the proper and indeed the only suit-
able place for a Reservoir near the head of the f'om-
pany's works, .and an opportunity being offered of pur-
chasing the ground necessary for the purpose, which
might be for ever lost by delay, the Board determined to
secure by piu'chase such a quantity of the land as with
what was already owned by the Company extends about
two miles up the Valley. They have thus obtained tlie
command of positions for several Reservoirs of sufficient
capacity, to contain a supply of water, more than ade-
qu.ate to meet any deficiency by droughts in the sum-
mer and fall. The quantity of land secured is upwards
of 600 acres, which cost $U,300.
It has been determined to erect one dam immediately.
1832.]
SCHUYLKILL NAVIGATION COMPANY.
23
near to the outlet of the Run into the Schuylkill. It will extended, in a ratio somewhat accelerated by the check
be made chiefly of eartli, at a comparatively small ex- it has received, and that the income of the Company
will grow in the same proportion.
By order of the Board.
JOSKPH S. LEWIS, President.
Office nftlie Schut/lkill Niivii:iiliiin Company,
Fhiludelphia,Jumtary 2, 18J2.
pense; othei-s will be erected as occ;ision may require.
The construction of tlic one already determined upon,
has been placed under the care of Mr. Duncan. It w.ll
be finished so as to be made available if necessary during-
tlie ensuing' summer.
The following statements will further exhibit the busi-
ness of tile Company for the past year, and the President
and M.inagers beg to refer to them as part of tlicir re-
port viz:
The quantity of coal shipped from Mount Carbon, I capital Stock,
Schuylk.U Haven, and other places on the Schuylkill, ; Capital of Loans converted,
in 1831, including 2460 tons from the Union Canal, was | permanent I,oans,
Tons 81,854
On wh'ch the amount of tolls, was, f 78,781 60
And the tolls received on articles of mer-
chandii^e other than coal, amounted to 55,224 32
Making the whole amount of tolls
ceived in 1831,
$134,005 92
No. 1.
Sfa.'ement nf the Company's Jlcconnis, January 1, 1S32.
DR.
»1, 137,9,50 00
'2i3,25f) 00
1,118,923 60
Toll Account, - - 72,280 60
Temporary Loan, - - 20,000 00
Rents, - - - 2,550 64
Of these tolls the ascending navigation
produced ?.';4,ni0 40
And the descending, 99,995 52
The whole tonnage conveyed on the Canal in 1K31,
amounted to Tons 196,413
Of which there was of the ascen-.ling trade.
Tons 40,791
And of the descending trade, 155,6-'2
Of the tolls received in 1831, there was collected
from boats wh'ch entered the Union Canal, $12,553 98
Boats coming from the Union Canal, 15,752 75
CR.
General Charges, being the Cost of the
Works, including Real Estate,
Current Expenses,
Balance of Individual Accounts,
nam.ige Account,
Interest Account,
Balance of Cash,
$2,585,054
84
$2,486,??5 39
33,850
95
6,605
."5
6,531
73
34,388
53
17,452
89
.
$2,585,054
84
No. 2.
Tonnage Ascending.
^'erchandize, ... £674
Fish, .... 2454
Salt, .... 2155
Plaster, .... 2345
Lu-nber, .... 9972
Grain, .... 628
Iron, .... 585
Blooms, Pig Iron, and Castings, - . 286
Limestone, ... 8306
Marble, and other Stone, - . 85
Iron Ore, - - - 627
Bricks, .... 435
Wood, .... 259
Sundries, .... 5049
Stone, &.C. passing Fair Mount Locks only, 2022
Co.al, - - - ' - 858
Making together, $28, >U6 73
The amount of rents received in 18 U, from real
estate, and from ground rents and water rents, was
$16,035 59
And the arrears amounted to 4,789 38
The inc-mefrora rents in 1832, is estimated at
$15,207 GO
The accompanying accounts, viz:
No. 1, exhibits the general statement of the affairs of
the Company, showing the whole cost of the improve-
ments, real estate, &c. the amount of capital stock paid,
and the sums borrowed.
Nos. 2 and 3, exhibit the account of the articles and
tonnage which ascended and descended the Navigation
in 1831.
The Board have only to remark in conclusion, that
the receipts for tlie year just ended, have not been
equal to their expectations. This has been owing to
two principal causes already alluded to, namely, the dis
couragement of the coal business in the early part of the
season, which prevented the dealers for several months,
from availing themselves to any considerable extent of
the means of ti-ansportation, and the unusiudly early and
severe frosts in the latter part of it, closing the Naviga-
tion by ice, some weeks before the ordinarj- period, and
thus making it impossible to fill up the market, when it
was .ascertained, that there w.as a deficient supply and
consequently an eager ilemand. The latter cause alone
has been more than sufficient to account for the reduc-
tion, wh'ch h.as been found in the income f.om tolls com-
pared with that of the preceding year. It is satisfactorj'
to know tliat the falling off has not been owing to any I Bricks,
defect in the works: .and it is encouraging to perceive. Butter, ...
that while the diminution of the trade in coal has been Leather, - - .
owing to occurrences in tlieir nature rare or temporary, | Wood ...
and not likely to be enc.untered in the same force again, | Sundries,
it h.as at the same time served to affortl the most decisive Stone passing Fair Mount Locks only,
evidence of an increased and increasing consumption, | M;irble, and other stone,
and to estiiblish th:it for the future, a much larger qiian- I Tobacco, Hemp, Cotton, &c.
tity will be wanted of tliat valuable mineral than has hi-
therto been furnished. With this plain ground of confi-
dence, there is no reason to doubt that tlie trade will be '
No. 3.
Tonnage Descending.
Coal,
Flour,
V\hiskey, - -■*•
Lumber,
Grain,
Iron,
Blooms, Pig Iron, and Castings,
N.ails,
Limestone and Lime,
Iron Ore,
\
Tons, 40,791
- 818.H
1G248
1839
9470
6251
1649
2569
1666
29319
1384
14
276
202
566
798
4977
2033
187
Ton.s, 155,632
24
CANAL COMiUSSIONERS' REPORT.
[jABBia*
MESSAGE OF THE GOVERXOR
AND
COMMUNICATION OF THE CANAL COMAUS-
SIONERS TO THE GOVERNOR,
In relation to the contractors upon the line of the Co-
lumbia and Philadelphia Rail Road — and also in re-
ference to the inclined plane section of said road at
Columbia. Head in Senate, January 4, lSo2.
Ti> tht Senate and House nf Hepresenlalives of the Com-
monwealth iif Pennsylvania.
Gkntlemex,
iTierewith transmit to the two Houses, copies of a com-
munication received from the Board of Canal Commis-
sioners in relation to the conti-actors upon the line of the
Columbia and Philadelphia rail-road, and more especial-
ly to those on the Middle and Western Divisions of the
same, and also in reference to the inclined plane section
of said rail-road at Columbia, to which I would respect-
fully invite tile immediate attention of the legislature.
Harrisburg, Jan. 3, 18j2. GEO. WOLF.
Canal Commissiosehs Room, ?
January 2, 183?. 5
His Excellency GEnncE Wolf,
Governor (if Pennsylvania.
SiB — By order of the Board of Canal Commissioners,
I have the honor of submitting to you, for the informa-
tion of the legislature, the following statement.
The act of the 21st March, 1831, appropriates
$2,483,161 88 for certain purposes therein mentioned,
and the 6th section of that act vests the sum appropria-
ted in the Commissioners of the Internal Improvement
Fund, to be applied Ijy them to the repayment of a tern
porary loan ofS250,ii00, andto the payment of contracts
necessary to finish work heretofore authorized; and the
residue in the manner and for the purposes directed by
that act
On the 15th December, 1831, a statement was receiv-
ed by the canal commissionei-s from the treasurer of the
board, of which the following is a copy.
Tbeasuhi Office of Pennstlvawia, 7
December Sih, 1831. 5
Amount of loan per act of 2ist March,
1831, §2,483,161 88
Paid temporary loan, §250,000
Turnpike compa-
nies, 125,000
Interest on 1st Au-
gust, 1831, 26,276 10
401,276 10
Paid on account of old work :
AbnerLacock, 411 51
John Mitchell, 28 31
Board of canal commissioners, 4,000 CO
Board of appraisers, 423 00
John Barber, 93,337 52
Samuel Jones, 135,000 00
James Taggart, 114,239 57
James P. Bull, 58,100 00
William B. Mitchell, 40,000 00
LordBuUer 28,900 00
Amount yet required 70,000 00
2,081,885 78
544,439 91
$1,537,445 87
Appropriated. Pru. ru'a.
Columbia and Phila.
rail-road, :f600,000 $491,675 64
Columbia canal to Middletown, 116,170 9o,196 58
Juniata and portage.
700,000 573,621 52
West Branch,
200,000 163,891 86
North Branch,
100,000 81,945 98
Beaver,
100,'JOO 81,945 98
French creek.
60,000 49,168 31
$1,876,170 $1,537,445 87
By the foregoing stitement, the board were apprised
that jl,876, 170, which had been specifically appropriat-
ed "towards the expenditures" or new hues "during the
present year," was reduced, by "payments of contracts
necessary to finish work heretofore authorized," to
$1,537,445 87; hence it became evident tliat the appro-
priation to some of the hues must soon be expended.
The anxiety of the canal commissioners to avoid an
infi-action of tlie 7th section of the act of March 21st,
1831, which prohibits them from "incurring debt on the
faith of the state, in any way or manner, beyond the
appropriation," induced them to pass resolutions,
1st. Dividing the $573,621 52 applicable to the Juni-
ata division and the Portage rail-road, between those
lines in proportion to the amount of work under con-
ti-act on each of them — being $304,397 52, to the Juni-
ata division, .and $269,234 to tlie Allegheny portage rail-
road.
2d. Directing the superintendent on the Columbia
and Philadelphia rail-road, to set apart and retain, from
the special appropriation to that hue, such a sum as
would be necessary to pay conti-acts then existing, for
the iron for said road, and for the twenty miles of the
road, west from Philadelphia, under contract; and,
3d That notice should be given to the several su-
perintendents of the unexpended balance of the appro-
priation, applicable to tlieir lines; and that they should
in due time notify the contractors thereof, so as to avoid
incuiTing a debt on the faith of tlie st;ite.
A few d;as since, letters were received by the board,
from the superintendent upon the Columbia and Phila-
delphia rail-road, stating that in conformity with the
resolutions of the board, he had "found it necessary im-
mediately to give notice to the conti'actors upon the
middle and western divisions of the rail-road;" and he
adds that the contractors upon the hne "will be thrown
into great distress, and under present circumstances aH
the contractors except those on the twenty miles, will
stop work — their horses, carts, and men will be scatter-
ed, and when the work shall be ordered to go on again
it will be hard to collect them. It is sincerely to be re-
gretted that the grading cannot be prosecuted.
"The whole amount expended under new
-contracts of every description, is about $285,000 00
Contracts for iron, say $120,000 — $10,000
of which is paid, 110,000 00
$395,000 00
Leaves balance to be expended on 20 miles, 96,675 OO
$491,675 00
"It will however be proper fiirtber to observe, that
the per centage due on tlie middle and western divisions,
is 533,523; and that an estimate on work done since the
first of December, will be about $30,000.
"The inclined plane section at Columbia, will be in a
deplorable situation; the embankment of the road way
along the shore has been put in, and tlie contractors were
vigorously prosecuting the work with 40 carts and 60 or
70 men, in order to secure the embankment by a slope
made down to the wharves, which have recently been
constructed; and which would have been entirely secur-
ed before the breaking up of the river in the spring: but
if left in the situation it is now in, will be damaged te>
the amount of several thousand dollars, to the loss of
the commonwealth. $5000 w'ould secure the embank-
ment, and it is more than probable tliat if left, $5000
will not repair the damage. "Many of the contractors
have a large force on hand, and have laid in their win-
ter provisions, and to stop operations will be very ruin-
ous. Under present circumst:\nces we cannot lay out
any part of the $110,000 for the iron until the Delaware
ojiens, and at any rate but a small portion of it would
be paid until towards spring. '
The Canal Commissionei's have, since they received
the above letters, passed resolutions directing the su-
perintendent of the Columbia and Philadelphia rail.
832.]
REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND.
25
ro.id to have the work which has been clone in the month
of December, estimated and paid in tlie usiuil manner;
and to retain as much of the appropriation as will cover
the retained per centa^c; and tlie contracts for the iron;
leavinj the residue of the apprnprijition applicable to
the twenty miles west of Phihidclphia.
The Hoard sincerely hope th:it immediate provision
will be made by the leg'ishiturc, for continuing' the ope-
rations on this impoi'tiint branch of tlie public improve-
ments: either by a further appropriation, or by an au-
thority to use the unexpended balance of tlie present
appropriation along the whole line of the rail-road.
This latter method would keep the work in as active
progress as the winter will permit, until some time next
spring-.
The Board avail themselves of the present occasion,
to state that unlcs a fund be soon provided for repairs,
the finished portions of the canal cannot all be put in
such a condition as to secure an acti\e use tliereof earlv
next season. JAMES C'LAHKE, President
of Iht Board of Canal Commissioners,
REPOnT op THE
COMSnSSIONERS OF THE IXTERN.VL IM-
PROVEMENT FUND.
Read December 14, 1831.
To the Senale and House of Representatives of the Com-
Tnonweuttli of Pennsylvania.
In compliance witli the provisions of the 1st section
of tlie act of 1st April, 182G, and the 2d section of the
act of 4th April, 1831, the commissioners of the internal
improvement fund respectfully submit the following' re-
port:
On the 7th February, 1831, the commissioners re-
ported the cond tion of the internal improvement fund up
to 1st Februarv, 1831. The present report therefore com-
mences at that time, and exhibits the receipts and pav-
ments up to the 1st instunt, embracing a period often
months.
On the 1st February, 1831, the commissioners had
no funds applicable to the construction and incidental
expenses of the Pennsylvania canal and r.iil-road. The
act of the 21st March, 1831, authorized a loan of
Jj'2,483,16l 8), to be applied to those purposes; and the
act of 30th March, 1831, authorized a further loan of
§300,000 applicable exclusively to rep;iii-s on the canal
and rail-road, to damages, and to the payment of tlie
salaries of sundn," oHicers attached to the canal. This
last appropriation has been received in full, and appli-
ed as follows:
Paid to the treasurer of the board of canal
commissioners, $290,000 00
Paid salaries of toll collectors and lock
keepers, 9,031 77
Balance on hand to be applied to lock
keepers, 968 23
S300,0 00
It has been ascertained that this appropriation was in-
adequate to cover the objects intended. The great ex-
tent of new lines of canal which had to be tested by let-
ting in of water for the first time, together with the ex-
traordinary freshets during the early part of the season,
increased the expenditure for repairs much beyond any
reasonable calculaUon. Many claiins for damages, and
disbursements for repairs remain yet unliquidated.
The loan per act of 21st March, 18 il, w.is received
by instalments, the first amounting to $7U0,000, and
each of the others to ten per cent, on the asTgregate
loan. In this manner the sum of 51.69 ',264 72 has
been borrowed, leaving a balance of g789,897 11 yet
to be received, one instalment of which will probably j
be required about the 1st of Februarv, and the balance
Vol. IX. 4
on or before the fii-st of April next. The amount bor-
rowed has been disposed of as follows:
Repaid temporary loan, per act of 12th
Jamnirv, 1831,' §250,000 00
Repaid tcmporai'y loan in anticipation of
the loan per act of 21st March, 1831, 230,000 00
Paid to the state treasurer amount appro-
priated to sundry turnpike road com-
panies, per 4th section of the act of 21st
March, 1831, 125,000
Amount t;iken to supply the deficiency
in the interest fund, on 1st Augrist,
1831, per 2d section of the act of 30th
March, 1831, 26,276 10
Amount paid to the treasurer of tlie board
of canal commissioners, 1,061,988 62
§1,695,264 72
The temporary loan of §230,000 was considered es-
sential to the vigorous prosecution of the public works
especi;illy as the negotiation of the permanent loan was
necessarily attended with some delay, during which
time the contractors must have laboured undergreat pe-
cuniar)- embarrassment, and the proper execution of
their contracts been neglected. The Governor there-
fore believed it to be his duty, under the power vested
in him by the act of 21st March, 1831, to anticipate a
portion of the loan, and apply it without delay to the
judicious .idvanccment of the public improvements.
The following are the aggregate payments made to
the treasurer of the board of canal commissioners du-
ring the period which this report ombraees:
Temporary loan in anticipation of the loan
per act of 21st M.arch, 1831, §230,000 00
Part of loan per act of 21st March, 1831, 1,061,988 62
Part of loan per act of 3Gth March, 1831, 290,000 00
§1,581,988 62
This aggregate of 31,581,988 62 corresponds with
the appropriations of the last session, as appears by the
following calculation:
Amount appropriated per act of 21st
March, 1831, §2.483,161 83
Amount appropriated per act of 30th
March, 1831, 300,000 00
2,783,161 83
Deduct amount not received of loan per
act of 2Ist M.arch, 1831, 7'89,897 H
Amount of appropriations received into
the fund, 1,993,264 72
Deduct temporary loan per act
of 12th Janua^-, 1831, re-
paid, §250,000 00
" amoimt paid to turnpike
companies, 125,000 00
" amount taken for the
p.ayment of interest, 26,276 10
" amount retained for the
payment of the sala-
ries of toll collectors
and lock keepcra, 10,000 00
411,276 10
Balance for canal purposes,
SI.531,9S8 62
The following summary exhibits the whole amount
paid to the commissioners of the internal improvement
fund, applicable to canal purposes, fron) 1st Februarv,
to 1st December, 1831, and the manner of its disburse-
ment, from which it appears that a b .lance of 5968 23
remains in tlicir hands, to be applied to the payment
of the salaries of toll collectors and lock keepers, under
the promions of the act of 30th March, 1831.
20
BEPOHT or COM>nSSIONEHS OF THE INTERNAL L>n»norEMEtNT FUND. [JiitFiS,-
RECLIPTS.
Temporary loan in anticipation of the
loan per act of 21st March, 18J1, $230,000 00
Part of loan per act of 21st March, 1831, 1,693,264 72
Loan per act of 30th March, 1831, 300,u00 00
2,223,264 72
PAYMENTS.
Treasurer of the board of canal commis-
sioners, §1,581,988 62
Repaid temporary loan per act of 12th
January, 1831, 250,000 00
Repaid temporary loan in anticipation of
the loan per act of 21st March, 1831, 230,000 00
Paid to the state treasurer amount apprp-
priated to sundry turnpike road compa-
nies, per 4th section of the act of 21st
March, 1831, 125,000 00
Paid salaries of toll collectors and lock
keepers, under act of 30th March, 1831, 9,031 77
Amount taken to supply the deficiency in
the interest fund on 1st August, 1831,
per 2d section of the act of 3uth March,
1831, 26,276 10
Balance on hand on 1st December, 1831, 968 23
g2,223,264 72
The transactions in the fund immediately connected
with the payment of interest on the several canal loans,
will appear by the following-:
On the 1st February, 1831, a balance of §6,106 57
remained in the fund applicable to the payment of in-
terest, to which was added by transfers from the state
treasury, agreeably to the several acts regulating the in-
ternal improvement fund, in the month of May, $42,000,
and in July J209,078 76, making an aggregate of
of!f257,185 33, Out of this sum, however, had been
paid Sj,5'j7 51, interest on temporary loans, and
$4,850 19, salary of toll collectors, and lock keepers,
under a resolution of the legislature of 8th January,
1830, and an act of assembly, entitled "An act direct-
ing the Auditor General to settle the accounts of cer-
tain collectors of toll and lock keepers on the Pennsyl-
vania canal," approved 30th March, 1831, which left
only a balance of §948,827 63 fertile pa}Tnent of inter-
est due on 1st August, 1831. The interest payable on
that day at the Bank of Pennsylvania, amounted to
§275,103 73. The deficiency of §25,276 10 was sup-
plied out of the loan per act of 21st March, 1831, agree-
ably to the provisions of the 2d section of the act of
30th March, 1831. Other transfers and disbursements
have been made since the 1st August last, which left a
balance in fund on the 1st instant, amounting to
§94,354 78, as appears from the following general state-
ment of receipts and payments:
RECEIPTS.
Auction duties, - . §93,305 90
Premiums on loans, - - 119,595 88
Dividends on bridge, canal and turnpike,
stock, ■ , - - 31,013 12
CoUatei-al inheritances, - - 17,063 51
Escheats, - - - 20 00
State treasury- per act of 22d AprU, 1829, 50,000 00
Canal toUs, ' - - - 35,365 81
Amount taken of loan per act of 21st
March, 1831, per 2d section of ike act
of 3uth March, 1831, - 26,276 10
Balance in fund sn 1st February, 1831, 6,106 57
PAYMENTS.
Interest on temporary loan, per act of 12th
January, 1831.
Interest on temporary loan in anticipation of
the loan per act of 21st March, 1831,
Interest on loan of 1826,
" 1827,
March, 1828,
" December, 1828,
April, 1829,
" December, 1829,
" March, 1830,
" 21st March, 1831,
" 30th M:irch, 1831,
Salaries of toll collectors and lock keepers,
per resolution of 8th January, 1830, &c. 5,
Balanc»ia fund on 1st December, 1831, 94,
,968 7S
538 76
,500 00
,000 00
,000 00
,000 00
,000 00
,062 50
,000 00
,445 58
,145 65
730 87
354 78
$378,746 89
The commissioners have prepared an estimate of the
probable deficiency of the interest fund on the 1st Fe-
bruarvand 1st August next, which exhibits an aggregate
of $197,234 88. Estimates of this description, how-
ever, cannot be made with any great degi-ee of certain-
ty, and appropriations to cover them should contain
some provision to guard against contingencies. Canal
tolls, especially are as yet a very uncertain source of
revenue. In the report of 7th February last they were
estimated at $75,000; and the receipts of the first quar-
ter, amounting to about $20,000, make it evident
this estimate would hare been r. alized, if not exceeded,
if extensive injury had not been done to the canal by
excessive freshets. This year the tolls are estimated
at $150,000, of which.$75,000 will probably be received
in time to be applied towards the payment of interest
on the 1st August next, unless indeed, some extraordi-
nary accidents should happen to the canal, against
which the commissioners can make no calculation. It
is liowever presumed that this estimate is within tlie
bounds of probability, as we have a navigable line of
canal exceeding that of last year, by nearly one hun-
dred and eighty miles, all of which received permanent
and complete repairs during last summer.
ESTIMATE.
Balance in state treasury on 1st Dec. 1831, $80,005 86
Add probable excess of revenue over ex-
penditures for Dec. 1831, and Jan. 1832,196,810 59
Estimated balance in treasury on 31st Jan-
uary, 1832,
8,746 89
Interest on canal loans, payable on 1st Fe
bruary, 1832, viz.
On loan of 1826, 7,500 00
1827, 25,000 00
" March, 1828, 50,000 00
December, 1828, 20,000 00
April, 1829, 55,000 00
" December, 1829, 5,062 50
" March, 1830, 100,000 00
" 21st March,l831,estim'd. 37,500 00
30UiMarch,1831, 6,485 10
$306,547 60
To meet this payment,
take the balance in
fund on 1st Decem-
ber, 1831, - 94,354 78
Take out of the treasu-
ry, including revenue
pledged for the pay-
ment of interest, 170,953 95
. 265,308 72
276,816 45
Estimated defieiency en lit Feb-
ruary, 1832, 41,238 W
tSM.]
Vl»,CBEr>ING« or COUIfClLft.
Amount taken out of the treasury as ubove, 170,953 93
105,862 50
Deduct interest payable at the treasury, on
thebans of IS.'l, 1824, 1825, and 'loans
from certain banks, per act of 1st April,
1826, 45,862 SO
Estimated bulance in the treasury, on 1st
February, 1832, 60,000 00
Add probable excess of revenue
over expenditures for Febru-
ary, March, April, May, June
and July, 1832, 102,494 85
Probable receipt •f canal tolls, 75,000 00
1/'?,494 85
Estimated balance in the treasury, on 31st
July, 1832, 237,494 85
Interest on canal loans, payable on 1st Au-
gust, 1832, vij.
On loan of 1826, 7,500 00
'< 1827, 25,000 00
March, 1828, 50,000 00
•December, 1828, 20,000 00
April, 1829, 55,000 00
December, 1829, 5,062 50
M;u-ch, 1830, 100,000 00
21st March, 1831, estiai'd. 57,565 86
30th March, 1831, 7,500 00
To meet this payment, take out 327,628 36
of the treasury, incUiding reve-
nue pledged for interest, 171,632 35
Estimated deficiency on 1st Au-
gust, 1832, 155,996 01
65,862 50
Deduct interest payable at the treasury a»
above, 45,862 50
Estimated balance in the treasury, on 1st
August, 1832, _ 20,000 00
The commissioners, in forming this estimate, have not
calculated on any receipts from the revenue laws of
last session, as it is doubtful whether any payments will
b>e made into the treasury prior to the 1st August next,
the county treasurers nor being required to pay over
until the 1st September in each year. Neither have
they calculated on the payment of interest on loans that
may be autliorized during tlie present session, as it is
presumed a premium can be obtained, more than suffi-
cient to pay such interest, for the time which the esti-
mate embraces.
All of which is respectfullv submitted.
'SAM'L. M'KEAN,
DAN'L STURGEON,
A. MAHON.
JJarriiburgh, December 13th, 1831.
PROCEIiDIMGS OF COIINCILS.
MosDAT, Jan. 9th, 1832.
The following letter from the Mavor of the city en-
closing the annexed communication from the Executors
of the late Stephen Giranl, was received.
Matiiii's OrriCE, ?
Philadelphia, Jan. 9, 1832. >
To the President of the Select and Cummon Councils.
Gentlemen, — I transmit you a communication from
the Executors of the late Stephen Girard, with a certi-
fied copy of his will and rent roll of certain real estate,
all of which have been handed me by the Executors.
Measures for the collection of rents now due, and for
renting the untenanted houses may claim your early at-
tention. Very respectfully, yourob't sen-'t,
B. W. RieBABBi.
PBiLADELruiA, Jan. 7t!i, 1832.
Sin — The undersigned, executors of the last wilt of
Stephen Girard, late of this city, deceased, respectfully
present to you a copy of that instrument, for the infor-
mation of "the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens of Phila-
delphia."
•As the city of Philadelphia is entitled to receive tho
rents, which became payable, after the dece;ise of the
testator, from that part of his real estate, which passed
to the city under his will, the undersigned at present
furnish a statement, shewing_/frs7, certain real estate in
the city and liberties of Philadelphia, which passed to
the city, under the will, for which rent has become due
since the decease of the testator, secondly, the names of
the tenants, and la'-tly the amount of rent due by those
tenants respectively. In future communications, the
undersigned will present such further information, as it
may be their duty to make known, in oi-der that the in-
tentions of the testator may be faithfully carried into ex-
ecution.
Aware that the action of the legislature of Pennsylva-
nia will be necessary to enable the city of Philadelphii
to execute some of the trusts created by the testator,
and, consequently, to enjoy his munificent bounty, the
undersigned embrace the earliest opportunity to present
this communication, and will be glad to co-operate with
the corporation of Philadelphia, in all measures calcu-
lated to confer upon the community the benefits which
the testator so anxiously desired they should possess.
With respect, your ob't, servants,
TiMOTHT PaXSON,
Thos. p. Cope,
JoSEfH HoBERTS,
W. J. Doane,
Joux A. Barclat:
To BE>f/. W. UrcBARDS, Esq.
Mayor of Philadelphia,
Mr. Dl-ane oflTered the following resolution, which
which was adopted by both Councils; and Messrs. Duane,
LippincOtt, Massey, Petit and Scoti, of the Select Coun-
cil, and Wctherill, Okie, Sullivan, Moss and Page, of
the Commoji Council, were appointed the Commit-
tee.
Resolved, That a committee of five members of each
Councils, including the Presidents tiiereof respectively,
be now appointed, whose duty it shall be, in conjunc-
tion with the Mayor and City Solicitor, who are hereby
requested to act, to consider and report, at the next
stated meeting of Councils, and at succeeding meetings
if needful, what measures ought to be adopted, in order
that the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens of Philadelphia,
may promptly and faithfiilly execute the trusts created
by the late Stephen Girard,
At an election by the Select and Common Councils,
held yesterday afternoon, the followinggentlemen were
elected directors of the Public Schools for the first sec-
tion of the school district of the state of Pennsylva-
nia:
Renj. W. Richards Charles Hedclius
John Steele . Wm. P. Smith
Thomas Dunlap Samuel Paton
Henry M. ZoUickoffer John H. Campbell
James Carstairs J. K. Hassinger
Chariest. Cathrall AVm. Duane, jr.
Wm. W. Fisher Joseph Patterson
George Fox Job. H. Tyson
Thomas G- Hollingfs worth M'm. H. Furness
Wm. Wharton Francis Cooper
Richard Price Wm. L. Bcchicl
Robert O'Neill J. A. Phillips '
A Randall Joseph Yeager
T. A. Alexander Pearson Serrill
Benj. Mifflin James Gowan
Thomas Phippa Wm. Vogdcs
Stevenson Smith B. S. Bonsall
Geo.M. WhartoB Wm. Stavelev.
•^
28
GIRARD BANK. -
Jitv^m
GIRARD BANK.
At a large and respectable meeting of the Merchants,
Manufacturers, and others, of the city of Philadelphia,
at the .Merchants' Coffee House, on Saturday afternoon,
at 3 o'clock, held in pursuance of public notice, Bf.x-
j.iMix W. RiriiAnns, Esq. >tayor of the city, was called
to the Chair, and JIattiikw Newkiiik and Samuel C.
Fonn, were appointed Secretaries
The object of the meeting- having been stated from
the Chair, the following preamble and resolutioBs were
offered by Alexander McClurg, Esq. and unanimously
adopted: —
IVIiereas, The death of our lamented fellow citizen,
Stephzs GiRAiin, Esq. has suddenly deprived this com-
munity of an extensive capital, so judiciously employed
by him in banking operations; and, whereu's, the with-
drawing so large a sum at once, from circulation, even
at a time when money was in the greatest abundance,
would subjtctmany persons to much difficulty and great
embarrassment, which is rendered more severe and op-
pressive at the present time, when the demand is well
known to be greater than for many years past; there-
fore,
Resnlved, That in the opinion of this meeting, it is of
the utmost importance to Merchants, Slanufacturers,
and all others, interested in the trade and prosperity of
this city and adjoining districts, that a Bank be esta-
blished with as much promptness as may be expedient,
and with a Capital fully adequate to supply the defi-
ciency.
Besohed, That a Committee, to consist of twelve per-
sons be appointed to draft a Memorial to the State Le-
gislature, setting forth the great want of Banking Capi-
tal experienced especially at the present time and re^
spectfully praying them to grant a Charter, incorpora-
ting a new Bank, with a capital of Mree ?)ii//,n>?sofiUiUur^.
Mwlrer/, That the Bank shall be called the Girord
Bank of I'hil'idelphin.
Resiilvid, That-the Committee appointed have full
power to fiU vacancies, add to tlieir numbers, procure
signatures to the Jlemorial, and attend to such other '
mattei-s as may be necessary to carry the object of this {
meeting into effect.
Resulved, That the Chairman and Secretaries be add-
ed to the Committee.
Jiefo/ved, That the Chairman appoint the Committee. <
The following gentlemen were then appointed, in !
connection with the Chairman and Secretaries, to consti-
tute the Committee, viz:
Benj. W. Richards,
Matthew Newkirk,
Samuel C. Ford,
Thomas M. Pettit,
Thomas C. Rockhill,
Richard D. Wood,
Daniel Groves,
Joseph Burden,
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
signed by the Chairman and Secretaries^ and published
in all the daily papers of this city.
The meeting then adjourned.
B. ^Y. Richards, Chairman.
Matthew Newkirk,
Samuel C. Ford,
John S. Riddle,
J. Price Wetherill,
^Vm. SIcGlensey,
Chas. W. Churchman,
Alexander JlcClui-g,
Robert Earp,
David S. Brown.
■ Secretaries.
The Committee met at 7 o'clock. P. M. at the Mer-
chant's Coffee House, and organized, and in pursuance
of the power invested in them, in the 4th Resolution,
appomted the following gentlemen to co-operate with
them: — -
John A. Brown,
James Schott,
J. K. Kane,
A. G. Ralston,
W. D.Lewis,
John W. Odenheimer,
Samuel Comly,
Alexander Fergnson,
Jas M. Linn.ard.
George Handy.
At a large and respectable meeting of Merchants,
Manufacturers, Jlechanics, and others, (opposed to tlie
proceedings of the meeting held at the Merchants'
Coffee House on Saturday last,) held at the County
Court-house, on Wednesday afternoon, for the purpose
of memorializing the legislature for a charter for a Bank,
to be c;illedthe Girard Bank, John Lisle w.as called to
the Cliair; Alexaxper Cook and Col. JoHx THOMpsojr
were appointed V-ce Presidents, and C. AJ/icukiler, Jr.
and Mi/es .V. Carpenter were appointed Secretaries.
Mr. Laussat moved the following resolutions, which
were unanimously adopted.
Whereas, The late meeting at the Merchants' Coffee
House was held at a time unusually earlj-, without allow-
ing the ordinary and expected delay, its proceedings
were precipitated, and the various interests vitally con-
cerned in its objects had not a full opportunity accord-
ed them of being represented therein; and' whereas
the amount of tliree millions of dollars, designated as a
capital by the said meeting — though undoubtedly re-
quired by the wants of the community in various parts
of our city and county — is unusually and unnecessarily
large (or a. single institution.
Resolved, That we, the Merchants, Jlanufacturers,
Mechanics, Traders, and others, of the city and county
of Philadelphia, here assembled, agreeing in the gener-
al objects of the former meeting, do nevertheless, disap-
prove of the manner in which it was conducted, and are
opposed to its proceedings.
And whereas, the dissolution of the Bank, lately con-
ducted with so much usefulness to die public, by our
lamented fellow citizen, Stephen Girard, has suddenly,
and at a very momentous crisis, deprived this communi-
ty of a large amount of capital that bad before been ac-
tively and liberally employed, and which from experi-
ence is known to be indispensable to our welfare and
prosperity, even under the most flourishing auspices of
trade :
Resolved, That it is expedient to establish a new
Bank, to be called the Girard Bank, after the name of
our distinguished citizen; and that the said Bank sliould
be so fixed with regard to location, as to supply the new-
deficiencies and wants that have just been created.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed for
the purpose of di-afting a memorial to the two Houses
of Legislature, expressive of the sen.se of this assembly,
and that the said committee be instructed to present
their report to the meeting for their approbation.
A memorial, reported by a committee was unanimous-
ly adopted, and a committee of fifty appointed to carry
into effect the objects of the meeting.
The following gentlemen compose the committee:
Benjamin Tevis, Antony Lauseat, Thomas Cave,
George Troutman, Robert Patterson, AsherJt. Howell,
Benjamin S. Bonsall, Thomas Lancaster, Henry Korn,
John Goodin, jr. Edmund A. Si^ider, Samuel F. Brad-
ford, John M. Ch:ipion, D;ivia Lapsley, jr. Pearson
SerriH, John B. Swett, Jesper Harding,Edwin T. Scott,
John M. Barclay, Frederick Stoever, John Horn, Tho-
mas J. Petriken, George Guier, John Knox, Robert Ew-
ing, Sampson Tams, Mordecai D, Lewis, John Grigg,
Jesse Smith, Thos. Rogers, JohnL. AVolf, William Car-
man, Henry Toland, Henry AVhite, William Newell, jr.
John Harding, jr. Caleb Cope, John Thobum, John D.
Goodwin, Dennis M'Credj-, William Booth, James
Burke, John Moss, S. Destouet, Thomas Haven, Augus-
tin Stevenson, William G. Alexander, James Harper,
Lawrence Lewis, John L. Hodge, John Barclay, Miles
N. Carpenter, Freeman Scott, Benjamin E. Carpenter.
The followingresolutions were then offered and adopted:
Resolved, that, in the opinion of this meeting, no
banking or other business corporation, ought to be char-
tered, without providing for preventing the stock from
being monopolized by a few persons; and for this pur-
pose, it is necessary that no one be allowed to subscribe
as the attorney or agent of more than one individual.
Resolved, that the commissioners appointed to re-
ceive subscriptions, ought to be sworn or affirmed to.
act with strict impartiality.
1832.)
GinAUD BANK.
29
Resolved, that subscriptions ought to be received j That the charter of the Bank being: about to expire,
not exceeding five shares to each individual, until all [ on the 4th of March 1836, your memorialists deem it
persons wisliing that number have been accommodated, j their duty to invite the attention of Congress to its re-
JOllN LISLK, President.
AtEXANDER Cook, ? y.^^ Presidents.
JdHN i ho:mi'si>n, 3
C. Macales TEn, jr. 7
Miles N. CAHPt.sTZB, ;
Secretincs.
MEMORIAL
ncwal.
The genci'al considerations which caused the esta-
blishment of the Bank, the manner in which it has ex-
ecuted the duties assigned to it, and the reasons which
recommend its continuance, your memorialists foi'bear
to discuss, since, of these subjects, your honorable
bodies are more competent and appropriate judges.
To the Senate and I/nuse of JieprcsenMi'vt.i nf the Com- \ They w\\\ therefore merely state the views which in-
monitealth of I'entuijlvania, in General jUsembly mel: duce their application at this time.
The memorial of the undersigned, merchants, manufac Unless the question is decided by the present Con-
- - ~ • • ' «.-^.-.. .,« ,i^.*.«.»..-« o«t.rt« ..««...♦ ..«ri be expected until
of the charter — a
your mcmorialiists,
i, mechanics, tradei^ and others of the city and ; Press, no definitive action upon it can b
V of Philadelphia, • | w.thm two years of the expiration of
..c.wcf//»//v showelh, that the indispensable necessity f<'P°'^ before which, in the opinion of yc
to mercantile prosperity of a certain reasonable amount : 't.'s highly expedient not merely in reference to the in-
of capital to be employed in banking oper.ations, is an i stitution itself, but to the more important interests of tlie
turers,
county
Refpeclftllij
apital to be employed in banking op ,.„...., . . .
axiom established by the experience and knowledge of ;'^«'0". \''^\i'l^;^_'i\';''™;'?,^";'.^'..*:°"SI'L^,\,;'''^^ ^f
this community, and the vmiversal acceptance of all com
mercial nations
That the amount of capital hitherto employed by
Stephen Girard, which was always and at all times
treated by your honourable bodies as part of the reason-
able supply of this city and county for banking purpo-
ses, is now about to be withdrawn from the general use
known. Independently of the influence which the bank
was designed to possess, and which it necessarily exer-
cises over the state of the cuiTency, by which all the
pecuniary transactions of the community are regulated,
its own immediate operations are connected intimately'
with the local business of almost every section of the
United States, with the commercial interchanges be-
of the community, and to be removed to other objects I tween the several states, and the intercourse of them
and employments; while, to add to the distress of Vour : »'• ^V*^'^ foreign nations.
memorialists, they are exposed to the disastrous effects
of such a commercial crisis as American ti-ade has rare-
ly witnessed:
'I hat the banking capital accessible to the important,
numerous and valuable interests,rec[uiring its assistance,
\vithin the limits of the city and county of Philadelphia,
was Well known to be inadequate to the calls of the com-
Of the value to the community, of the system which
after long and anxious efforts, and at great pecuniary
sacrifices, your memorialists have at length .succeeded
in establishing, it is not for them to speak; their more
immediate purpose is to represent, .as they do, most
respectfully, that the continuance or destruction of that
system, thus widely diffused through all the avenues of
munitv, even when the general prosperity of trade and 'he productive industry of the cnuntn-, affecting all the
the extraordjnarv- abundiince of clrcuhiting medium di- relations of public revenue and private income, and con-
minished the am'ount of the public want, and tlie great tributmg to give stability to all the rewards of labor,
capital of Mr. Girard, which enabled him to employ ; '^ a" "Kl<'ct of general solicitude. If, satisfied w.th the
three millions and a hilf of dollars actively and liberally , practical opcr.ations of the institution, your honorable
in discounts increased in an immense proportion the ''ody shall deem it worthy of continuance, it seems ex-
quantity of financial supply: i pcdient to relieve the country, as soon as may consist
Your memorialists, therefore, humbly pray yourhon- , "''* mature deliberation, from tlic uncertainty "in which
curable bodies to incoi-poratc a new bank for the city ' »" private transactions, and all public improvements,
andcounty of Phil;ulelphi.a, with such capital as in your J dependent on the future condition of the currency, and
wisdom may be considered necessary, That the said in- , amount of capital disposable for those objects, must nc-
stitution receive the name of "The Girard Bank of the i cess.arily be involved until your decision is known. If,
City and County of Philadelphia," as some acknow- "" t^i^ other hand, the wisdom of Congi-ess shall deter-
ledgment of the' pubhc respect for our l.ate worthy and , ™"^ '''** *'"= ''^"'^ ">"s' <^<="'"= *» <='^'st, it is still more
eminent fellow cit;zen, andth.at its location be directed important that the country .should begin early to prc-
for the speci:d purpose of supplying the new wants and ' P'^"' *<"■ ^^'^ expected change, and that the institution
inconveniences that have just been created by the disso- should have as nnich time as possible to execute the duty,
lution of a bank, lately existing and in operation. '< al«'.ays a very delicate and difficult one, of aiding the
Your memorialists do not pray for a capital so exten- ' community to seek new channels of business, and, by
sive as that formerly employed by Mr. Girard, because, fiT'i<l"^' ».'«! gentle movements, to press with the least
although they believe that the whole sum would not be inconvenience on the gi-eat interests connected with if.
more than adequate to the public <ieces,sitics, yet tlicy Under these impressions, they respectfully request
consider it more equitable— more republican— and more ' th.at the charter of the bank may be renewed,
conducive to the welfiire of the community, that the i By order of the Board of Directors,
amount should be distributed among several institutions, ! . . ^ • BHIDLE, President.
- - - Mr. Daiias said, that being requested to present this
situate in various parts of the city and county, and thus
excite to a wholesome and useful competition.
And your petitioners will ever pray. Sic.
TWENTY-SECOND CO.NGRESS
IB 5EXATE, Mundiii/, Jan. 9, 1832.
Bank of the imti'.d st ate.s.
Mn. Dallas presented the follosying memorial from
the President, Directors and Company, of the Bank of
the United States:
To the Senate ad iTmuit nf Rcprenentatives nfthe United
Stntrs, in ('nns^ress ns.irmbled;
The Memorial of the President, Directors, and Com-
pany of the B.ank of the United States, in tlie name and
in behalf of the stockholders of the Bank, respcctfiillv
represents —
docuTnent to the senate, praying for a renewal of the ex-
isting ch.arter ofthe Bank, be begged to be indulged in
making a few explanatory remarks. With unhcsit.ating'
franknesshe wished it to be understood by tbcS enate,by
the good commonwealth which it was alike his duty and
his pride to represent with fidelity on that floor, and by
the people generally, that this application, at this time,
had been discouraged by him. .\ctuatcd,mainly,if not ex-
clusively, by a desire to preserve to the nation the prac-
tical bencfitsof the institution; the expediency of bring-
ing it forward thus early in the term of its incorporation,
during a popular representation in Congress, which
must ce.aseto ev'st some years before that term expires
and on the eve ..f all the excitement incident to a great
political movement, stnick his mind as more t'l.an doubt-
fid. — He felt deep .solicitude and apprehension, lest, in
the progress of enquiri-, and in the dcvelopement of
30
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
[JxatAar
views, under present circumstances, it might be drawn rences of the last four weeks, and remembered what
into real or imagined conflict with some higher, some had taken place at a late convention in Baltimore, and
more favorite, some more immediate wish or purpose of
the American people.
And from such a conflict, what sincere friend of this
usefid establishment, would not strive to save or rescue
it by at least a temporary forbearance and delay?
Nevertheless, his conscious mexperience in the forms
and contingencies of legislation, inspired a distrust of
his own judgment on this merely prellmhiary point.
The determination of the parties interested, may be,
naj', must be, wiser and better, and he could but feel
strongly impressed by the recollection, that the legisla-
ture of Pennsylvania, recently, and in effect, unanimous-
ly had recommended the renewal of the charter of this
Bank. He became, therefore, a willing, as he was vir-
tually an instructed agent, in promoting, to the extent of
his humble ability, an object which, however danger-
ously timed its introduction might seem, was in itself, as
he conceived, entitled to every consideration and favor.
Mr. D. concluded by moving that the memorial be
read and be referred to a select committee of five in
number, and that the committee have power to send for
persons and papers.
The memorial having been read and the reference
agreed to^
Mr. Dallas moved that the appointmnnt of the com-
mittee be postponed till to-mon-ow.
Mr. Bell said he was not aware of any reason forthe
postponement; and as none had been assigned for it, he
could perceive no propriety in the postponement. It
would,also, be a thing unprecedented in the Senate; and
unless some reasons were adduced in favor of the post-
ponement, he should prefer that the Senate should, ac-
cording to its usage, proceed at once to the appointment
of the committee.
The question being put on the postponement, it was
negatived. Ayes 15, noes 24.
The Senate then proceeded to ballot for the commit-
tee, and the following gentlemen were chosen to com-
pose it, viz: Mr. Dallas, Mr, Websteb, Mr. Ewing,
Mr. Hayne, and Mr. Johnstox.
HOISE OF REPnESESTATITES.
This day being, by the rules of the House, the day
of the week on which petitions are to be received, a
number were presented; amongst which was present-
ed,
By Mr. McDrrriE, the memorial of the Presidentand
Directors, on behalf of the Stockholders, of the Bank
of the United State*, asking for a renewal of their char-
After the above mentioned memorial was read,
Mr. McDi-FFiE moved to refer it to the committee of
Ways and Means. , ., ^
Mr. Davis, of South Carolmamoved to reterit to a
committee of the whole House on the state of the
Union.
the motives which had been avowed for bringing forward
the subject at tlxis time — he must say, that gentlemen '
ought not to permit a petition of this kind to receive the
attention of the House.
V^ ho could doubt that the presentation of that me.
niorial was in fact a party measure, intended to have-
an important operation on persons occupying the liighest
offices of Government? If, however, it should be con'
sidered necessary to enter upon the subject at the pre-
sent time, Mr. AVayne said he was prepared to meet it.
But when gentlemen saw distinctly before their eyes,
the motive of such a proceeding, he hoped, that not-
withstanding there might be a majority in the house in
favour of the Bank, gentlemen would not lend them-
selves to that kind of action, f.'ould it.be necessary to
take up the question of rechartering the Bank at the pre-
sent session? Gentlemen all knew, that four years must
pass before its charter would expire, and that Congress
had power to extend the period, if farther time was ne-
cessary to wind up its affairs. It was known tliat other
subjects of an exciting character must come up during
the present session, and could there be any necessity, or
propriety in throwing additional matter into the Houso
calculated to raise that excitement yet higher? He
trusted some individual would follow him, who might be
able to present the subject to the House in a stronger
hght than he could. He should be willing in the very
outset, to meet it by a motion to lay this memorial upon
the table ; but he would not make that motion at present;
inasmuch as it would preclude a discussion which he
wished to see proceed. He would, therefore, reserve
himself for such ultimate action in reference to it as he
might consider proper.
Mr. McDuffie said, that if he even could suppose that
the Baltimore Convention had had any tiling to do with
the presentation of the present memorial, he trusted
that he, at least, would be free from the suspicion of
acting in tliis House as the agent of that body, if any
man in the United States could be free from such a
suspicion. So far, however, as regarded the President,
Directors, and Company of the mother bank, he must
say, that so far as his situatiofi had given him an oppor-
tunity of having any knowledge ofthem, (andhe had had
much to do with those gentlemenj he did not believe
that there existed within the limits of this Union, an or-
ganized body more perfectly exempt from any just li-
abihty to the chari^e of acting from political considera-
tions; and so far from having had the remotest connec-
tion with any political movements, either at Baltimore
or elsewhere, he should rather come to the conclusion
that the present memorial had been presented after a
consultation with the party to which the gentleman
from Georgia, as well as himself, belonged, than with
those of opposite party opinions. He regretted ex-
ceedingly, that this shoidd have been regarded as a po-
A motion was also made to refer itto a select commit- I litical question; but it was the misfortune of our coun-
A mouon was aiso mauc lu I ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ subject of any kind could be started, which
^m WAT^x,of Georgia, said, that he had on a former hid reference to the general interests of the people,
occasion expressed his obj^ctio^ to the reference of tins I but it must instantlv be converted into a poht.cal ques-
occasion expresseu n I jleans- and he I tion, and connected with that all-absorbing topic-a to-
subject to the C""'™"^,^^^ '' ;'>;/"';tf„''"^;/",h,^^ pic which he feared would one day prostrate the liberty
should not trouble the H°^„^ ^j lepeat.ng no« « hat , P^^^^ ^„^^,,y_^^ election of a President. Could not
snOUianuL uuuuit ,.„v, i.— .. -.■ .-i--- o -. . i ■ f ,l,p rnnntrv-
>!,> bnfl advanced at the comnaencement of the session in : 01 inecounm r -.,.,,• .
he n^V'r ■,„»„♦ nf a select committee- but he ' the consideration of anv question, referring to the mter-
favor of the »PP°'"'"^^"t of a selecj^omm^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^ be entered upon, but it must be to^
called upon ?^." '•^'^^.l^.^nrt Vlea'lnrefer;^^^^^ put this man into office, and that man out? Could nx»
of the Committee "^ :\''>!„^"^Jf ;J",^ Hhe atUt^ question of any kind be disposed of with a calm impar-
!^whLttSatTuestionLd S^res mfdt^'the H*^^^ t'.al judgment? He should deeply regret if any gen-
;rr t^ :roritTeT'i"hlirX:r;i'd iipt ^e the eleCon^f thl man or that. Hecould not possibly
subject. But this was not the' object for which lie had
risen— the present question had not come upon him un-
__e how it could have any thing to do with the matter.
Whv must this be made a political question at this time
more than at any other? Did the gentlemen from Geor-
expectedly-he ^ad been aware befoi^ejiee^ter^^^^^^^ glasuppose that the progress^of purification would be
^eT-^Ud.T:dThlttlekt«^^^^^^^^ »t -r f--*^». P—^^ consideration.
l6Si]
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
SI
would cease to operate? If, while the present incum-
bent occupied the Presidential chair, the Bank question
must of necessity have a political aspect, «as it to be
supposed, that two years hence, when there were two
or more g'entlemen, candidates for that situation, the
discussion of it would be any more disinterested? No !
cried Mr. McD., it is the imperfection of man that pre-
sents the difficulty; and until that shall cease, the gen-
tleman from Gcorg"ia will never t^et out of it. The
President and Directors of the mother Bank had been
governed, not by political or party motives, in pre-
senting this memorial, but by the obligation under
which they lay, no tonly to the stockholders, but to the
Government of the United States. What would be the
effect of refusing to renew the charter, or to act upon
the subject, till two years, or till a single year before its
expiration? Could the gentleman from Georgia have
reflected upon the consequences? That Bank had given
a credit of §50,000,000 to the people of the United
States. What did he suppose must be the effect of
suddenly withdrawing that credit' Its effect, not only
to the individuals to whom the credit had been given,
but to all others connected with them? It would be
nothing short of utter desoLation. AVhether the charter
were to be granted or refused, tlie House was hound in
every view of the subject to act upon it now, and to
act definitely. A period of four years was not more
than was indispensably requisite to wind up the con-
cerns of such an institution. If the consideration of the
subject at this time was necessarily attended with any
embarrassment, he should regret it; but still he must
hold the great leading interests of the country to be par-
amount to all political and party considerations. If it
was in the power of jcntleraen to discard all such feel-
ings in considering the great question to which this me-
morial referred he earnestly hoped that it might be
done.
Mr. Cambreleng, of New York, said that he heartily
joined in the wisli just expressed by the gentlemaii from
South Carolina, (Mr. McDutlie,) that the subject
might be approached without any thing like political
excitement: but that gentleman and himself must live
farbeyond the ordinary length of man's l.fc, if they ever
Kved to see that question separated from party consi-
derations. If his recollection did not very much de-
ceive him, that gentleman, in the beginning of the ses-
sion, had expressly said that the Bank question would
sleep in his committee throughout the residue of the
session.
Here Mr. McDuffie interposed, and said th.at the gen-
tleman had entirely misunderstood him — that he had
never made any such a-ssertiou.
Mr. Cambreleng said he stood corrected. He concur-
red with the gentleman, that the subject ought to be
met; but he hoped that in considering it, the House
would deliberate long, and reflect maturely. They
would thoroughly examine the great question, whether
any Bank in tlie country could have the power to issue
a currency from all its branches in every part of the
country — payable nowhere.
Here Mr. McDuffie was about to interpose, when
Mr. Cambreleng said he was not going to enter into the
merits of the general question; but had arisen for the
purpose of suggesting to the gentlemen from Georgia,
(Mr Wayne,) not to move to lay this memorial on the |
table. He was for himself willing and ready to meet
the subject. He wished also to make an appeal to the I
gentleman from Soutli Carolina, (Mr. McDsffie,) whe-
ther he would persist in his motion to refer the memo- I
rial tothe committee of Ways and Means, seeing that if
it should go to a select committee that gentlemen s
would occupy in such committee the same st.ation he
held in the standing committee to which he belonged, '
and whetlwr he would not consent tkatthe subject of re-
chartering the Bank, should goto a select committee, [
as it had heretofore done. He had joined with that
Jl'cntleman in referring so much of the mcwage as re- '
j lated to this subject, to the committee of Ways and
Means. But, the consideration of a memorial which
' would require the whole subject to be sfted tothe very
bottom, was, of itself, sufficient to occupy a committee
during the whole session of congress. The committee
; of Ways and Means was charged with the revenue and
finances of the country, and could not give it that atten-
I tion which it required. He therefore suggested to the
p^C'tleman from ^outh Carolina, whether he ought not,
m justice to others as well as to himself, to move the
reference of the memorial to a select committee.
Mr. McDuffie replieel, that to do so would not be to
comply with the order of proceeding in the House, inas-
much as the subject appropriately belongs tothe com-
mittee on Finance.
Mr. Cambreleng, thereupon, moved that the memo-
rial be referred to a select committee.
Mr. CoL-LTEn, of Pennsylvania, said that he had not
been so fortunate as the gentleman from Georgia, [Mr.
Wayne] inasmuch as he had not heard that such a me-
morial was this day to be presented to the House, and
the only reason he felt any particular interest, as to the
disposition of it wa.s, that many of the petitioners resid-
ed within the St;ite from which he came. He had the
same interest in the general subject with other citizens
of the country. What was the subjectbeforethe House?
A petition had been presented from a number of highly
respectable citizens on a subject vitally interesting to the
nation. Hadthey not a right to address this House? Had
they approached it with an address upon a hght and
frholous subject? A subject improper to occupy the
atTention of the legislative body' No. It was a subject
which claimed the attention not only of that House, but
of the whole Union. A subject which must undergo the
action of the Legislature, at some period not far distant.
.\nd how was it proposed to treat these citizens' If he
had not misunderstood the gentleman from Georgia, that
gentleman had proposed that these citizens, together
I with the subject on which they petitioned, should be
contemptuously thrown under the table, and that on the
I ground that it was a subject not fit .at this time, to occu-
[ py the attention of the representatives of the United
I States What were the reasons advanced in support of
this position' Why, th.at the subject of the petition par-
j took of a party character, or, that the prcsent:ition of the
j petition was connected with certain other political move-
I ments in the country' This might be a good reason with
I the gentleman from Georgia, as he very possibly was in
I the secrets of the party that had met at Baltimore; but
as for himself he was not He stood on that floor asa
I representative of the people — prepared to act on the
subjects which in that capacity might be brought before
1 him. He was governed by no such considerations — he
I knew of no connexion of the memorial with any party
: or other proceedings at Baltimore. A\l he knew was
that the petitioners resided in the state of Pennsylvania;
tliat they had a right to present the memorial, and had
acted properly in doing so, and a mere allegation that
I the paper was connected with political movements at
Baltimore, formed no reason why he should not exercise
the responsibility which h.ad been committed to him. It
had been s.aid that the Bank question always would be
connected with the politics of the countr}-. If that was
true, it w.as an'objcction tluit would apply equally at all
times. But such w.as not his view of llic subject He
hoped that the gi-eat experiment of a represcntatire
government had not so completely failed, that a Legisla-
tive Assembly could not pronounce upon a great sub-
ject, connected with the interests of the countrj-, with-
out being governed by predilections for men, and by
feehngfs of mere party politics. The moment he should
be compelled to believe that, he should conclude that
the great republican experiment had failed; for it was
the same to him whetlicr a despot on the throne domi-
neered over the country, or some demagogue who issued
his proclamations, from a committee room, orclsewhere,
controlled public opinion, und ruled the country. If
32
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
[JiJTFiBT
great questions of national policy were to be settled on
the paltry politics of the day, or by a mere preference
for individuals, the people ought to know it. It was be-
cause he believed that the House was capable of decid-
ing- such a question as this of the- Bank, on purely na-
tional principles, that he believed that the present
memorial ought to receive the action of that "House. —
He should not enter upon any considerations which
touched the merits of the question, he would only say,
in g-eneral, that the paper before the House was a re-,
spectful petition on a subject every way fit for the action
of the House, and ought to receive its action. Were
gentlemen to be deterred from the consideration of the
memorial, by such reasons as had been offered by the
gentleman from Georgia? He hoped that every man
who felt in Ws own bosom higher and nobler principles
of action than that gentlemenhad alluded to, wo\ddnot
be deterred from the discharge of his duty; that the man
who stood there as a Representative of the people, and
felt that he was worthy so to stand, would act in such a
manner as to show that he was above the reach of such
motives- Let liim suppose that this house was to b.e
wrested from the course of duty and patriotism, and per-
verted and debased into a mere party machine, what,
he a.sked, would be the most direct mode of accomplish-
ing such an end.'
He knew of none more directly calculated to effect
it than that which had been now pursued by the gdUe-
man from Georgia. If any gentleman on that floor
choose to become the trumpeter to blow the rally of
party, he might perhaps, succeed in carrying a portiflh
of the House with him; yet he must still believe that
House capable, in spite of all such efforts, of deciding
national questions on national principles. He had no
idea that the gentleman from Georgia intended to rally
ap.artv; but whatever were the gentleman's intentions,
such alone could be the effect of his remarks; nor could
he have devised a fitter mode to effect such an object.
He had no doubt the gentleman really felt all tire boding
fears he had expressed, but he could not but consider
them as entirely premature. As to the committee to
which the memorial might be sent, it was to him a mat-
ter of no verv great consequence. The onlychfference
between sending it to a select committee, and sending
it to the committee of Ways and Means, is this — that in
the committee of Ways and Means, he had the utmost
confidence, but he might not feel quite as much in a se-
lect committee.
He saw no reason why the subject should not take
tlie same course which it had hitherto done. The com-
mittee of Ways and means was raised expressly to con-
sider questions connected with the revenue; and he ask-
ed whether this subject did not n.aturally connect itself
with the duties of such a committee? None could
doubt it. From the days of Alexander Hamilton until
that day, they h.ad been closely connected — so closely
that, to use the eloquent expression of the gentleman
from South Carolina, the one might be called the body
and the other the soul. Why should not the memorial
go to the committee of Ways and Means? It belonged
to that committee by the rules of the House, and it had
always been refen-ed to them as a preparatory step.
Whv should it not be now? He could see no valid rea-
son. It had, to be sure, been objected that that com-
mittee had already expressed an opinion on the general
subject. Very true; and that was the very reason why
he wished to send it there. It was parliamentary to re-
fer subjects to committeeswhose views were favourable,
and should not a great question, on which the wisest
statesmen of the country had bestowed their thoughts,
and expressed their opinion, go to a committee whose
views were in its favor, when matters of the most trival
moment were subject to th.atrule. The object in that
very proper parhamentary rule was that a measure pro-
posed might be presented in the most favorable manner
— ^that it might, so to speak, have a fair chance; and, in
the language of the books on parliamentary law, that it
might not be committed to a nurse who would be sure to
strangle it. He did not wish to see this memorial stran-
gled. He wished it to go to a committee where it would
receive the consideration which it merited, in order th.<t
it might afterwards receive the judgment of the House,
unprejudiced and fairi; expressed.
Mr. ArpLETox said that the subject-matter of the pe-
tition was one of the deepest interest to the community.
It was most intimately connected with the commercial
interest, but not exclusively so. Every class and every
section of the country were interested in the question
whether the charter of the Bank of the United States
should be renewed He thonght that the importance of
the interest involved made it proper that the petition
should be referred to a select committee, who would
give to the subject their undivided attention. The ap-
propriate duties of the committee of Ways and Means
jiad reference to the finances of the countiy, which
were certainly connected to a certain degree with this
institution — but, in his opinion, its bearing on the gen-
eral prosperity was a matter of greater and paramount
interest. Its relation to a sound cuiTcncy involved, per-
haps, the most importiuit question in our whole internal
policy. He supposed there was no doubt that, whether
referred to the committee of Ways and Means, or to a
select committee, according to all the principles usually
adopted in the appointment of committees, a report
would be made in favor of renewing the charter. But
it was of the utmost importance that a careful and tho-
rough examination should be had, whether some modi-
fications of the existing charter should not be made on
its renewal; and what should be the terms and conditions.
He believed it to be susceptible of improvement, and
hoped a committee would be appointed who would ex-
amine the subject thoroughly, uninfluenced, if possible,
by party considerations, which certainly ought not to be
connected with this subject.
The debate was further continued, by short speech-
es, from the following gentlemen: — Messrs. Archer and
Mercer, of A''irginia; Ingtrsoll, of Connecticut; Carson,
of N. Carolina; Wilde, of Georgia; Mitchell, of S. Caro)
hna; Root, of New York; Dearborn, of Massachusetts;
Cambreleng, of New York; C. C. Johnson, of Virginia;
Howard, of M.aryland; Foster, of Georgia; Jenifer, of
Maryland; Huntington, of Connecticut; Wayne, of Geor-
gia; Sutherland, of Pennsylvania; Cai-son, of N. Caro
lina; Elsworth, of Connecticut; Hoffman, of New York.
Before the debate arrived at this stage, the usual hour
of adjournment had arrived, and a motion was made,
and negatived, to adjourn.
The main question was then put (Mr. Davis having
withdrawn his motion to refer the memorial to a com-
mittee of the whole on the state of the Union) upon the
reference of the memorial to tlie committee of Ways
and Means, and decided by yeas and nays.
So the memorial was refeiTcd to the committtee of
Wavs and Means. Yeas— 100. Nays — 90.
PORT OF rillLADELPHIA, 1831.
Arrivals — Coastwise, - - 3,206
Foreign, - . - 396
Total,
3.602
New tonnage.
Launched,
5 Ships,
4 Brigs,
7 Schooners,
10 Sloops,
Tons, 3,525 51.95
Printed evei) SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED-
DES, No. 9 Librnry Street. Pliila.lelpliia; where, and at the PUB-
LIGATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE second door 6aek
of the Post Oflice,(froiit rooml lubscript'.uns will be ihankrull; r»-
ceived. Price FIVE DOLLARS per aiij-im, payable annually
by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is ao
agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRKSEKV
EVEKT KIND OF USEFDL INFORMATIOH BE9P£CTtHO THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAJIUEL HAZARD.
VOL. IX.-NO. 3. PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 2l, 1832. IVO 212.
COLUMBIA AND PHILADELPHIA RAIL-UOAD.
Repobt of Jous Bahber, Scperintemdest.
To the Canal Comnnsshners:
Gestlf.mex: — Since my report made lo the board on
the 4th December of the prcceding^, all the \Vork which
was then under contract upon tbe Columbia and Phila-
adelphia rail-way has been completed. These contracts
embraced the road formation, mechanical and inciden-
tal work upon twenty and a half miles of ra.l-way, ex-
tendings eastward from the head of the plane at Colum-
bia, and twenty miles extending westward from the
Schuylkill river. The above forty and a half miles
were authorized by the act of 24tb March, 1828, and
put under contract in January 1829, and comprises
that p;u-t of the line, upon a portion of which, the con-
struction of the railing- is now contracted for.
Abstract No. 1, will show that the amount of moneys
disbursed upon this portion of the line, during the pre-
sent year, has been «^60,508 55; of which.sum S10,554 96
was paid on balances and retained per centage due on
final estimates, for work done prior to the date of my
last report.
Having, in my larious reports to the board, given
them an exhibit in detail, of the several works connect-
ed with these divisions of the rail-way, it remains neces-
sary only, at this time, to show the aggregate amount of
moneys expended on the same. The whole amount of
moneys paid upon this part of the work, for preparing
the road bed, and for all other matters, is three hun-
dred thirty-seven thousand, seven hundred sixty three
dollars, four cents; and the amount settled and in pro-
gress of settlement, at the accountant department, is
correspondent with that sum. The disbursements, un-
der their several heads, will, however, more satisfactori-
ly appear in abstract No. 2, annexed to this report.
A quantity of rubble stone has been excavated, and
remains upon different sections of the road; arrange-
ments have been made with the contractors for laying
down the rails, to >ise all that is fit for the purpose, of
that materi;d, in filling in the trenches and stoning the
horse path. It will be estimated to them at a fair valua-
tion, and the commonwealth will receive a credit tlicrc-
for in the settlement of these contracts.
The contracts for new work, authorized by the act
of 21st March last, were principally signed in the i
month of M;iy. The allotments were made under
the immediate superintendence of the canal board, on
S reposals received on the 11th and 18lh of May, at
iQwningtown and Columbia. In June, the line \vas
put into active operation, and tlie first estimates were
paid in the early part of July. The contracts above
referred to, embrace the graduation, mechanical and
incidental work Upon those portions of the line not ,
heretofore authorized; and which are comprised with-
in the following limits, to wit: First, the inclined plane [
section, commencing at the canal basin in Columbia, j
and extending to the head of the plane, a distance of |
one mile twenty-seven and a half chains. The next
in order is termed tlie middle division, commencing at
the western end of section No. 22. north of the village i
of I'lradise, in Lancaster count)-, extending a distance '
of thirty-six miles thirty-eight ch»ins to, and including |
Vot. IX. 5
the 59th section; ending at a point dil^ctly south of the
Warren tavern, in Chester county. And the third di.
vision is that which extends from the foot of the inclined
plane westerly on the side of the Schuylkill river, fol-
lowing in part the line of the old Union canal, and ter-
minating at the corner of Broad and Vine streets, in
Ph ladclphia; embracing a distance of three miles twen-
ty-four chains. Making the whole distance now under
contract, for road formation, forty-one miles nine and
a half chains; and which, when added to that part al-
ready completed, gives the whole extent of the Colum-
bia and Philadelphia rail-way, from the out-let locks at
the basin in Columbi;i, to its termination aforesaid, eigh-
ty-one and about a half miles, or 81 523. 1000.
The new contracts entered info for excavation and
embankments have been prosecuted with great energyj
and a large amount of tlie heavy work is executed-
Section No 30, extending through tlie gap of the Mine
ridge, .at the highest point of which, there is a cutting
of thirty-seven feet, is the only one which presents any
formidable difficulties, and is the only section not now
j in the hands of the original contractors; this section ha-
ving been re-let under proposals received on the 2d
Septembci- last. The greatest obstacle presented in
the prosecution of this work, is the quicksands which
' appear within a few feet of the surface throughout its
! whole extent. But the contractors feel confident they
[ will be enabled to overcome these difficulties, and com-
plete their contract in due season — They have about
one hundred men employed at the present time. The
inclined plane section at Columbia, has also progressed
with vigour. The excavation in the deepest part is
thirty-three feet, and is estimated to contain 67,000
cube yards; the removal of nearly one half of which,
by the next estimate d.ay, will have been effected. On
the division cast of the Schuylkill, a large force has also
been employed — and only for a large amount of rock
which has appeared at two points upon the line, this
portion of tlie road formation might have now been
completed. It is fully expected however, that it will
be finished by the first if J,anu.arj'. The m.asonr)' of the
culverts is in a forward st.ate, on twenty-four, some of
which are of large span and great length; final estimates
have been settled, and the payments of the next esti-
mates will reduce to few' in number, all that are now
in operation. Of the larger bridges, that across the
Pequea creek will in a few weeks be completed — the
hiasonry is finished and the superstructure raised. This
is a beautiful work) and reflects much credit upon the
contractors. The bridges ovei' east and west Brandy-
wine and Valley creeks, are not so far advanced, al-
though a considerable amount of the masonry has been
executed; the winter months will be employed in ga-
thering the material, and a vigorous prosecution of these
.structures may be expected in the spring. I regret
that I cannot report so favourably upon the work done
at the bridge across the Schuylkill; operations under
this contract however, ar<S being prosecuted at the pre-
sent time with great energj'. A coffer dam has been
sunk within a few days at the foundation of one of the
piers, and sufiicient stone of a superior quality got
out, to raise the masonn.' to high water mark; a steam
engine is ready on the spot, to be used in pumping out
the water, as soon a.s the coflTer dam shall be secured
34
COLUMBIA AND PHILADELPHIA RAIL-ROAD.
[jiSOiB*
and made tight — and the contractors are determined up-
on working- nig-ht and day until the masonry of this pier
is so far advanced as to be out of the reacli of high wa-
ter of the spring- freshets. In fact, this work is now go-
ing on under favourable circumstances, more so" than
might have been expected, from the lateness of the
season in wliich it w.as commenced; and setting aside
unforseen obstacles, I feel confident the superstructure
of the bridge will be placed upon tjie piers bv the
first of November of -tlie next year; and that it w'ill be
entirely finished and made passable in a short lime af-
terwards. And although some chfRcultv was experi-
enced in getting this important structure under con-
tract, }et am I satisfied under all the circumstances, that
the commonwealth have lost nothing- by the delay. 1
have just had an intimation from the engineer attendant
on that work, that if tlie weather should prove at all fa
vourable, two more of the coffer dams will immediately
be sunk.
Thirty-two and a haf miles of sing'e track -way of
the i-ailing is now under contract, as follows: twenty
miles on the eastern and twelve and a half miles on the
western end. The first ten miles commencing at the
corner of Broad and Mne streets, has been let to a
company under the plan of a continuous line of stone
sills, plated with flat iron bars. A distance of nearly
two miles of the siUs are embedded, upon which the
contractors are now fi.xing the iron plating. This ope-
ration, together with stoning the hoi-se-path, will be
completed m a few days: a temporary wooden raihng
intersecting the permanent track, at' the foot of the
plane, is also in progress of construction, which, when
completed, will greatly facilitate the work; in giving
the contractors an opportunity of more readily trans-
porting on rail-way cars, along the line, the heavy ma-
terial of which the rail-way is composed. The seven
miles of this contract, west of the Schuylkill, can be
finished by the first of May, and that portion on the
eastern side, bj- the first of June — which, for the latter,
■would be as early as prudence would dictate, that the
permanent railing should be laid on embankments
lyliich have so rec.ntly been constructed. About 6,000
lineal feet of stone sills are now at the landings ready to
be hauled out — calculated to lay down 3,000 feet more
of the track, and arrangements have been made with the
company for the delivery, as long as the weather will
permit, of 600 feet perdaj-.
The other ten miles of the eastern division was also
originally let to one company, under the Liverpool and
Manchester plan, of using stone blocks and iron edge
rails. The contract for this work, was, for a time, pro-
secuted with spirit, and a considerable amount of mate-
rial was collected upon the line— but the contractors
having, about the 1st of October, -n-ithdrawn tlieir for-
ces, It was declared abandoned and re-let again on the
28th of that month, in two separate parcels o"f five miles
each The work is now rapidly advancing, and it is
confidently expected this ten miles wiU be completed
by the first of May. At which time it may be expected
that a continuous Hne from the west side of the Schuyl-
kill to the Paoli tavern, a distance of seventeen miles of
single track-way, will be entirely completed. As re-
gards the twelve and a half miles of single track rail-
ing, which was put under contract eft the ISth May, on
the western division, the first contractors completely
laded in procuring stone of a quality suit.able for its con-
stmctjon, under the stone sill plan. Tnesi; contracts
were declared abandoned, and on the llth July the
work was let under the block and edge rail plan The
first 6i miles from the plane, was again declared aban-
doned, and re-let on the 25th October. The other six
mJes commencing at the Conestoga bridge and pro-
gressing towards Columbia, has gone on vigoroush-- ma-
terials have been deposited on the ground sufficent for
laying down about three miles of the single track; and
the iron edge raUs, none of which description has yet
amVBd, IS only wantmg to complete a large portion of
this contract; and the same obser^'ation as regards the
other portions of the line upon the same plan, may be
made. Both the contracts on tliis division can be cofti-
pleted by the first of May.
Every contract upon the line, excepting a few of
those recently entered into under the letting of the 3d
instant, is now in active operation, and the work rapid-
ly going on.
If an appropriation should be made by the legislature
at their coming session, which would warrant puttings
the residue of the railing under contract next spring, the
whole of the line can be finished with double tracks,
engines and every other fixture, in the most permanent
manner, ready to go into full operation in two years
from the present time. A large portion of the line hoW'
ever, yielding a very considerable revenue, will be in
operation in the early part of the next summer. And
although it would doubtless be an object of great im-
portance with the board to have this line of the public
works completed at the earliest possible period, in or-
der that it might yield to the state an interest somewhat
proportionable to the monies expended, yet there are
other considerations which in my view ought not to
be overlooked — time ought to be allowed for the con-
struction of these works, sufficient to have them execu-
ted in a permanent and substantial manner.
Under authority contained in a resolution of the
board, dated at Northumberland on the 25th June last,
I entered into contract witli two responsible shippings
houses in Philadelphia, for furnishing from England,
agreeably to the specifications and patterns of the en-
gineer, the requisite quantity of malleable iron edge
rails and flat bars, with the necessary fixtures for laying-
down the same, on so much of the single track-way as
is now under contract. Orders for this iron went out
to Liverpool by the first packet which sailed, and ar-
rangements for the manufacture have been made under
very favorable circumstances. One hundred and seven-
ty-five tons of the flat bars have within a few days arri-
ved, and further shipments are shortly expected.
The conti-acts entered into for these materials will
amount to one hundred twenty thousand dollars. And as
the contractors in their agreement have stipulated to
purchase tile iron at cash prices in England, it will be
fair to consider so much of the specific appropriation to
this division, in addition to what has already been paid
on other contracts, as expended, inasmuch as the -ft'hole
amount of tlie iron will have to be paid on its arrival
here.
Tabular statements, showing the progress of new
work now under contract, the report and statement of
the principal engineer upon the line, together with aU
other information required of me by the acts of assem-
bly or by resolutions of the board, will be herewith
transmitted.
By reference to abstract No. 3, annexed to this re -
port, it will be seen that of the specific appropriation
to this line, there has been drawn from the treasury by
me two hundred twenty-four thousand dollars; and that
the amount settled and in progress of settlement at the
accountant department, is two hundred ten thousand
seven hunrlred and four dollars twenty-three cents.
Leaving a balance in my hands, deducting six thousand
thirty -six dollars and two cents, paid to engineers and
others on account, of seven thousand two hundred fifty-
nine dollars seventy cents, applicable to the payments
on estimates which in a few days will be due.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
JNO. BARBER,
Superinlendeni.
Columbia and Philadelphia rail-way office, >
Columbia, Nov. 25th, 1831. 5
ABSTRACT, No. 1.
Amount dra'(yn from the treasury on old Ivork, inci-
1832.]
COLUMBIA AND PHILADELPHIA RAIL-ROAD.
35
dental and engineering expenses, and disbursed during
the present year, $6J,5u8 65
Under the following heads, to wit:
On sections, $18,456 07
On bridges, 17, 1 10 90
On miseellaneous, 4,731 32
On engineering, 8cc, 2,508 22
On fencing, 7,097 18
On damages, 50 00
In addition to which the sum
of ^^0,554 96 was paid on
balances and retained per
centage due on final esti-
mates for work done prior
to the date of last year's
$49,953 69
statement.
$10,554 96
$60,508 65
No 2.
The following abstract exhibit? the amount of money
drawn from the treasury, and disbursed upon contracts
on the old line of rail-way, since its commencement.
Amount drawn from the treasury, and ap-
propriated to payment of contracts on
old line of rail-way, $337,763 04
Paid vs folluwi.
Road formation, $170,909 55
Mechanical work, 96,961 39
Fencing, 34,742 84
Repairs and incidental work, 8,2j9 95
Engineering, 24,769 83
Damages, 575 29
Expenses, 1,544 18
$337,763 04
No. 3.
Amount drawn from treasury, for the
payment of contracts made under act of
21st March last, on Columbia and Plul-
adelphia rail-way, $224,000 00
Disbursed as follows, per vouchers filed
in auditing department:
On sections, $131,172 73
Bridges and culverts, 53,920 34
Laving rails, 15,780 00
Fencing, 802 00
Engineering, 8,393 00
Expenses, 636 16
$210,704 23
Temporar)' and other re-
ceipts not yet settled, 6,036 02
Balance due commonwealth in
my hands for future dis-
bursements, 7,259 75
$224,000 00
Repout op Jobs Wilsos, E.toixF.in.
Phihddpliia, Aov. 11, 1831.
Sir — In compliance witli the requisition of the se-
cretary to the canal commissioners, tliat I should furnish
you With such tletails from the engineer department, .is
would cnrU)le you in your annual report, to give a full
and satisfactory exhibit of the work upon the Columbia
and Philadelpbia rail-road, I herewith transmit you a
table of all the work now under contract upon tlie line,
from returns made up to November 1st.
This document is divided into four compartments.
The first exhibits the length of each section ofro.id for-
mation, and the amount expended for cxcav.ations and
embankments, with tl\e probable cost of the imfinished
work. The second is appropriated to tlic culverts.
ThB-third to bridges, and the fourth to the rail way su-
perstructure.
The graduation and masonry upon the whole of the
middle division have been prosecuted with vigour. That
portion of the road formation from Schuylkill river to
Broad and Vine streets, is expected to be finished about
tlie latter part of next month. This would have been
accomplished at an earher period, but a greater quanti-
ty of rock appeared in the deep cuttings tlian was an-
ticipated. The most important cuh erts upon the line will
be constructed before the season for masonry closes.
By the last return there were twenty-eight completed;
of the remaining twenty, such as were in progress will
be finally estimated before the end of this month. Of
the five principal bridges, the one over Pequea
creek, will soon be finished: the masonry of those over
Brandywine and Valley creeks, is considerably advanc-
ed. The contractors are collecting materials and prepa-
ring a coffer dam for one ot the wiers of .Schuylkill
bridge. The lateness of the season when this work
was re-let to the present coutraetoi-s, will only enable
them to be in readiness to prosecute it with vigour in
the spring.
The contract for laying a single track with grsi-
nite sills, upon ten miles west from Philadelphia,
has not progressed with that rapidity which was desi-
red. The transportation of siicii heavy materials can
only be effected when the roads are in good order;
when we shall liave received the iron bars for complet-
ing that portion of the road already prepared for it, the
work will then go on with greater f icility. The same
difficulty exists in prosecuting the contracts upon the
remaining twenty-two miles; we expect, however, in
the course of this winter to have the whole of the mate-
rials in readiness, so that when the edge rails arrive,
there will be nothing wanting to complete the present
contracts.
In referring to the tabular statement of the cost of
the work, it will exhibit a greater amount than has been
estimated in former reports. This is caused by substi-
tuting in every case (where materials were convenient
for the purpose,) stone ai-ches instead of wooden
bridges, and by increasing the embankments and dimi-
nishing the size of the bridges, where wooden super-
structures were neeessaiy. We have also incurred
considerable expense by enlarging our former curves,
and rendering the line as str.aight as practieuble.
Having thus given you all the information required of
me, I trust you will be enabled to present to the board
a full and satisfactory repoi-t.
I remain very respectfully vours,
■ JOHN WILSON,
John Barbel', Esq. supetintfcndent, Co-?
lumbia and Philadelphia rail-road. 3
Estimate or Cost.
Philadtlphia, JVW. 8, 1831.
DsAii Srn — In answer to your communication of tha
3d inst. I will thank you to lay before the board the fol-
lowing, for their information.
. In the present stiite of tlie contracts for completing
the superstructure of the i-ail-road, it is difficult to form
an accurate estimate of what would be the entire cost
of completing the line between 1'hil.tdelphia and Co-
himbia, with double tracks. The deficiency of mate-
rials, particularly stone suitable for blocks, on l)Oth the
eastern and western divisions of the road, has enhanced
the cost of constj-uction considerably beyond what will
be incurred on otlicr portions of the fine; I except,
however, the present contnict prices for laying ways
with granite sills: they are lower tlian would be again
offered for any future contract, as no such material can
be obtained within any reasonable distance of the rail-
way, westward of the limit of Robinson, Can- Si Co's.
contract. The next item involved in the calculation of
an estimate, is the cost of the iron. Wc are hourly ex-
36
THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
[Jaxtabt
pectjng the arrival of 100 tons of flat bars, which were
ihipped from England, on the 14th September, and it
is uncertain when we may expect any portion of the
edge rails. The prices for either will, therefore, in the
estimate, only approximate to the truth.
I will now give the cost per mile, of each of the pre-
sent contracts, assuming the price for bar iron at $52 per
ton in Robinson & Go's, division, and the others at $62
per ton.
Miles. Per single trncJc. Double.
9 81 Robinson & Co. $9,042 97i S18,0a5 95
5 Provest, (new contract,) 9,443 22 18,8f-:6 44
5 McCartney, do. 8,740 32 17*480 64
Sl9 ^A Stewart & Co. do. 8,741 82 17,483 64
t ^* Fielding, 7,976 82 15,953 64
31 95.100 miles.
Without deducting any thing from these last portions
of the line for materials delivered under former con-
tracts at less prices, I shall estimate the 31 95.100 miles
of single track, as equal to 15 975.1000 miles of double
track, the cost of which will amount to S2S1,386 77.
The remaining 64 206. 1000 miles, I have estimated at
815,644 04. 100 per mile of double way. In the latter
estimate, blocks are charged at 40 cents each; broken
itone, (the state furnishing a large portion of the mate-
rial,) at 80 cents per perch, digging trenches, drilling
and laying, at 50 cents per yard (double line,) horse-
path $250, and iron at ^4,364 02. The following is the
result.
Miles.
15 975, present contracts, $ 281,386 77
64 206, not contracted for, 1,004,441 23
1 .354, bridges, wood plates, 5,000 00
81 535, add for steam engines, and occa-
sional tenants, 45,000 00
Total amount, $1,335,828 00
A single track constructed with wooden string pieces
and sleepers, in a substantial manner for the 64 miles will
cost J3U5,074. Should the board require any further
information on the above subject, you wiU please to in-
form me of it.
I am respectfully your obedient servant,
JOHN WILSON.
The New Castle and Frenchtown rail-road company,
have been so obliging as to loan the state twenty-five
tons bar iron, which we are now preparingto lay on the
granite sills. The want of iron has retarded our whole
operations.
Estimate of Cost.
Fhiladelphia, Nov. 12, 1831.
Deab Sib — In answer to your favour of the 10th, I
request you to state to the board, that the estimate of
the whole cost of the Philadelphia and Columbia rail-
way, when completely finished for use, which I now
submit, can only be considered as an appro.^imation to
the truth. It may exceed the actual expenditure or it
may be less.
The whole road formation from the basin
at Columbia to Broad and Vine streets, g961,292 21
Amount of superstructure — iron and stone
being the material used for construc-
tion, 1,335,828 00
§2,297,120 21
I am respectfully.
Your obedient serv't.
JOHN WILSON.
F. B. SirosK, Esd.
P. S. By the end of the next week, the first mile of
granite way from the head of the plane at Schuylkill,
will be ready for the transportation of our materials.
The inclined plane will also be ready shortly after.
THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
Se:sate Chambeh, Jan. 2d, 1831.
Messrs. Hnmillon & Sun. — It is nov.- generally admit-
ted that there are defects in the present organization of
the judiciary, which require legislative enactment. Va-
rious plans have been proposed, none of wh ch have hi-
therto been adopted. The bill passed at the last session
by the Senate, was believed by many to contain a system
which was liable to as few exceptions, as any that had
been proposed. The following letter I received from a
judge of high standing in one of the western districts,
which, though it differs in detail somewhat from the
bill before refeiTed to, agrees in the main with it. I
offer no apology for requesting you to publish an extract
from it. It is a subject on which tlie members as well
as the public desire information. It is quite evident
that the learned judge has reflected maturely on the
subject, and has communicated information well worthy
of an attentive consideration.
A Member of the Senate.
Extract of a letter, dated, December 20th, 1831.
I have read the Governor's Message, in which I ob-
serve he again adverts to the state of the Judiciary, and
intimates the necessity of some change to give it more
efficiency. For a long time I have thought that some-
thing must be done. The question is, what modifica-
tion of the present plan will relieve from the dehiy, em-
barrassment and d'ffintlly in the administration of the
laws, ov \\\i-iiX vreferabk system can be devised.'' If an
entire new organ'zntion should be thought necessary,
let it be done I am sure the Judges would acquiesce
sooner than remain exposed to reiterated complaints
from the people. But, possibly, the present an'ange-
ment might be in some degree altered, so as to remove
the evils that exist. I have reflected a great deal on the
subject, and think it practicable to make a very desira-
ble improvement, without increasing the public expense.
One principal cause of all the mischief and inconve-
nience that prevails, is the present mode in which the
state is divided into districts, witli local judges. This
has made special courts necessary, and at length induced
a recoui-se to circuit courts, an expedient that has totally
failed to effect the good intended.
The intercourse of a Judge, in the circle where he
moves in private life, is like that of other men. He has
friends and enemies. He is therefore exposed to the
imputation of partiality or prejudice. The people have
no opportunity of making comparisons, which perhaps,
might often remove their distrust and dissatisfaction.
The judge himself has nolhing to rouse a spirit of
emulation. I can point out many objections to the
present arrangement; but my design at present is, not
to trace the causes of well founded complaint, but to
suggest a plan by which I think they may be (measura-
bly) removed. Allow me, therefore, to repeat the out-
hne of a modification of our present judiciary organiza-
tion, which is calculated, in my opinion, to introduce a
beneficial change in legal administration. There is
great inequality now in the distribution of judicial labor.
The Judges of the Supreme Court have duties imposed
entirelv too arduous. In the inferior courts, in many of
the districts, the business cannot be done. Litigation
is usually, in some proportion to the population and
trade of any district or place. In the division that now
exists, there does not appear to have been any reference
to these considerations. In some districts there is a.
great extent of territory, with a very sparse population
and little business — the principal labor of the judge is
riding from county to county, for which his mileage is
some compensation. In others, the population is denae
and the territory small. The judge sits a long time in
each count}', and his mileage does not pay his expenses,
An inspection of the table I present will illustrate this.
There are at present seventeen ^stricts, composed as
follows;
1832.]
JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
37
1 Philadelphia city and county, with a population of
188,961, Edward King-, President.
There is a District coiiit, and the Supreme court
has original jurisdiction.
2. Lancaster and York, (district court also) 119,216,
Walter Fninklin.
3. Berks, Northampton and Lehigh, 114,890, Garrick
Mallery.
4. Huntingdon, Mifflin, Centre and Clearfield, 72,256,
Thomas Burnside.
5. Allegheny, (alone) 50,506, Charles Shaler.
6. Erie,Crawford,Venango and Warren, 46,745 Henry
Shippen.
7. Bucks and Montgomerj', 85,144, John Fox.
8. Northumberland, Lycoming, Union and Columbia,
76,603, Seth Chapman.
9. Cumberland, Adams and Perry, 64,854, John Reed.
10. Westmoreland, Indiana, Armstrong and Cambria,
77,355, John Young.
11. Luzerne, \> ayne and Pike, 39,810, David Scott.
12. Dauphin, Lebanon, Schuylkill and Juniata, 66,632,
Calvin Blythe.
13. Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, M'Kean and Potter,
48,242, Edward Hcrrick.
14. Washingftn, Fayette and Greene, 90,125, Thomas
H. Baird.
15. Chester and Delaware, 68,269, Isaac Darlington.
16. Franklin, Bedford and Somerset, 77,080, Alexander
Thompson.
17. Beaver, ISutlerand Mercer, 58,620, John Bredin.
I propose to do away the present division, and to erect
five circuits, embracing the whole state, (except Phila-
delphia city and county) in tlie following manner, viz:
Population. Agg. Pop. Pres'l. Judges.
Lancaster 76,558
York 42,653 Walter Franklin.
Chester 50,9;j8
Delaware 19,350 Isaac Darlington .
Bucks 45,740
Montgomery 39,404 — 272,629 John Fox.
(The greatest population — but there is a District
Court. )
2d Circuit, including
Berks 53,357
Northampton 39,-67 Garrick Mallerj-.
Lehigh 22,266
Dauphin 25,503
Lebanon 20,546
Schuylkill 2u,783 Calvin Blythe.
Juniata
Northumberland 18,163 ,
Union 20,749
Columbia 20,069—240,688 Seth Chapman.
3d Circuit, including
Luzerne 27,304
Wayne 7,663 David Scott.
Pike 4,843
Susquehanna 16,777
Lycoming 17,637
Bradford 19,669 Edward Herrick.
Tioga 9,052
Potter and M'Kean 2,704
Jeffenon 2,225
Warren 4,706
Venango 9,128
Crawford 16,005
Erie 16,906—167,629 Henry Shippen.
This circuit has the least population, but the greatest
extent of territory.
4th Circuit, Including
Frankhn 35,103
Bedford 24,506 Alex. Thompson.
Somerset 17,441
CumberUnd 29,218
Adams 21,379
Perry 14,257 John Kocd.
Huntingdon 27,159
•Mifflin 21,529
Centre 18,765
Clearfield 4, 8u3— 214,190 Thomas Burnside.
• The county of Juniata has been struck off from
Mifflin and attached to Judge Blythe's district, I include
it therefore in the 2d circuit — it will increase the popu-
lation of the 2d circuit and lessen that of the 4th .
5th circuit, including
Allegheny, 50,506 Charles Shaler.
Beaver, 24,206
Butler, 14,6t!3 John Bredin.
Mercer, 19,731
Westmoreland, 38,4U0
Indiana, 14,250
Armstrong, 17,625 John Young.
Washington, 42,860
Favette, 29,287
Greene, 18,028—264,576 Th. H. Baird.
This circuit has a greater population than any other
except the first, in which there is a district court I pro-
pose that there should be also a district court in Alle-
gheny, and as there are four judges in this circuit, tliis
can be done without any increase of expense, either by
commissioning one of them for that special purpose, or
by requiring them to alternate in holding that court.
' My plan is this: Let there be four terms in the year
as at present. 'Let two terms, at intervals of six months,
be assigned for the trial of issues of fact in Common
Pleas and cases in the Oyer and Terminer. At each of
these terms one of the president judges shall attend, and
they shall so alternate in the performance of their judi.
cial duties, that no one shall preside in the same county
twice in succession unless with the consent of the bar in
writing. At the other two terms the associate judges
will hold the ordinary quarter sessions and dispose of
the mere routine of motions, rules, &c. in the Common
Pleas, Orphans' Court, Ecc, and also try indictments for
petty offences. All cases of magnitude or importance,
to be upon appt'c-ition continued until the next terra,
when one of the presidents may be present. The c urts
for the tri;il of issues of fact to be prolonged in the dis.
cretion of the judges until the causes are all disposed of.
There sh;ill be one court every year in each county, at
which the president judges in the circuit will a// attend.
At tli!s term all law questions shall be deliberately heard
and determined Motions for new trial, demurrers, &c.
&c. and all matters resened or continued from the quar-
terly courts. There will be no jury, and therefore no
additional expense to the public^ arguments can be
heard and considered, free from tlie hurry and bustle of
a jury court. The sitting of this court in bank to be ar-
ranged. so as to allow a writ of errorto the supreme court
without delay. It is believed that when the three law
judges concur, there will be few writs of error.
The present division of districts to be done away.
Each of the judges to have equal powci's and Jurisdic^
tion with the others witliin the circuit. Every tiling
like hca/, exclusive jurisdiction, to be abolishe<L The
process issued, returnable to every term, to be tested m
the name of tlie judge who last presided. And at the
courts in bank in each county, tliat judge to preside
who last lield the court for tri.-U by jury in that county.
The niles for practice to be formed by the three judges,
and to be uniform throughout the circuiC
Special courts and circuit courts to be abolished. But
that there may be confidence and stability in the adju-
dication of the appellate court in the last resort, I pro-
pose to revise with certain motlifications the high court
of errors and appeals, to be composed of the judges of
the supreme court, and one president from each circuit,
in alternation. This court to be held once a ye.ar at
Harrisburg. No appeal to this final tribunal to be al-
lowed, except in cases where the judges of the supreme
court have divided in opinion. 1 his high court also to
have power to make, adjust and alter the rules of prac-
tice in the several circuits, so as to cflect uniformity and
3S
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[JiSTAKT
efficiency. This is a brief outline of the proposed mo-
dification. JIany important particulars will be embraced
in the details, if the plan should be adopted.
Allow me now to sug-g-est some of the advantages that
I anticipate from the chang-e I offer: and
1st. It will afford to e\ery suiter an opportunity of
having his cause tried by a judg'e who is neither inter-
ested in the court nor the question; and towards whom
he has neither paitiality nor prejudice. — It will there-
fore,
2d. Make special coui-ts and circuit courts unneces-
sary, for both these expedients have originated from the
objections of parties to their several judges.
3d. More business will be done. I have no hesitation
in saying that a greater number of causes can be tried at
the two terms proposed than are now at four. The time
of the court will not be taken up, nor tlieir attention in-
terrupted (as at present) with motions, rules, and all tlie
vast variety of concerns tl^at render our juiy courts a
scene of confusion and turmoil. Besides, it will be
found that many cases will be slated for hearing and de-
liberation by the three judges at tlieirterm in bank.
4th. It will afford time to examine legal questions,
whichnow have to be decided (often without argument)
in all the hurry of a jury court. The judge may reason
points, or his opinion delivered to the jmy may be re-
examined before the coiu-t in bank, upon a motion for
new trial. Should the other judg"es sustain, it is proba-
ble that in most cases the losing partv M"ould acquiesce.
5th It would excite a laudable emulation in the judges
by their present'ug" them before the people in a situation
for fair comparison and estimate.
6th. It would relieve the supreme court from a part
of theii- present onerous charge, and would afford them
leisure for study and reflection.
7th. It would introduce uniformity in the practice of
the courts.
8th. Last, but not least, it will not increase the pub-
lic burthen. I have seen a project which proposes the
appointment of circuit judges, &c. &c. The expense
of this plan will be enormous, and I fear the people,
with such a weight of debt upon them, will not be wil-
ling' to encounter such an experiment. If judges are
appointed, and thus drawn from other pursuits in life,
they cannot with propriety be dismissed. The plan of-
fered in the petition I have seen, is very doubtful as to
its practical efficiency. '1 he one I submit is at all events
safe: the experiment will cost nothing, it makes no se-
rious change or derangement in the order of things. If
it should be unsuccessful, tlie matter may be placed" in
statu quo, or some other plan adopted, when tlie people
may be more willing to meet the expense.
I submitted last year something of the kind I now of-
fer. The memorandum I have mislaid or lost.- The
general idea, however, is in my memorj-, and I have
given you the outline. If you think it contains any
hint that may be useful, please to have it presented to
the committee who may have the matter in charge.
I am altogether opposed to the plan proposed in cer-
tain petitions that have been put into circulation. It is
expensive, complex, and I conceive nut likely to be effi-
cient. The precise operation I cannot entirely com-
prehend. I am anxious that something should be done,
but I do not wish to increase the public expense, nor
add to the labour of the district judges, unless it is clear
that there will be advantage. — Hurrishurg Chronicle,
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
THuRSD.ty, January 12th, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL.— Mr. Johnson presented the
following petition, which was refeiTcd to the Paving
committee.
To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phila-
delphia.
The petition of the undersigned citizens respectfully
eboweth, that your petitioners labor under great incon-
venience from the immense body of water thaj; is thrown
into South street, between Fifth and .Sixth streets, from
the adjoining streets and alleys, which in the winter
season collects large bodies of ice, to the great injury
of the inhabitants, and danger and inconvenience of
passengers. Also much expense is incurred by the
Corporation in employing men to cut out the ice so as
to prevent in some measure, the water from overflowing
the foot pavement into tlie Houses, on the north side of
said street. Your petitioners therefore most respectful-
ly request your honorable body to cause the South
street sewer to be extended from its present termina-
tion above Fifth street to the upper side of Sixth street,
which in the opinion of your petitioners will remedy the
evil they seriously complain of; and your petitioners
will ever pray, 8cc.
Pliiladelphia, Dec. 26, 1831.
Mr. Worrell presented the annexed communication
from Mr. Conrad, -which was referred to a special com-
mittee, and Messrs.WoiTcll, Johnson, Sexton and Moss,
w-ere appointed the committte.
To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phila-
delphiii.
Gentlemen — The petition of the subscriber respectful-
ly represents that he is the o-w-ner of certain property-
located in Second, north of Arch street, known by the
name of Conrad's Court, and containing twelve three
storied dwelling houses; that your petitioner consider-
ing it but justice, that the said Court should be lighted at
the public expense, made application to the Commission-
ers for tliat purpose, -\vho very politely attended to the
request, but considering it would be transcending their
power, referred me to Councils for autliority to do so,
your petitioner therefore begs that Councils would
appoint a committee to examme the premises and to
direct the lighting of said Court, the lamps for which
are already up, and your petitioner will &.c.
Mattbew Cosbad.
Philadelphia, January 10th, 1832.
The undersigned citizens of the city of Philadelphia,
residing in the immmedlate neighborhood of the above
named propert}-, fully persuaded of the necessity of
having said (Jourt lighted, not only as to the immediate
benefit to inhabitants of said Court, but as a general
security, most respectfully recommend to the immediate
attention of your honorable bodies the prayer of the
petitionei', requesting that the same may be granted.
The following communications from the City Commis-
sioners and City Clerk, were received, and referred ta
the committe of accounts.
CiTT Clerk's Offici;, ">
January 12Ui, 1832. $
To the President and Members of the Select Council.
Gentlemen — The City Clerk respectfully lays before
Council a printed statement of receipts for permits for
placing building materials, and for entries of hackney
coaches, sleighs, carts, drays and wheel-barrows, to-
gether with a statement of his payments to the City
'treasurer during the fourth quarter of 1831,
Respectfully submitted,
Robert H. Smith, City Clerk.
City Commissiosers' Office, "i
January 12, 1832. 5
To the President and Memlers of the Select Council.
Gentlemen — The City Commissioners respectfully
lay before Councils printed statements of their expendi^
tures during the last quarter of 1831, together with
statements of tlie cost of paving the several streets,
receipts for market rents, and miscellaneous receipts
during that period.
Respectfully submitted.
By order of the City Commissioners,
Robert H. Smith, City Clerk.
The annexed letter from the Mayor of the City,
enclosing the following statement from the Executors
of the late Stephen Girard was received, and referred
to the committee on said legacy.
1831]
PROCEEDINGS OK COUNCILS.
39
M»Toii's Orrrcr, ">
January 12tli, 1832. S
Tu tilt President of lite Select and Common Councils.
Gentlemen — I enclose a further communication from
the Executors of the late Mr. Girard, referring to a second
schedule of re.il estate devised to the city and to certain
considerations connected with a portion thereof; all of
which is respectfully submitted,
Very respectfully, Yours,
B. W. KlCBARDS,
TENANTS AND HOUSES.
ASNDAI. liEXTS.
John Myers, No. 164 south Second street, $505 00
F. Uusar, No. I62i do. 505 00
J. R. Lejee, No. 162 do. 505 00
James Day, No. 160J do. 505 00
J. Cowpland, corner of Union & Comptroller St. 305 00
Jacob Beck, No 5 Comptroller street, 255 00
Eldridgc, No. 3 do. 255 00
Ishi Craven, corner of Spruce & Comptroller St. 305 00
J. B. Freeman, No. 12 Comptroller street.
205 00
205 00
205 00
205 00
205 00
205 00
405 00
H. Billinfrton, No. 10 do.
Wm. S. Eastwick, No. 8 do.
J. N. Daniel, No. 6 do.
L. Mignard, No. 4 do.
M. MouiUe, No. 2 do.
W. R. Thompson, No. 66 Spruce street,
Not finished. No. do.
Do. No. do.
Do. No. do.
Do. No. do.
Do. No. do.
F. H. Wolf, No. 1 Harmony street,
Edward Leeds, No. 2 do.
Wm. Cowpland, No. 3 do.
J. C. Kayser No. 70 south Third street,
G. Weber, No. 68 do.
Jonathan Alden, No. 46 do.
C. Bray, No. 44 do.
L- Veron & Co. 100 rhesnut street.
Hob 8c Winebrenner, No. Iu2 do.
A. Russell & Co. No. 104 do.
Jlrs. Hughes, No. 161 do.
Lewis Teese, No. 161 do.
L. J. Levy, No. 163 do.
S. Marshall, No 15 south Third street,
Thomas Sully, No 1 1 do.
Vacant, No. 5 south Twelfth street.
Do. No. 3 do.
Dr. J. Y. Clark, corner Twelfth & Market st.
Rev. A. Barnes, No. 1 south Eleventh street,
Wm. Reed, No. 3 do.
G. W. Edwards, No. 5 do.
Samuel Jcanes, No. 21 north Front street.
No. 25 do.
No. 27 do.
No. 29 an'I 3 1 do.
Wm. Kester, corner of Jones alley & Front st. 400 00
Back buildinp of do. 100 00
Mrs. Allen, No. Jones' alley, 72 00
Geo. Bowden, No. do. 72 00
J. GiUmorc, No. 17 do. 120 00
J. Travilla,No. 19 do. 125 00
P. Dwyer.No. do. 172 00
225
00
215
00
205
00
705
00
605
00
455
00
455
00
1605
00
18u5
00
1605
00
605
00
600
00
1205
00
450
00
665
00
708
00
505
00
505
00
505
00
400
00
257
50
257
50
257
50
257
50
257
50
257
50
257 50
257
50
257
50
257
50
257
50
257
50
90 00
900
00
Nagle & Trautwine, No 24 north Water street, 48 00
J. Scattergood, ferry house. No. 9 north M ater
■ street, bar room in store on the wharf (late
liickley's) and slip, 1200 CO
R. Brooks, counting room, in do. 100 00
J. Fcnton, sail loft in do. 165 00
Moff.it & Killion, 2 rooms in do. 25 J 00
f. Comly, one roomin do ,it 810 per month, 120 00
M. \Veavcr& Son, one do. in do.atSlOpermo. 120 00
A. Atkinson, No. Schriver's Court, 165 00
Mrs, Lehman, No. 56 north Eighth street, 2J5 00
J. Hand, first floor of .No. 7 north wharves, 1000 00
Upper part of do. vacant.
First floor. No. 11 north whar\es, occupied by
S.G.
Upper part of do. vacant.
No. 12 north wharves, occupied by S. G.
No. 13 do. do. do.
No. 26 north Water street and cellar do.
No. ^8 do. do do.
No. 2/9 Coatcs street, (vacant.)
P. Carpenter, No. 21 1 Coates street,
Joseph Smith, No. 213 do.
B. E. Carpenter, No. 215 do.
O. Parrv, No. 217 do.
C. F. Folwcll, No. 219 do.
J. A. Elkinton, No. 221 do.
John Bossier. No. 223 do.
J. A. Barclay, No. 225 do.
Mrs. Ruschcnbcrger, No. 227 do.
J. H. Connell, No 229 do.
Jesse Roberts, No. 231 from 15th December,
Richard Foulke, No. 233 from 26th October,
No 235 vacant,
J. Cozrens, N. W. corner of Coates 8c Sixth st,
D. JIayland, dairy farm, Movamensing,
Phi'ladilphia. Jnn. 12, 1S32.
Sib: — The executors of tiie will of Stephen Girard,
late of this city, deceased, respectfully transmit through
you, to the Select and Common Councils, a second list
of certain Real Estate, situate in the county of Philadel-
phia, constituting a part cf the residuary estate, which
passed ui'dcr the devise to the Mayor, Aldermen, and
citizens of Philadelphia.
In relation to that part of the said real estate, which
tlie testator devoted to the purposes of a College for
White Male Orphans, namely the forty-five acres of
land, situate in Pcnn Township, the executors deem it
their duty to make to Councils at the present time, these
representations: In order to render the entire scite of
the College as secure and :ts free fiom .all intrusion as
possible, and also to give the orphans an ample space for
exercise, and agricultural and mechanical pursuits for
instruction and recreation, the tcsl.ator designed that
there should bca stone wall around the whole premises,
and not a brick wall as specified in his will in relation
to his city square; to tliis end he caused a quarry on tlie
said premises to be worked, in order to provide stone
for the intended wall, and of that part of the wall in
front of the Ridge Road he made arrangements for early
construction. 'Ihese circumstances are st-atcd under an
impression that the intentions of the testator will be
carried into execution, in these p.ar'iculars; but chiefly
to call the prompt attention of Councils to the impor-
I tance of an early attention to the premises referred to,
J. G Harkcr & Co. No. 20 north Front street, 1600 00 : in connexion wiUi the streets, whicli it may be proposed
"""'"' ' 1600 00 ] to open in Pcnn Township, tjirough any part of tile said
3000 00 I forty-five acres.
The executors anxiously hope that Councils will seek
550 00 and obtiiin the pass;ige of such a law as shall prevent
400 00 the opening of any street through tlie premises referred
450 00 I to: .and they persuade themselves, that, in a matter so
desirable by the test;itor, and so important to the com-
2000 00 , munity, opposition from no quarter will be met with,
800 00 ' now especially .i-s some of tlie streets, which it might be
1000 00 { proposed to open, arc alrcadv interrupted b^■ the East-
300 00 i em Pcnitcntiarv.
H, C. Corbit, No. 22 do
Gill, Ford Sc Co. Nos. 24 & 26 do.
No. 28 do.
J. Robinson, No. 29 north Water street,
D. Vicers, No. 27 do.
S. V. Anderson & son. No. 25 A^
S. Girard's dwelling. No. 23 do.
S. Comlv, Nos. 13 & 15 do.
Do. ' No. 11 do.
Do. No. 9 north whanes,
M. Weaver & Son, No 20 north iV'ater street,
40
1»H0CEEDtNGS OF COUNCILS,
Ji,>rDiBt
Any explanation required will be given, if in the
power of the executors. Respectfully,
TIMOTHY PAXSON,
THOS. P COPE,
JOSEPH ROBERTS,
W. J. DUANE,
JOHN A. BARCLAY.
B. W. Richards, Esq. Mayor of Philadelphia.
SCHEDULE
Of Lands in Passj-unlt, Moyamensing', and Penn
Townships, in the County of Philadelphia, belonging- to
the late Stephen Glrard.
Acres per.
O. Plantation in Passyunk township, Philadel-
phia county, containing in 2 tracts on oppo-
site sides of the road, 70 135
P. Tract or piece of land in Passyunk township,
bought of A Shitzline, containing 5 131
Q. Tract of land in Pass)-unk townsliip,bought
of David Lentz, containing 4 65
R. Tract of land in Passj-unk township, bought
of J. Lentner, ' 7 130
S. Two pieces of meadow ground in Moyamen-
sing township, one of them 23 acres 86
perches, and the other 16 acres 139 perches,
bought of R. H. Wilcocks, 40 65
T. Five lots of land in Passj-unk township, .
bought of E. Gaulbert, four of them, to wit:
6 acres 107 perches, 1 acre 7 perches, 3 acres
110 perches, and 7 acres 40 perches, toge-
ther IS acres 104 perches, and the 5th lot,
being a landing on SchuylkUl, contents where-
V.of not mentioned, 18 104
U. Tract of land in Passjiink township, late
estate of Chi-istianDeshong, deceased,bought
at Sheriff's sale, -- 8 80
Messuage and piece of ground in Passj-unk
township, late Messmer's, containing 1 50
W. Messuage and tract of land on Schuylkill,
in Passyunk township, bought of Benedict
Dorsey," 24 00
X. Three contiguous tracts of land in Passyunk
township, bought of Anna Catharine Pritchett,
containing in all 28 53
Y. Tract of land in Passyunk township, bought
of John Hopkins and Willet Smith, executors
' &c. of William Ferguson deceased, contain-
ing 7 114
Also, deed from John Field to S. G. for 9 147
(including the above paid for twice) leaving 2 S3
Z. Messuage and three contiguous lots of ground
in Passjiink township, bought of Margaret
Lodge, administratrix of John Lodge, de-
ceased, containing 18 00
FF. Two adjoii'ing pieces of meadow ground
in Moyamensing, bought of Geo. Tallman,
containing 6 acres 110 perches and 1 acre 40
perches, together, 7 150
GG. Two lots of ground in Passj-unk township,
one of them containing 5 acres 40 perches,
the other being a landing on Schuylkill,
bought of George Sheeler, 5 40
II. One lot of land ill Moyamensing, bought of
John AVagner and wife, containing 13 00
KK. Two lots of land in Passyunk township, late
Hargesheimer's, 5 acres 90 perches, and 4
acres ^5 perches, together, 9 115
LL. Adot of land in Passyunk township, late
Philip Young's, deceased, containing 22 12
>DI. Sundry lots of land in Passyunk township,
called the Schuylkill Point meadows, late
Lawrence Seckel's, bought at Sheriff's sale, 108 70
NN. Two lots of land in Moyamensing, bought
of the Pennsylvania Hospital, 11 acres 85
perches and 7 acres 94 perches, 19 19
CO. A lot of land in Passyunk Township and
a water lot on Schuylkill, bought of Geo.
Hoffner, Containing
PP. A lot of land in Passyunk, adjoining the
Schuylkill Point meadows, bought of Mary
Muhlenberg, containing
AQ. Two lots of land in Passyunk, late Law-
rence Seckel's, bought at Sheriff's sale one
lot 4 acres 5 perches, the other 16 acres 100
perches,
SS. A lot of ground in Moyamensing, bought
of Richard Renshaw, containing
TT. A lot of land in Passyunk township,
bought of the heirs of John Martin Cubler,
containing
UU. A lot of land in Passyunk, bought of John
Long, containing
BBB. Two lots of meadow land in Moyamen-
sing, bought of Henry Clymer, one lot 6 54,
the other 4 10,
HHH. A lot of land in Passyunk, late F. Voll-
mer's, bought at Sheriff's sale, containing
MMM. A lot of land in Passyuuk, bought of
John K. Helmuth, containing
WV. Two lots of land and dwelling house in
Passyunk, late Peter Deshong's, bought at
Sheriff's sale
DDOD. A lot of ground in Passyunk, bought
of the estate of Jona, Fell, containing
LLLL. A lot of ground with mansion house
and out buildings in Penn township, bought
of William Parker and others, called "Peel
Hall," situate on the Ridge Koad turnpike,
containing
4
33
4
00
20 103
17
00
8
40
2
00
10
64
3
00
30 15a
36 142
4
80
45 00
Total acres, 610 29
Jlr. Dpi3fx, from the executors of the late Stephen
Girard, made the following statement:
To the Select and Commnn Councils of the City of Phil-
adelphia.
The following representation is respectfully made, tof
the constituted authorities of Philadelphia, by the EzC''
cutors of the will of Stephen Girard
From the will of Stephen Girard, it appears that, ha-
ving made the city of Philadelphia his residuary devisee/
he was anxious that as large an income as possible
should be derived from his real estate : to effect this ob-
ject, he decl.ares it to be his intention, that the square
of ground formed by High and Chesnut, Eleventh and
Twelfth streets, should be built upon and improved: It
is not, however, in the will alone, that evidence of the
testator's anxiety on this subject, is found: relyingupon
the strength of his constitution, and upon those simple
habits, which had fostered the bounty of nalvire, he be-
gan in his eighty-second year, to improve the square
referred to; and made in relation to this part of his
estate, such arrangements as it had been his practice to
make when about to build upon others — he caused the
numerous trees upon the square to be cut down — he
caused preparations, now in the state of forwardness,
for making bricks upon it to be commenced — he pre-
scribed a general plan, according to which, the entire
square should be built upon, and a particular plan for
distinct classes of houses, as to position and dimensions
— he engaged the services of several superintendents
and agents, by some of whom work wasbeg^n, and by
others of whom contracts were entered into — he made
some contracts for lumber himself, directing the sizes
according to the dimensions of the houses determined
upon: but in the midst of these, and other such under-
takings, the career of the beneficent projector, was ar-
rested by the hand of death.
It will be further observed.in the will of the testator, that
he recommends to his executors to see that his intentionsj
in relation to his residuary estate, including the square
above mentioned,should be strictly complied with : 30 that
the Executors deem it their duty to make known to the
constituted authorities of Philadelphia, the facts abor«
iMS.]
PllOGEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
41
itated, in order that measures may be taken to prose-
cute the work, now in part suspended; they take it fo^
granted, that the plan of the testator will be adhered to,
and that those ag'ents in whom he confided, and who
fully understand his views, will be continued in their oc-
cupations( because a chani^e, besides being- unj^racious
in itself, could, they lielieve. have no salutary effect;
but would, on the contrary, be followed by delay, and
perhaps by loss and litigation — all of which the testator
deprecated.
In saying' this the Executors trust that they do not
pass the line of duty or propriety: they covet no control,
and simply say, that it will give them pleasuie to co-op-
erate with the city authorities in faithfully can-ying the
testator's intentions into early and efficient execution.
"With this representation, the executors present a
plan of the proposed improvement, anda statement, ex-
planatory of tlie work to be done, as well as of mea-
sures adopted for its progress and completion.
TIMOTHY P.\.XSON,
TIIOS. H. COPE,
JOSEPH ROHERTS,
\V. ,T. DUANE,
JOHN A. BARCLAY.
Philadelphia, January 12, 1832.
The plan referred to .ind sent herewith, is marked
No. 1.
The description. No. 2.
The Houses on ChesnUt street, are to be built on the
front of the lot fifty feet deep. Piazzas eighteen feet
six inches deep — silting room and kitchen thirty-six
feet deep, with bath house attached, the house on each
corner to be seventy five feet deep, and kitchens twen-
ty-^wo feet deep. Tlie front of the first story to be
faced with marble agreeable to a model in o\ir posses-
sion; to be four stories high, marble cornice, copper
roof, with a sufficient rise to cany off the water, and a
fancy iron railing at the top on the front and ends re-
turnmg at the back of the corner houses.
The houses on the centre street are to recede twenty
feet from the line of the street, to be four stories high,
basement houses, the basement story to be entirely
above the ground, main house to be the width of the
lot in front, and forty feetdcep— Piazzas seventeen feet
six inches deep; there is to be a marble wall on the line
of the street, returning on Eleventh and Twelfth streets,
also to form a division between the houses with a fancy
iron railing on said wall. The cornices of these
houses is intended to be simiLar to those usually put on
Mr. Girard's houses, copper roof, with an elevation suf-
ficient to carry off the water.
'1 he buildings on Market street are intended entirely
for stores, to be built the width of the lot in front and six-
ty feet deep, with an area in the rear to give light to the
cellar; to be foiu- stories high, copper roof, with eleva-
tion sufficient to carry off the water, cornice to be the
same as on the houses in the middle street, to be
made fire proof.
The whole of the above work to be done with the
very best materials, and the workmanship done in tlie
very best manner.
The following are the names of the workmen employ-
ed by Mr. Girard to do the above work;
Joseph Smith, Carpenter
John Struthers, Marble Mason.
William Ingraham, Stone Mason.
John WiUits, Bricklayer.
Abraham Whetstone, Plasterer.
Thomas Dou.;,'herty, Carter and iJigger.
Richard r. Gumming, Copper Smith.
George Swope, Painter.
John Scattergood, Carter of Lumber.
Robert Looney, Plumber.
Abraham Marple, Lime bvimer.
Samuel Fox, Brickmaker.
Mr. Petitt, as chairman of the committee on the re-
VoL. r^ 6
vised ordinances, reported an ordinance relative to tha
cording of wood, which was laid on the table.
Mr. DuAXE, as chairman of the committee on Gi-
bard's Legact, made the following report and resolu-
tions.
To the Selecland Common Councib of the City of Phila-
delphia.
The committee appointed to consider and report
"What measures ought to be adopted, in order that the
Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Phil.-idelphia may
promptly and faithfully execute the trusts created by the
Will of the late Stephen Girard," respectfully report:
That having carefully and dehberately considered the
matters submitted to them, they have agreed to report
at present in part by recommending to Councils, the
adoption of the following preamble and resolutions:
Whereas, the Executors of the last Will of Stephen
Girard, deceased, have delivered to the constituted au-
tliorities of the city of Philadelphia, a rent roll or list of
certain real estate, in the city and tlie liberties thereof,
constituting a part of the residuary estate devised by the
said testator to the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of
Philadelphia, in trust for the uses declared in his Will:
and whereas, until such permanent arrangements as the
testator contemplated, shall have been made by the city
of Philadelphia respecting the devises and bequests of
the said testator to the said city, it is necessary to adopt
temporary but efficient measures: therefore.
Resolved, that the Mayor of the city of Philadelphia
be, and he is hereby authorised and requested, to take
charge of the real estate described in the said rentroU,
or such other rent roll as may be hereafter delivered to
him, to notify the tenants of such p.arts thereof as are un-
der rent, of their future li;ibil.ty to the city of Philadel-
phia — and to let such parts thereof as are now unoccu-
pied to good and sufficient tenants, on reasonable rents,
for any term, not exceeding one year.
Resolved, that the Executors of the late Stephen Gi-
rard's will,shallbe andthey are hereby authorised, until
otherwise directed by the constituted authorities of the
city of Phihadelphiatohold and occupy free of rent such
parts of the real estate of the said testator, as were in his
use and occupation, in the prosecution of his business,
at the time of his decease.
Resolved, that the city treasurer be and he is hereby
authorised aud directed,
First — To receive from the Executors of the last will
of tlie late Stephen Girard, such deeds and muniments
of title for the estate deyised to the city of Philadelphia,
by the said testator as the said Executors shall deliver
to liim, and to give them receipts for the same in the
name of the Slay or. Aldermen and citizens of Philadel-
phia.
Second — To receive and collect all monies due and
becoming due to the city of Philadelphia, as rents for
the real estate described in the above mentioned rent
roll, or such other rent roll as may be hereafter deliver-
ed, and to give receipts for the same in the name of the
Mayor, Aldermen and cilizcnsof Philadelphia.
Third — To keep in a book or books to be provided
for the purpose, exact entries of all monies received, so
that the same may be transferred to such officer or
Board of Directors as m.ay hereafter^ be appointed to
have the charge of the Girard Fund.
Fourtli — I'o deposit in bank, in the names of the
Mayor and Treasurer of the city of Philadelphia, jointly,
all such monies as shall be received aforesaid, that thf
said monies shall be kept distinctly, and not ming'*'!
with any others, and that they may be transferred to
those who may be hereafter appointed to have "fie caie
and custody thereof"
Mr. DcANE moved to proceed to the consideration of
the resolutions attached to the report, when Mr Groves
moved to postpone the consideration for the purpose of
having them printed— the yeas and nays were called on
the postponement, and were yeas, Groves, NefT, Pettit
42
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[JiXPABT
and Worrell — 4. Nays, Duane, Johnson, Lippincott,
Massey, Scott and Toland — 6, and so it was lost. The
resolutions were then adopted by both Councils.
Mr. DoAKE as chairman of the Watering Committee,
made the annual report which was ordered to be print-
ed.
Mr. JoaxsoN offered the following resolution which
was adopted.
Resolved, that the president and clerks of Councils,
be directed to transmit to the speakers of the senate
and house of representatives of this commonwealth, cer-
tified copies of the will of S. G., tog-ether with a letter
stating- the existence (if a committee upon this subject,
and the intention of Councils to make further communi-
cations as soon as they shall have formed an opinion up-
on tlia character of the Laws which it may be necessary
to ask for in order to carry the provisions of the will in-
to effecl.
The Treasurer made his annual report.
COMMON COUNCIL.— Mr. OLDENBtrne offered
the following- resolution, which was adopted by the
Common Council, but was was laid on the table in the
Select Council.
AVhereas, several individuals have at different fmes
made bequests to the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens of
Philadelphia, in trust for certain pur.poses, w^hich are
more particularly expressed in the wills of the several
testators, amongst whom are Dr. Benjamin Franl.lin,
John Scott, of Edinburgh; Elias Boudinot, James Wills,
and recently, Stephen Girard, together with some
others; and it being- desirable that each member of
Council should be fully informed on the subject:
Therefore Resolved, by the Select and Common
Councils, that the clerks of Councils be, and they are
hereby directed to hare 300 copies of the Wills, or so
much thereof, as the city may be interested in, of all the
individuals except the will of the late Stephen Girard,
which they are directed to purchase of the edition al-
ready pubhshed, who have made any bequest to them
in trust or otherwise, and to have the whole printed in
pamphlet form, for the use of Councils, and charge the
expense thereof to appropriation No. 21.
Mr. CoRNt.Lirs Stevensov, wasunanimouslyre-elect-
ed Treasurer of the city for the ensuing year.
Councils adjourned to meet on Saturday evening
next.
SATUBnAT, January 14th, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL — The following letter from
the Mayor of the city, enclosing one from the Executors
of the late Stephen Girard, was received and referred
to the committee on that fund with power to take coun-
sel if they think proper.
M4ron's Officf, 7
January 14th, 1832.3
To the President of the Select and Common Councils.
Gentlemen — I present a third communication from
the Executors of Stephen Girard, with a further de-
scription of real estate, and referring to considerations
connected therewith, all of which is respectfully sub-
mitted. Very respectfully, Yours,
B. W. RicHAnrs.
PHiiABEtPHiA, January 14th, 1832.
Sir — The Executors of the will of Stephen Girard,
respectfully present, through you, to the Select and
Common Councils of this city, a third description of
•^rtain real estate, of which the testator died seized;
ana. in order that the destination of a part of that pro-
V^'^y -may become the subject of consideration, they
make kivown to Councils the dates of the several
purchases, m^de by the testator, subsequently to the
'^'"■epiibhcatiou of his will, namely, the 20th of June,
Whenever the Executors shall have any other in-
namwtiOH -which it may be their duty to communicate,
or which they may suppose the city Councils would
desire to possess, they wjl furnish it with promptitude
and pleasure. Respectfulh',
TIMOTHY PAXSON,
THOS. P. COPE,
JOSEPH ROBERTS,
W. J. DUANE,
JOHN A. BARCLAY.
B. W. Richards, Mayor.
Schedule of the real estate of Stephen Girard, not
under rent and not heretofore returned to Councils.
A lot of ground on the east side of Fifth street, be-
tween Market and Chesnut streets, north of the pro-
perty occupied by Mr. Sully and south of Mr. Sheaff's
propert)'. Mr Sully has the use of this lot for a garden.
A lot of ground back of the property occupied by Mr.
Sully, and of Mr. Blake's property, entrance to which,
is under the arch-way.
A lot of ground on the north side of Jones' alley, on
which is erected a building used as a carpenter's shop
by Mr. Joseph Smith; held under a lease during the
minority of Charles H. Bell at $45 per annum, and the
taxes.
Sundry lots of ground in the Northern Liberties and
Penn township as per plan herewith.
SCHEDULE
Of the real estate of Stephen Girard, purchased sub-
sequent to the 20th June, 1831. '
1831. BOLLS. CTS.
Oct. 5. Two houses and lots on Walnut
street, between Second and Dock
streets, Nos. 63 and 65, and one
house and lot on Dock street. No.
61, 10,666 67
Do. 27. A lot of land in Passytinfc town-
ship, containing 60 acres 87 perch-
es, per deed of this date, 6,659 81
Do. 27. A ground rent of $25 60 per
annum, payable by Philip Smith,
out of a lot of ground in Spruce
street between Third and Fourth
streets, due 25th March and Sep-
tember, in every year, per deed of
this date, 569 74
Do. 27. A house and lot on the north side
of Coates' street, west of Si.xth
street, per deed of this date, 3,000 00
Not. 2. A lot of ground oh the N. E cor-
ner of Coates' and John streets, per
deed of this date, 1,800 00
Do. 4. A house and lot in south TTiird
street. No. 48, per deed of this date, 12,000 00
Dec. 1. A messuage and lot of ground in
Passyunk township, having a front
on Schuylkill, per deed of this date, 3,000 00
Do. 21. Stores, wharf and dock in north
Water street, between Market and
Arch streets, late Stiles' estate,
deed dated this day, taken subject
to a mortgage for §21,000, residue
paid, 24,222 33
Do. 26. A lot of ground in Schuylkill
county, near Mount Carbon, on the-
river Schuylkill, intended for land-
ings, per deed dated — instant, 4,500 00
Deduct, 854 61
166,419 55
Mr. DtTAJiE offered the annexed resolution relative to
the articles of agreement with the commissioners of
Moyamensing for the supply of Schuylkill water, -which
was adopted by both Councils.
Resolved, that the articles of agreement, entered
183J.]
MILITARY CONVENTION.
43
into on the sixth of January, 1832, between the Mayor,
Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia, of the one part,
and tlie inUabit;int> of the township of Moyamensing, of
the other part, be and they are liereby approved of and
confirmed.
Mr. Df INK as ch.'iirman of the committee on Wills'
Legacy, made the following^ report and resolution,
wh.ch were agreed to.
The committee appointed on Wills' Leg'acy, report;
that after mature deliberation, tliey have agreed to the
plan herewith submitted, as drawn by Thomas U. Wal-
ter, and are of opinion that it will be most prudent at
present to erect a central building only to be seventy
i'eet front, by fifty feet in depth, tli ■ basement story to
be arched with bricks, the fioor of the first story to be
elevated seven feet above the pavement, and the ceiling
fifteen feet in height. The second story to be twelve
feet, and the whole of the main building to be covered
with a copper roof The south front to have a piazza
its whole length, and twelve feet in width. The noi'th
front to have a portico, as per plan.
The kitchen, two dining rooms, and other small
rooms, will be in the basement story.
The first story will contain a chapel, apartments for
the keepers, and accommodations for eighteen inmates.
The second story will contain chambers sufficient to
accommodate thirty -two inmates.
The st;iirs throughout to be made of granite, and the
pilasters of the same material.
The outside walls to be built of stone and roughcast;
the partitions to be bricks.
The whole expense of the building as estimated by
Jlr. Walter, amounts to sixteen thousand dollars.
Resolved, tliat the committee be audiorised to make
contracts to carry the plan into effect as above specified.
Mr DuANE oflTered the annexed resolution, which
was adopted.
Resolved, tliat the Presidents of Councils be and they
are hereby requested to address letters, one to the
guardians of the poor, and another to the commI's«inners
tor erecting buildings for the accommodation of the
poor, requesting them to furnish to the Select and Com-
mon Councils ol the city of Philadelphia, a statement of
the sum expended in constructing the buildings on the
west side of Schuylkill, andoVtlic sum deemed necessa-
ry for the completion thereof.
COMMON COUNCIL.— .Mf. Iloon from the com-
mittee on markets, made the following report and reso-
lution which were agreed to.
The committee on markets, to whom was referred
the Victuallers' petition, on the 24th Nov. 1831, report,
I hat they are of opinion that the new ordinances
which will shortly go into operation, will in a great
degree, meet the requests of said petitioners, and afford
them all necessary protection.
They therefore submit the following resolution:
r Resolved, that the committee be discharged from the
further consideration of s.aid petitioners.
The annexed communication from the trustees of
Stephen Giiard's bank, w.as received, and referred to
the committee on that subject.
PuiLAnKLpnrA, 14th January, 1832.
James Poge, Esq. I'residciU of llie ('oininun Ciniiicil.
Sin — I am instructed by the trustees of Stephen
Girard's bank to inform you, that there are several real
estates belonging to the estate of Stephen Girard, Esq.
which stuid on the books of his bank as part of the
capital stock thereof. That there are circumstances
connected with some of this property, which in the
opinion of the Unistees, will require early attention;
and they respectfully submit to the consideration of
Councils, the propriety of appointing a committee to
receive from them such information on the subject as
the trustees now have it in their power to give.
I am, with great respect, Robeut Wais,
Chairman of the Board of Trustee* of S. Girard's Bank.
PhiUde^hia Gazette.
PHOCBEDISGS OF TOK
MILITAUY CONVENIION,
Wliich assemblnl at Harrisbur^, I'ennsylvania,
Monduij, Januari/ 2. Ifa3-'.
The delegates chosen by the (hfTcrent Military Divi-
sions and Brigades of Pennsylvania, met at the court
house in Harrisburg on the first Monday of January,
1832.
On motion of Mr. Simpson,
HEXKV FUICK, of Nortliumberland county wai
called to the chair; and
On motion of Mr. Franklin,
Reaii Fkazer, of Lancaster, secretary, for the pur-
pose of organizing the convention.
On motion,
Messrs. Frankhn, Alexander, of Cumberland, Pax-
ton, Hambright, and Spencer, were appointed a com-
mittee to examine the credentials of the delegates.
On motion.
The Convention adjourned until 12 o'clock, noon.
At 12 o'clock, the Convention again met.
Mr. Franklin, from the committee appointed to ex-
amine the credentials, reported the following hst of
delegates, viz;
FIRST nivisroN.
Cili/ and CiAwly of F/iihidelphla.
1st Brigade — Cily. Colonels James Page, Joseph S.
Riley, Henry Simpson. Robert M. Lee,f Robert Coop-
er, Majors Chalkley Baker, Peter Fritz, Wilham C.
Bro.>ne,-t- Lieut. George Bumm.f
2d Brigade — Cuimtij. Cols. John Thompson,! John
L. Wolf,t A. L. Koumfort,-]- Kenderton Smith, f Majors
N. Nathans, L. Boraeisler,f Franklin Vansant, Captains
Joseph Worrell, jr. A. T. Smitli,-!" Lieut. James Good-
man.
SECO-tD DIVISION.
Bucks and A'lun/^nmery.
1st Bhioatie — Bud.s. Major General W. T. Rogers,
Cols. John Uavis, Simpson Torbeit, Joseph Hough,t
I.ieut. Cols. Thomas Purdy, John Hart, Major Stephen
Brock,t Adj. Michael S. Haney,f Dr. Huston 1 homp-
son.
2d Brigade — Munlgomery. Lieut Cols. Thomas M.
Jolley.t James Bush,t James Christman.f Major John
H. Sheetz Captain John H. Hill.f Lieuts. William
Hamell,"!- Wilham Matheys.f William H. Gartley.
THIRD DIVISION.
Chfsttr and Deiiware.
1st. Brigade — Ihlaiuare. Col. Samuel A. Price,
LieuL John K. Zeilin, J. M. G Lescure, Esq.
2d Brigade — Clie!,ter. Col. Wm. Harris,f Em. EI-
ton,t Majors 1 homas Jones. f John KerUn, Ihomas H.
Pearce.f Lieut. David B. Reed.
focrtb IlIVISIOX.
Lancaster.
Capt. David Miller, Major Frederick Hambright,
Capt. Wm. Downey, Col. Reah Frazer, Capta John
Flora.t William G. Vetter,t Lieut Wm. B, Fordney,
Major John McGlaughlin.
hfth DIVISION.
York and .Idams.
1st. Bbioadi — York. M;ijor3 Hcnrv Snyder, Jacob
Hantz,t Cols. 1 . N. HaUer,"t John Keller, >Iajor Gra-
ham, f
2d Brigade — .$ilams. Col. Michael C. Clarkson,
Majors .\ndrew G. Miller, Jacob Sanders, Elijah Gar-
rctson.f
SIXTH nivisiox.
Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks and Sc/iuy/kill.
1st Brigade — Dauphin. Col. W. S. Franklin, Lieut.
John Blattenberger, Capt. E. W. Roberts.
2d Brigade — Schuylkill. Major William F. Oesn.
Berks. Gen. William High, Col. Hemy Boyer, Jobn
Potteiger, Esq.
8CVEXTH UlVISIOy.
Norlhamplon, Lehigh and Pikt.
l«t BBJoAi>E-pAbr<Aaropton. Brig. Gen. 8him«r,t
44
MILITARY CONVENTION.
[Jaksabt
Col. Georg-e Weber, Major Robert May Brooke,f Col.
John Hourteii.f
2d BiiiGADE.— LM/o-A. Jlajor General John Fogle,
Major John W. Hornbeck, Col. V\' alter C. Livingston.
EIGHTH DITISIOX.
Union, Columbia, Northumberland, Luzerne, Susque-
hanna and Wayne. '', ^
IstBniGADE — Union. Col. Charles M. Straub.'Capt.
James Merrill.
Northumberland. Major General Henry Frick, Ma-
jor Samuel J. Packer.
Columbia. Col. Joseph Paxton.
2d. BiiiGADi — Luzerne. Capt. Jacob Druinheller,
Col, JohnButler.f Lieut. Charles Dorrance.t
XINTH BIVISIOX.
Lycoming, Potter, M'Kean, Bradford and TInga.
1st BniGADE — Lycoming. Gen William B. Mitchell,
Major Robert Fleming-, Capt. Wm. Piatt.
TENTH DlVISIOjr.
Centre, Clearfield, Mifflin and Huntingdon.
Juniata. Col. Wm. Kirk, Capt. John Murphy, An-
drew Parker, Charles W. Kelso, Esqs. Major William
Sharon.
Huntingdon. Capt. John Criswell, Major David
McMurtrie, Capts. William Williams, David Snare.
IstBniGADE — Centre. Brig-. Gen. James Irwin.f Col.
Col. Andrew G'regg,| Major John Potter, Capt. Saml.
H. Wilson, Lieut. W. W. Houston, Dr. Constant Cur-
tin, Capts. George Buchanan, David Duncan.
Mifflm. Biigadier General George McCullough, Dr.
Joseph B. Ard, Majors A. S. Wilson,f David Cummins,
Kichard Miles.
ELETE»rTH DITISIOIT.
. Cumberland, Ferry and Franhlin.
1st Bhigade — Cumberland. General Willis Foulke,
Captains Samuel Alexander, James M'Gowan,f John
M'Cartney, Charles .M'Clure, Lieuts Matthew Spencer,
Edward M. Biddle, Alexander Oliver.t WiUiam S.
Ramsey, Adjutant John N Gray, Cols. William M.
Greer, William Stough, Majors Peter Lesher,t Samuel
Tritt, John M'Candhsh, Captauis Geo. W. Woodburn,
Samuel Redett.
Perry. Cols Henry Fetter, Joseph Speck, Major
William Clark, Lieut. Albert C. liamsey.
2d Brigade — Franklin. Major Jacolj Heck, Capts.
Jasper E. Brady, William B. Bard, Cols. John Wallace,
John M'Geehan.
TWEEFTH riTISIOK.
Bedford, Somerset and Cambria.
IstBniGADE — Bedford. Col. William Compher.Capt.
Thomas B. M'Ehvee, Lieut WilBam Fletcher.f
2d Brigade — Cambria. Major Isaac Teeter, Lieut,
Arnold Downing.
thirteen'th division.
TVestmorelund and Fayette.
1st BRrG.vDE — tVestmoreland. Major John B.Alex-
ander, Adjutant J. H. Wells, Capts. Morrison Under-
wood, Hugh Y. Brady, Jacob Gosser, Major Wilson
Jack,f Capt. Joseph Cook,f Jon. Row,-)- Lieut. L. L.
Bigelow, Capt. Ben. R. Marchand.-)"
fourteenth division.
Washington and Greene.
Washington. Major General Charles De Hass,-|- Brig.
General Wallace M'WiUiams, Cols. Thomas Ringland,
William Patterson, William Waugh, Esq.
Greene, Cols. William G. Hawkins, Andrew Bucha-
nan,
fifteenth DIVISI05-.
Mlegheny, &c.
1st Brigade — Allegheny. Gen. R. T. Stewart,| An-
drew Bayne, Esq
[Those marked with a dagger (f ) did not take their
seats in the convention.]
The roU being called, 83 members answered to their
names.
On motion of Mr. M'Elwee, tlie following resolution
was adopted:
Resolved, that a committee be appointed, to consist
of one person from each division, to be chosen by.the
deleg-ates for each division, in order to report what offi-
cers are necessary for this convention, and to nominate
persons to fill them.
Whereupon,
The following persons were appointed said committee :
1st Division, Mr. Page,
2d " Davis,
3d " Price,
4th " Hambright,
5th " Miller, of Adams,
6th " Roberts,
7th " Fogle,
8th " Paxton,
9th " . Fleming,
10th " Wilhams,
11th " M'Clure,
12th " Downing,
13th " Wells,
14th " M'WiUiams.
On motion of Mr. Ringland,
Resolved, that when this convention adjourn, it wiB
adjourn to meet at 3 o'clock, P. M.
Adjourned.
IN THE AFTERNOON.
On motion of Mr. Fordney,
Resolved, that the Governor, Heads of Departments
State Treasurer, Adjutant General, and the Members o
both branches of the Legislature, be invited to take seat
within the bar of this convention.
On motion of Mr. Straub,
Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to
caiTy the preceding resolution into effect.
Whereupon,
Messrs. Straub, Page, Fordney, Riley and Brady of
Franklin, were appointed said committee.
Mr. Page, from the committee appointed for that
purpt^sc, reported the following officers for the conven-
tion.
President— JOHN B. ALEXANDER, of Westmorel'd.
Mce Presidents — AVm. B. Mitchell, of Lycoming,
William Downet, of Lancaster,
Willis Foclke, of Cumberland, and
Samuel A.Price, of Delaware.
Secretaries — Simpson Torbert, of Bucks, and
Walter S. Franklin, of Dauphin.
A motion was made.
That the report of the committee be adopted.
Which was agreed to unanimously.
The several officers of the convention then took their
scats.
Mr. Davis announced that Dr. Huston Thompson had
been appointed to supply a vacancy in the delegation
from the 1st Brigade, 2d Division.
A resolution was then offered by Mr. Miller, which
was read as follows:
Resolved, that no division or county be allowed more
votes in this convention than their respective votes by
members in the legislature, but that the members elect-
ed or nominated and accepted, be allowed seats in the
convention.
The chair decided that the resolution was out of order.
An appe:il from the decision of the chair was made by
Mr. Miller and Mr. Simpson, and the decision of the
chair was confirmed by the convention.
On motion of Mr. Roberts,
Resolved, that the editors of papers in this place be
admitted to seats within the bar of this convention.
On motion of Mr. Alexander, of Cumberland,
Resolved, that a committee to consist of one from each
division be appointed to suggest such matters as are
most deserving of attention from this convention.
Which was agreed to.
The following gentlemen were selected by the dele
gates from each division, as said committee.
1832.]
MILITARY CONVENTION.
45
1st Division,
Mr. P-ige,
2d
Sheetz,
3d
Zeilin,
4th
Fordney,
5th
Snyder,
6th "
Franklin,
7th
Weber,
8th
Merrill,
9th
Fleming',
10th
Wilson,
11th
Alexander,
12th
M'Elwee,
13th
Brady,
14th
Ringland,
15th "
Bayne.
Amotion was made by Mr. Alexander, of Cumber
Und, that the convention should sit in uniform.
Which was not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Simpson,
Resolved, that when this convention adjourns, it will
adjourn until to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock, A.M.
Adjourned.
TUESDAY, Januar}' 3, 1832.
The convention met, and the roll being called, nine-
ty-six members answered to their names.
On motion of Mr. Nathans,
The following resolution was adopted:
Eesolved, that the convention adopt for their govern-
ment, the ndes and regulations adopted by the house
of representatives of this state. ^ .
Mr. Riley, from the committee appointed to invite the
governor, heads of department, state treasurer, and the
members of the senate and house of representatives, to
take seats within the b.ar of the convention, reported
that they h.ad performed that service.
On motion of Mr.- Miller, of Adams,
The foregoing committee were instructed to extend
the invitation to tlie attorney general of the common-
wealth.
After some time, the governor, heads of department,
state treasurer, and attorney general, took their seats.
A motion was made by Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Wells,
To reconsider the vote agreeing to the resolution,
adopting the rules and regulations of the house of re-
presentatives of this st.ite, for tlie government of the
convention.
Which was not agreed to.
Mr. Page, from the committee on the subject, made
the following report, in part.
That inasmuch as it is universally conceded, that the
present militia system has fallen far short of the grand
object for which it was established, and has entailed
much ignominy and disgrace upon our military reputa-
tion; we deem it expedient that it should be made the
subject of amendment, reformation or encounigement,
as will best answer the purpose of reclaiming its charac-
ter from the obloquy which it has incurred. In an ex-
amin.ation of the v.irious plans suggested, the committee
have been actuated by a strong and earnest desire to
select that which ma_y be the means of adding to the
strength and character of the state, and of rendering
the performance of duty on the part of its citizen sol-
diers a matter of pleasure and pride.
^f^t authorized by the tenor of the resolution by which
they were appointed, to do more than draw the atten-
tion of tlie convention to such matters .as may be neces-
sary for their examination, they respectfully offer the
following principles as the basis of a system, to be re-
commended to the early and serious attention of the le-
gislature.
/Vrj<. That the citizens of this commonwealth, lia-
fcle to militia duty, ought to be divided into two classes.
Second. Tliat all such citizens (not by law exempt)
between the ages of twenty -one and twenty-six years,
ought to compose the first class, and be called the jlciwe
Militia.
Third. That this chass only ought to be subject to
drill, or military duty in time of peace.
I'iiurlh. That the second class shall be composed of
all persons liable to militia duty, not embraced within
the first class, and be called tlie second, or reserved
class.
Fifth. That the second class ought not to be required
to do mihtary duty, except when called forth to execute
the laws, to suppress insuirections, and to repel inva-
sions, and tlien such organization ought to be adopted,
as should unite the two classes into one.
aixlh. That all parades of ununiformed militia ought
to be abolished.
Seventh. I hat the first class be required to uniform
themselves; that they be furnished with arms and ac-
coutrements, camp equipage, music, powder, and five
days rations in each year, and be required to parade for
drUl and instruction, five days in each year.
Eifrh/h. The committee, by reason of the peculiar lo-
cality of the first division, recommend that the convention
refer to the delegates from that division, to prepare and
report a system suitable to that division, so far as it is
necessary the same should vary from the general system.
1 he first resolution being under consideration,
A motion was made by Mr. Merrill,
To postpone the question on the first resolution, for
the purpose of considering the 8th resolution.
Which was agreed to; and
Said resolution was adopted.
The question recurring on tlie first resolution.
It was adopted.
The second resolution being under consideration,
A motion w.as made by Mr. Miller, of Adams,
To postpone the fui-thcr consideration of the report,
for the purpose of considering the following resolution:
Resolved, that the committee be instructed to report
a plan, for the better organization and encouragement
of the present volunteer force, and that they be a sepa-
rate foice from the enrolled miUtia; aiul that parades of
the militia be abolished, but they to be enrolled, oflS-
cered, and chissed for service, if required by any con-
tingency.
Which was not agreed to.
A motion was then made by Mr. Frick,
To amend the resolution, by stnking out "twenty-
six," and inserting in lieu thereof "twenty-eight."
On the question.
Will the convention agree to the motion?
A motion was made by Mr. Wilson,
That the convention now adjourn, to meet this after-
noon at ;"> o'clock,
AVliich was agreed to.
AFTERNOON.
Captain .lohn Longenccker, and Henry D. Ovcrholt-
zcr, Esq. having been appointed by the delegates from
tlie 4th division, to fill the vacancies occasioned by the
non attendance of Captains Flora and Yetter, appeared
and took their seats.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Staub:
Resolved, that where vacancies may have occurred,
by the non-attendance of delegates from any brigade,
the delegates in attendance have authority to supply
the vacancy;
Which was not agreed to.
The convention resumed the consideration of the
resolutions attached to the report of the committee ap-
pointed to suggest to the convention such matters as
desened their immediate attention.
1 he question recurring.
Will the convention agree to the amendment, to
strike out "twenty-six "and insert "twenty eight."
It was determined in the negative.
A motion was then made by Mr. Davis,
To strike out the words " between tlie ages of twenty-
one and twenty-six," and inserted in lieu thereof, "ta
will uniform themselves voluntarily according to law."
46
YORK AND MARYLAND RAIL-ROAD
[jAirD^mx
On the question,
Will the convention ag;ree so to amend?
A motion was made by Mr- Dean,
To amend the amendment, by adding- thereto the
following: "And that every such citizen between the
ages of twenty -one and forty -five, who will not equip
himself, shall pa)-, a certain sum in lieu thereof for the
encouragement of volunteers and of the first class of
militia."
Which was agreed to.
'J'he question recurring-,
Will the convention agree so to amend?
On motion.
The convention adjourned.
I'i'u be Cu/ilinued.']
YORK AND >LARYLAND RAIL-ROAD.
At a meeting of the citizens of the city and county of
■Philadelphia, held agreeably to pubhc notice, at the
Disti-lct Court room, on Tuesday, January 17, at 3
o'clock, p. M. to take into consideration what measures
ought to be used relative to the York and Maryland
Line Rail-road Bill, now before the legislature, the fol-
lowing gentlemen were appointed officers:
PRESintNT,
WILLIAM RAWLE, ESq.
tice-pkesiuexts,
George N. Bakeb, Richard Palmer,
Hubert Pattehsoic, Robert ToLAsn.Esq'rs.
SECRETARIES, '
Robert Morris, Wm. M. Meredith, Esq'rs.
JosiAB Randall, Esq. opened the meeting with per-
tinent remarks, and inti-oduced the following- preamble
and resolutions, which were adopted with g-reat cordi-
ahty.
The citizens of the city and county of Philadelpliia
have again assembled in town meeting to offer tlieir re-
spectful remonstrance against the passage into a law of
tne bill, now before the legislature, to incorporate the
York and .Maryland Line Rad-Road Compau)'; we have
more than once expressed our conviction of its impolicy
and injustice, our opinions have heretofore been listen-
ed to by the legislative wisdom of the commonwealth,
and subsequent experience has confirmed us in the so-
Ldity of our former objection to this measure.
The basis upon which the present canal and rail-road
system of Pennsylvania was originally predicated, was
to knit together and identify the interests of the eastern
and western parts of the state by intimate and expedi-
tious intercourse, and by faciUties afforded to the con-
veyance of produce; upon no other expectation, it is
beheved, would this system ever have been adopted,
and upon its fulfilment was a large portion of the capi-
tal subscribed, which has since been disbursed in intern-
al improvement. The contemplated rail-road, so far as
it shall take eff'ect, will virtually destroy this object; it
will sever the interests of the eastern and western part
of this state, it will under all changes and circumstances
keep them asunder, and at all times present to them sub-
jects of collision both in feehng and in interest. We
feel justified in affirming that the plan is not only un-
wise in itself, but that it is a virtual violation of the so-
lemn compact upon which our S} stem of internal im-
provement was originally proposed and adopted.
The friends of the York and Maryland line r^-road
have earnestly urged that the proposed route to the
Maryland line, and from thence to Baltimore, will af-
ford to the owner of produce a choice of markets.
Hitherto this has been but a theoretical advantage, it
is believed that it never can nor will be an advantage
of much moment; if it ever should be, the proper time
\rill then have arrived to consider its force and effica-
cy. The legislature will recognise the justice of legis-
lating for the whole community; and that when any
measure may be even comparatively advantageous to
one portion of the commonwealth, but highly injurious
to another portion, its policy must be more than doubt-
ful. The York and Maryland line rail-road may afford
to the owner of produce residini; north and west of the
county of York, an additional market, and this adcLtional
market may in some small degree be an advantage to
such ow-ner, but it is founded upon a total loss of the
ti-ade to the whole eastern part of the state, and a seri-
ous injury to the revenue of the commonwealtli.
The proposed rail-road will intersect the line of the
Pennsylvania western communication at the most favor-
able point in the county of York, and diverging from
it, will offer to the carrier of produce a gi-eater facility
to take it to the city of Baltimore than continue on the
route to the city of Philadelphia. From the point where
the produce leaves the state, until tlie return commodi-
ty again reaches it, it is a total loss to the city of Phila-
phia, the eastern part of the state, and a comparative
loss to the revenue of the whole commonwealth. We
lose the tolls in bringing it to Philadelphia, the profit
and employment attendant upon its ti-ansportation, the
gain arising from the various modifications of sales, bar-
ter,and re-sales by auction or retail, within our own state,
the purchase in the same manner of the return article, and
the tolls and benefit attendant upon its transportation
back to the diverging point where the original produce
was taken, from the limits of our own state. In fact, we lose
the trade and all its advantages, immediate and remote,
by our own legislative enactments transfer it to other
hands, and this evil is only hmited by the extent to
.J^'hich the proposed rail-road will aff'ord public conve-
nience. If trade within the state be a benefit, then we
unvoluntarily authorise that trade to be taken from our-
selves and delivered to others.
Such is the result of the matter, so far as regards our
own citizens; but this is a hmited view of the subject,
4-5th parts, perhaps 19-20th parts of the trade of Phila-
delphia, beyond the county of York, proceed from the
north-western and south-western states and territories;
and, as to that portion of our trade, this presentation of
a double market is nothing more than the result of ex-
pending our resources in enabling our old customers to
leave us, and grant them facilities to go elsewhere. To
render the injustice more manifest, our customers resi-
dent in the western states and territories have never in-
timated, much less requested, the advantage of this ad-
ditional market, and the line of communication is to be
kept in repair at the expense of tlie whole state.
The citizens now assembled, know that their views
have been stigmatized as narrow and illiberal. So far
as a desire to promote the prosperity of their own com-
munity, to watch most seduously over its interests, and
to preserve its present commercial advantages, may be
obnoxious to this remark, we freely acknowledge the
imputation. We avow ourselves unwilling to see any
s) stem adopted, which shall transfer the trade and pros-
perity of Philadelphia to any other place, and the ex-
ample of our friends and neighbors of the city of Balti-
more afi^ords an additional proof of the wisdom of those
principles. Our legislative acts ought to Uberate us
from this charge, for thej- exhibit a course of the utmost
liberality to other states, and more especially the state of
Maryland.
Pennsylvania has expended millions in internal im-
provements, millions are yet to be expended to complete
it; and all these sums have been collected from the com-
mon stock of the state. As we are proceeding to com-
plete tlie chain of internal communication, it is propo-
sed to draw off" our trade from its regular course, to the
city of Baltimore.
It was not until this enormous expenditure had been
made, that we heard of the present rail-road to
the Marj'land line, and if no such line of communication
had been commenced, we should never have heard of
any such proposition. AVe are not hazarding these »*•
sertions without authority. A committee of delegates
1832.]
TORK AND MARYLAND RAIL-ROAD.
47
from the Baltimore and York turnpike company, the
Conewaijo canals, and the York Haven company, held
in the city of Baltimore, on the 3d Aiif^ust, 18^.", in ex-
citing their citizens to renewed activity to ctt'ect tliis ob-
ject, use the following langu,age:
*'Xf tlie rail-road in question was constructed, it would
absorb tlie whole trade which now descends the bus-
queh.anna." And again they say,
" If, on the other hand, we enter early into the field
of competition, and improve our natural advantages, wc
make the efforts of our rivals tributary to our views, and
they cannot make a foot of canal or imil way, erect a
bridge, or pave a turnpike road, which does not neces-
sarily lead the trade or commerce embarked upon it di-
rectly to oui' door.
"\\e have nothing in fact to do, but to take up the
work where they (the Pcnnsyivanians) leave it, and to
furnish at a trifling expense, a great line of internal com-
munication, which the exertions of our spirited and en-
terprising neighbors have conducted within our reach.**
We are sohcitous to preserve the power to "make a
foot of canal or rail-way," to "erect a bridge," and
"pave a turnpike road," for our own advantage and our
profit, and if this constitute a narrow and illiberal pohcy.
we acknowledge the charge.
The peculiar site and relative position of the coun-
ties, constituting the southern line of the state, is well
known and understood; towards these we have ever felt
the most cordial feeling, and at all times cherished a
hope that injustice should not be done to them. AVhen-
ever, therefore, a liberal policy can be extended to-
wards these counties, without manifest and manifold in
jury to other parts of the state, it will receive our cor-
dial support and hearty approbation.
This district affords the great source of revenue to
the commonwealth — its ability to furnish revenue arises
from its trade, foreign and domestic. So far as this
tr.ide is can'ied on with the citizens of our own state,
it is a source of reciprocal advantage, and different parts
of the state are respectively useful to each other — and
so far a.s our trade receives legislative protection, we
are indebted to the wisdom of the councils of our state.
Under our former sj'stem, our city has continued to
thrive and prosper, and the revenue of the common-
wealth has continued to improve and increase. New
sources of revenue have, from time to time presented
themselves, and their exaction has been borne by our
citizens without murmur or complaint. Since the meet-
ing of the legislature, an event fully exemplifying tills
remark, has transpired. A citizen of Philadelphia, by
means of great intellectual prowess, untiring industry,
and the local advantages of his place of residence, had
amassed a fortune in amount, on this continent, hitherto
unexampled. His time to appear before another tribunal
had arrived; in the distribution of his property he yields
cheerfully to the taxation of his est;ite — submits to it
without an attempt at evasion, and adds to it a legacy
magnificent and unprecedented in liberality, to aid the
cause of internal improvement throughout the common-
wealth.
Ills genius and public spirit had prompted him to era-
ploy part of hiscaplt;J in banking operations, and upon
the withdrawal of that capital from Its accustomed chan-
nel, additional bank or banks are supposed by many to
be called for, and again our city presents new prospects
of revenue to the commonwealth. How far the city and
county of Philadelphia and the trade, merit the foster-
ing care and protection of the constituted authorities of
the commonwealth, the life and fortune of Stephen Gi-
rard, and his disposition of that fortune, after his death,
will attest and establish.
The citizens now assembled firmly believe, that the
law to incorporate the York and Marjland Line Rail-
road Company, should not be enacted at any time; but
that, in any event, the present is not the appropriate pe-
tiod. The ch.ain of internal Improvement in Pennsylva-
nia is in a state of prop^ssive completion; it is hoped it
will be consummated within a reasonable time; the prac-
tical effects of this stupendous plan will then be de-
veloped, and we shall be enabled to ascertain with more
precision, than at the present time, to what extent the
contemplated diversion of trade will be injurious to this
district and the state at large. If the bdl now under
consideration is at this time passed, it is not impossible
that the York and MaiTland Line Rail-road may be fi-
nished before the rail-road from Columbia to the city of
Philadelphia. If this should be so, the first fruits of our
great system of improvement will be reaped by the capi-
tal of another state; the channels of trade will be con-
structed; and the difficulties attending the diversion of
those channels, once established, are too well known to
require any commentary to enforce their importance.
Wc therefore respectfully ask the legislature to pause.
The passage of the bill once adopted, whatever may be
its modifications, will be in effect, in-ecoverable, and ne-
ver can be recalled. Under these Impressions we there-
fore adopt the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, that this meeting have perceived with re-
gret, that a bill is now under consideration before the
legivluture of Pennsylvania, to incorporate the York and
Maryland Line ftiil-road Company; and that they sin-
cerely believe that the said rail-road, if completed, will
divert a large portion of the western trade from the ci-
ty of Philadelphia to the city of Baltimore.
2. Resolved, that the thanks of this meeting be pre-
sented to those members of the legislature, who have
opposed the enactment into a law of the bill to incorpo-
rate the said company.
3. Resolved, that the conduct of those members of the
legislature fi-om the city and county of Philadelphia, who
have opposed the York and ISIarjdand Line Rail-road,
have been in accordance with the known and avowed
wishes of their constituents; and in the opinion of those
constituents in accordance with the vital Interests of the
district which they represent,in the general assembly of
lliis commonwealth, as well as of the state at large.
4 Resolved, th.at the members of the senate and
house of representatives from the city and county of
Philadelphia be, and they are hereby requested, to con-
tinue to use their utmost exertions to prevent the pas-
sage of the bill, now before tlie legislature, to incorpo-
rate the said company.
5. Resolved, that it is the interest of the comiion-
wcalth to preserve within itself its own resouicesand
advantages; and that we deprecate any policy which
would seek, by legislative provisions, to transfer its
trade to the hmits of another state.
6. Resolved, that the city and county of Philadelphia
have, at all times, offered to the trade of the interior, an
advant.ageous market, which their citizens and tlie con-
stituted authorities of the commonwealth have success-
fully united in rendering to such trade cverj' necessary
facility; and there is no call on the ground of public con-
venience or private advantage to divert that trade to
another place.
7. Resolved, th.at the Increased and increasing trade
of the city of Philadelphia and its precincts, is closely
connected with the revenue and the wealth of the state,
and that any measures which should depress our pros-
perity, would be found injurious to the interests of the
state at large.
8. Resolved, that this meeting approve of a liberal
and enlightened policy towards all parts of the state,
more especially towards the counties constituting its
southern line, and that any system of appropriation for
their advantage, not wholly incompatible with the vital
interests of other parts of the state, will receive the
warm and decided approbation and support of this
meeting.
9. Resolved, that we are deeply impressed with the
pernicious policy of making experiments in matters of
vital importance; yet, if the proposed incorporation of
the YorK and .Marj'Iand Line Hail-road Company should.
48
MISCELLANEOUS.
[Jajtwaii*
at any time be granted, in the opinion of this meeting'
it ought at the present time be postponed; and that
under no circumstances whatever, should it be au-
tliorissd until the line of communication between the
eastern and western parts of the state has been complet-
ed, and its practical ett'ects have been fully developed;
when the injury consequent upon the proposed act of
incorporation, may be more satisfactorily examined and
determined.
10. Resolved, that a committee of correspondence
and superintendence be appointed, and that they be au-
thorised to adopt such measures as they may think ex-
pedient to caiTy into effect the object of this meeting-.
Whereupon the following g-entlemen were appointed
that committee : —
William Rawle, Geo. N. Baker, Robert Patterson,
Richard Palmer, Robert Tciland, T. C. Rockhill, J.
Randall, Jacob Souder, R. Renshaw, John Naglee,
Thos. Cave, Thomas Hart, Wm. Wagner, Augustm
Stevenson, Thomas D. Grover, Lemuel Paynter, Iho-
mas M. Pettit, James Harper, Wm. il. Meredith, T. P.
Hoopes, W. G. Alexander.
11. Reselved, that copies of the proceedings of this
meeting, signed by the officers, be transmitted to his
Excellency the Governor of the commonw;ealth, and
to the speakers of the senate and house of representa-
tives of the commonwealth, with a request to have them
laid before the honourable bodies over which tliey re-
spectfully preside.
Resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be pub-
lished.
WILLIAM RAWLK, President.
Geotige N. Bakeb, "1
R,cHii.D PiLMEi., I Vice Presidents. .
R Patteiisox,
ROUEBT ToLA^D,
Robert Morris, ? secretaries.
Wm. M. MEREDtxn, S
and for purposes calculated to promote the moral and
general welfare of the people of the county.
GILES K.NIGHT, Foreman.
STATISTICS OF GERMANTOVVN TOWNSHIP.
Number of taxable inhabitants, for 1832,
1024
Laboiu-ers, 129
Farmers, 108
Cordwaners, 92
Coopers, 56
Hatters, 56
Carpenters, 40
Victuallers, 40
Manufacturers, 37
Weavers, 36
Black-smiths, 30
Carters, 24
Millers, 19
latlors, 20
Hosiers, 18
M.asons, 22
Teachei-s, 13
Wheel-wrights, 13
Tallow-chandlers, 3
Trimmers, 2
Bleachers, 2
Tinmen 2
Drum-makers, 2
Glove-makers, 2
Stone-cutters, 2
Tanners, 2
Book-binders, 2
(-'urriers, 2
Scriveners, 2
Coach-makers, 12
Cabinet-makers, 13
Paper-makers, 11
Saddlers, 9
Physicians, 8
Comb-makers, 6
Gardners, 6
Printers, 6
Bakers, 5
Spinners, 5
Paintei-s, ► 4
Skin-dressers, 4
Calico-printers, 4
Dyers, 3
Tobacconists, 3
Brush-makers, 3
Clock-makers, 3
Button-makers, 3
Barber,
Gun-smith,
Brewer,
Last-maker, ••••••••
W. Chair-maker,. •••
Saddletree-maker, ••
Inn-keepers, 14
Store-keepers, • • -28
Apothecaries, 3
5.799*
The following are the number of bushels of the dif-
ferent sorts of grain, (salt coastwise) and coal discharged
at the port of Philadelphia, for the year 1 83 1 :
Corn, (bushels, )420,353
Wheat, 201,878i
Bye 47,7nj
Barley, ,....62,846J
Oats 9a,372i
Flaxseed, 5.715f
Beans and Peas, 1,643§
Clover and Timothy seed, 2, 1 3 2
823,6531
Coal, 123,143
Salt 38,143 J
993,939i
GEO. M. HECKMAN, Measurer.
( Praentment of the Grand Jury of Bucks County.
The Grand Inquest inquiring in and for the county of
Bucks, respectfully represent: that they have observed
with surprise and regret, a resolution of a majority of
the board of commissioners, to exclude all religious
meetings from our court house, as though religion were
a matter unworthy the attention of the people, or as a
matter not suitable to be introduced into the halls of
justice, while it appears that the doors are opened free-
ly, not' only for political and general county pvirposes,
but indiscriminately for all other purposes than those of
a religious and moral nature. AVe do, therefore, ex-
press our entire disapprobation of the measure, believ-
ing it to be averse to the enlightened and liberal views
of the citizens of our county, and would therefore re-
commend that the doors be' opened to all regular and
well recommended ministers of the Christian religion.
Acres of land, - - - .
117 lots supposed to contain J of an
acre, .... 14f— 5.813J
DweUing-houses, ----- 731
Horses over four years of age, - - 557"
Cows over four years of age, - - 750
Dogs, --.--_ 461
Germantown Telegraph,
A Statement showing the two extremes of Fahren-
heit's thermometer, situated where there was a free cir-
culation of air, and northern exposure, in each month;
and the corresponding day of the month. Also the
perpendicular depth of rain, which fell through the se-
veral months of the year 1831 — at the residence of J.B.
Solebury township, Bucks county. Pa.
1831
^ A
u c
MONTHS.
in-
>>?
5ca
j=-g
as
jtn
=> s
5"
January,
56°
4
•1'=
25
4.94
February,
48
lb-
b
2.75
March,
70
26
19
18
3.18
April,
80
18
31
10
7.43
May,
92
31
40
8
2.27
June,
94
3
46
25
7.53
Jul}',
90
20
51
12
5 64
August,
93
18
50
29
5.77
September,
81
2
40
19
4.54
October,
80
4
32
29
7.26
November,
64
9
20
30
2.99
December,
3.
25
4
16
1.70
56.10
•Below Zero.
B. Intelligenctr.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PnESERVATIOX OP EVERT KIND OF USEFCL ISFORMiTION RE
SFErTISG
THE STITB.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. lX.-i\0. 4. PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 27,
183 2.
NO 2ia,
DELAWARE ANn RARITAN CANAL COMPANY,
ANU CAMOEX AND A.MUOY UAIL-KOAD AND
TRANSHOKTATION COMPANY.
At a meeting' of the Stockholders in the city of Pliila-
delphia, held aifreeably to public notice, ut the CoH'ee
House, 14th January, 1832, Samuel Richards, Esq
was called to the chair, and Jos 11. Dulles appointed
secretary.
A communication was made on the part of the direc-
toi-s, stating' that the motive for calling the meeting was
to invite an investigation into the artau'S bf the compa-
ny, by the stockholders in I'hiladclphia, in order that
they might satisfy themselves with regard to the past
proceedings of the directors, and the present condition
of the company; as certain charges had been made bj-
persons opposed to the interests of the company, tlie
report of which it was thought might have reached the
stockhcliers in this city.
On motion of Thomas niddlc, Esq. the following re-
solution was adopted:
Resolved, that a committee of four be appointed to
investig^atc the transactions of the Directors, and the
present condition of the joint companies, and to report
the result of their inquiries to an adjourned meet. ng of
the Stockholders, to be held on Monday afternoon, the
l&h inst. at 4 o'clock. Whereupon the following gen-
tlemen were appointed — Messrs Arthur Harpsr, Ehhu
Chauncey, John M. .\twood, and J. H Dulles, together
With the chairman of the meeting.
Adjourned meeting, held IGth 'anuury, 1832, Samu-
el Ri hards, Esq took the chair, when the following re-
port of the committe, together with the accompanying
documents, were read and accepted.
REPORT.
The committee report the result of the investigation,
which was conducted diu'ing a session of six hours, with
a pointediiess and person.'dity which would have been as
painful to the committee, as it must have been offen-
sive to the directoi's, had not the entire course of their I
management been in tlie strictest degree honorable and
correct.
This scrutiny the committee believed it their duty
to make, in consequence of the grounds of their ap-
pointment; and finding the Directors, to the fullest ex-
tent candid and unreserved, they have no cause to
regret the course they have pursued in the investigation
The hooks of both companies were submitted to the
committee, from which it appears that instalments have
been called in by each company to the amount of
«450,000.
The canal company booksexhibit thefollowingfjcts:
that of these instalments, which have been paid within
$3M I (which deficiency is chiefly due by stockholders
having claims for damages on the route, ) there has been
expended, as per statement A, will particularlv appear,
and which is herewith presented, $o6a,9l2 09
To which is to be added amount paid rail-
road company, 50,000 00
The several items in this schedule of expenditures
have been examined where they appeared at all im-
portant, and the statement B, giving particulars of the
real estate and materials, presents to the stockholders a
very gratifying view of this department of the compa-
nies' interest; the real estate being of great value, and
the materials such as prudent foresight has g-athered in
large quantit>s, in preparation for an early prosedtition
of the work this spring.
The items which have more particularly claimed
the investigation of the committee, are those of salaries
and contingent expenses.
1st, Salaries — .■Vmotmt S4, 700 per annum. This in-
cludes the salaries of the president, secretary, and trea-
surer, being an average of less than 516 JO each These
in the particular items, are found low in comparison
with those of similar institutions, and the more strkingly
so, when it is considered, that the discharge of the du-
ties exposes the part es, in the early stage of the work,
to great personal fatigue, and involves expenses which
the committee believe quite equal to the respective sa-
i laries. On this pont the committee are entirely satisfied.
I 2d, Contingent expenses — .\mount S4,72'3 54. This
, item includes the ordinary charges incident to such an
I enterprise — alt expenses and payment to officers and
[ agents employed on the line of the canal, in procuring
I land and other duties in the preliminary arrangements
j of the company, incurred from May 10, I83U, when the
company began their operations, to the 25th Oct 1830,
I at which last period the salaries commenced; and the
committee having examined the details, are satisfied
that economy and integr ty, clearly mark th s expendi-
ture, so very small in comparision to that of other com-
panies
The item under the head of Engineer corps, struck
the committee as being large, but an examination into
particulars has convinced them, that there is nothing
extravagant, and the report of the canal commissioners
of Pennsylvania recently made, exhibits in detaih the
most distressing and mortifying, the folly of wasting'
time and money, under the misguidance of incompetent
engineers, with a false notion of economy.
The books of the rail-road company were next ex-
amined, from which the committee gpther the following
facts:
I hat the instalments have been paid up (excepting
a vcrv small sum due bj" some of the minor stockhold-
ers) say S450,000 00
To which add amount received from the
canal company, 50,000 00
Interest gained on balances invested in
the public stocks, with sales of materi-
als not wanted, 9,122 67'
5j:,VJ-2 67
There has been expended, as appears per
schedule C, 448,534 90
53,587 77
Leaving a balance to meet the demands
accruing since 1st Januarj-, 1832,
Vor. TT.
i Leaving' a balance on the books,
$410,912 09 1 From which is to be deducted the amount
I of expenditures at the Amboy station,
39,087 91 notbrought into tlie books on 1st Jan'y, 11,747 33
§450,000 OO * Leaving a balance to meet the demand.s
aecniinp since 1st Januarr,
41.810 39
50
MILITARY CONVENTION.
[Jakuart
The items of expenditure under the heads wliarfing',
real estatate, and materials, are in the highest degree
satisfactory to the committee, and most convincingly
prove a sagacity and care on the part of the directors
highly creditable to them, and advantageous to the com-
pany. The particulais are found amiesed in state-
ment D.
an increase of speed, which will give to the tj-aveUingon
th's road a decided preference over any other.
In the neighbourhood of Camden, from the landing
on the Delawaie opposite the city, four miles and a
half are graded, with the exception of about half 3
mile, and this is by far the most expensive and difficult
part of the route from Bordentown to Camden; the re-
The items under the head of salaries and Incidental j maining portion being almost natural knel. Con-
expenses are, in like manner, as in the case of the ca
nal company, entirely satisfactory to the committee.
The salaries are the same in amount, and subject to
tlie same remarks, with the exception that the presi-
dent of this company receives no salary as such — the
amount corresponding %vith that of tliis officer, being
given to the cliief superintending agent.
The incidental expenses amount to §11,508 66, in-
cluding- the salaries of nine agents, regularly employed
on various parts of tlie line, not chargeable to any
particular account, exceeding in amount rSjOO, toge-
ther with other expenditures on the road, not referable
to any particular account until the point of appl. cation
is decided, as a steam engine for breaking gravel,
costing $1>^00, is also included with the expenses of ar-
bitrating litigated cases on the route. This item is sa-
-tisfactoi-y to the committee, and they are assured that it
will be so to the stockholders.
The pecuniar}' transactions of each of the companies,
being monthly submitted to an investig.ition of the
other, furnishes a guard, were any requisite, to secure
the faitliful expenditure of the funds — the vouchers for
all amounts exceeding one dollar, being examined, and
the accounts attested.
The item, legal expenses, is :o small in each of the
companies as to be matter of particLilar notice, being in
the one, $970, and in tlie other, $1010 33.
To the inquiry whether the large stockholders, citi- j
zens of New Jersey, had paid up their instalments, it
appears that they have not only done so in every in-
stancs, but in each of the companies, these- gentlemen
have advanced very large sums of money frequently,
and for considerable periods of time, when necessi-
ties' of the companies required it, and when instal-
ments could not be conveniently called in.
To another mtimation, that the original large stock-
holders had sold out a part of their stock, the committee
are satisfied that the charge is entirely false, and that, in
no case have they diminished their interest in the
works, even under the allurements of an advance of for-
ty dollars per share, affording thus the fullest evidence
of their confidence in the project, and tlieir devotion to
its concerns.
In reference to the bill now pending before the legis-
lature of New Jersey, although some of its provisions
appear burthensome to the stockholders, yet the com-
mittee beheve that the security of their interests wiU be
promoted by its adoption, and they do therefore ap-
prove the encoui-agement g-ven to this bUl by the di-
rectors.
On the canal, fourteen miles are nearly completed in
the excavation, that is, from Trenton to Kingston, so
that it could be finished in a month, with good weather.
The work done being at a saving of S'14.ri7 72 below
the .estimates Five locks and several important cul-
verts are under way.
On the rail-road the grading is completedfrom Stew--
art's Point below I'.ordentown, to .\mboy, w,th the ex-
ception of less than four hundred feet at Bo, den town,-
■R'hich will be very shortly fmshed.
Esdls are laid at Bordentown and Amboy four miles
and a half, and the directors have resolv- d to proceed
with all force, so as to be able to connect the two ends
ofthe rail-road by a single stage of horses, making about
twentv miles of rail road: and, from their past experi-
ence, "thev confidently believe, that this can be effected
in the course of the month of May. By this means there
will be a preat saving of expense of transportation and
tracts for all the important bridges between Camden
and Bordentown being now made, it is the determina-
tion of the directors to prosecute the work, so as to-
complete the entire route from Camden to Amboy, aa
soon as practicable;
The following resolutions are respectfully submitted.
By order of the committee.
SAMUEL RICHARDS, Chairman.
The following resolutions were then adoptedr
1. Resolved, that the stockholders entertain the full-
est confidence in the president and d rectors of the re-
spective companies, and they do heartily give their un-
qual fied approbation ofthe course pursued by them.
2. Resolved, that the thanks ofthe stockholders be
given to the presidents and directors of both companies,
for the laborious, faithful and skilful execution of the
.trust committed to them.
3. Resolved, that the stockholders, being informed
by the directors that contracts for building biidges over
Cooper's, Penshawken and Rancocus creeks have just
been made, they do h'ghly appi-ove the determinatioa
manifested by the directors to prosecute this part ofthe
road, and to effect an early completion of the entire
work from Camden to Bordentown, and thence to Am-
boy.
The bill before the legislature of New Jersey being
read, by direction of the meeting, the following resolu-
tion was adopted mianimously r
4. Resolved, that the bill now before the legislature
of New Jersey is approved, inasmuch as it is highly im-
portant to secin-e a joint and common interest with the
state through wliich the entire line of both worts is pro-
jected.
Published by order ofthe meeting".
SAML. RICHARDS, Chairman.
Jos. H. DciLES, Sec'y.
PnOCEEDIXGS OF THE
MILITAUY CO-NVENIION,
Which assenibkd at ffarrUbur^, Pennsylvania,
Monday, January 2, 1832.
(Concluded from page 46.)
■\VEDNESD.\Y, January 4, 1832.
The convention met, an^ the roll having been calle<J,
it appeared that the following gentlemen were in
attendance.
>Iessi-s. Page, Rilev, Simpson, Cooper, Baker, Fritz,
Nathans, Worrell, Vansant, Goodman, Rogers, Davis,
Torbert, Purdy, Hart, I hompson, Bertles, Boileau,
Sheetz, Gartley, Richards, Ze.hn, Price, Lescure, Ker-
lin. Reed Miller, ofLancaster.llambright, Frazer,Ford-
nev, McGlaughlm, Downey, Lorgenecker, Ovcrholl-
zer, Snyder, Clarkson, j'l ller, of Adams, Sanders,
Franklin, Blattenberger. Bnberts, Dean, H gb, Boyer,
Potleiger, Kern, Kelchner, AVtber, Fogle, Hornbeck,
Livingston, Straub, Merr.ll, Prick, Packer, Pavton,
Drum'heUer, Mitchell, Fleming, Piatt, Potter, AVilson,
Houston, Curtin, Buchanan, Duncan, M'Cullough, Ard,
Cummings, 'Wdson, Miles, Kirk, Murphy, Parker, Kel-
so, Sharon, Criswell, Williams, McMurtrie, Snare,
Foulke, Alexander, of Cum. M'Cartney, M'Clure,
Spencer, Biddle, W. S. Ramsey, Gray, Greer, Stough,
Tritt, M'Candlish, Woodburn, Redett, Fetter, Speck,
Clark, A. C. Ramsey, Heck, Brady, of Fi-ankhn, Bard,
Wr.Uace, M'Geehan,'compher, il'Elwee, Teeter, Down-
ing-, Alexander, of Westmorel'd, AVells, Underwood,
1«32.]
MILITARY CONVENTION.
51
Brady, of Westmorel'd, Gosser, Bli^low, M' Williams,
RinR-Lind, Hawkins, Patterson, \\ augh, Bayne.
Mr. Pag-e from the committee appointed to suggest
matters for the consideration of the convention, made a
further report, which was read as follows:
1. That volunteer corps be encouraged as far as prac-
ticable; that, fvr that purpose, all volunteers, so long as
they shall continue to perform m'litary duty, shall be en-
titled to all the advantages which are allowed to the first
class; they may fix their own duys of parade, &nd im-
pose such fiues for absence on those days, as they may
please, and adopt such bye-laws as they may approve;
that they shall be subject to the same duty of encamp-
ment and servce in time of peace, as the fTrst class;
they shall be allowed the usual mus'c, at the pubic ex-
pense, on their days of parading; that their officers
shall take rank of mil'.tia officers of tlie same grade, and
their corps shall take rank of the militia.
2. Tliat any person, after his arrival at the age of
twenty six, ma)-, if he will, continue to perfoi'm duty
with, and be entitled to the advantages of either tlie
first class, or volunteers, but not subject to contribution
to the military fund; but on ce;ising to perform duty, he
shall contribute annually 5Q cents to that fund.
3. Every member of the first class, and volunteeers,
shall pay a fine of f2, for every day of those required by
law, in case he shall fail to parade in uniform, without
sufficient excuse.
4. That a committee be appointed to draft a memori-
al to congress, asking a revision of the militia laws of
the United States.
5 That the proceedings of this convention be re-
commended to the early and serious attention of the le-
gislature; and witli that view, that the officers of the con-
vention lay before ihem an authenticated copy of the
journal
On motion of Mr. Simpson,
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, that a committee of finance be appointed,
to collect funds and defray the expenses incidental to
the meeting of this convention:
And M.iS3r3 Simpson, M'lilaughlln, Snyder, Roberts
and Piatt, were appointed said committee.
The conventi'n resumed the consideration of the se-
cond "resolution attached to the report of the committee,
iipponted to suggest matters for the consideration of the
convention.
The question being on the amendment to said resolu-
tion, offered yesterday.
Tne yeas and nays on said question were called for,
by Mr. Alexander and Mr. Davis, and are as follows:
- YEAS.
Messrs. Page, Simpson, Baker, Fritz, Nathans, Wor-
rel, Vansant, Rogers, Davis, Torbert, Purdy, Hart,
Thompson, Bertels, Rolleau, Sheetz, Zeilin, Price, Ker-
lin. Reed, Ilambright, Frazer, Fordney, M'Laughhn,
Downey, Longcnecker, Overholtzer. Snyder, Clarkson,
M Her, of Adams, Sanders, Franklin, Dean, Hornbeck,
Straub, Packer, Wilson. M'Clure, Bludle, AV. S. Ram-
sey, Greer, Stough, Redett, Fetter, Heck, Brady, of
Franklin, Bard, Wallace, M'Gechan, Teeter, .\le.\an-
der, of Westmorel'd, Bradv,- of We-Umorcl'd, Bigelow,
Rlngland, Waugh, Bayne.Tritt, .M'Candlish— 58.
NAYS.
Messrs. Riley, Cooper, Roberts, High, Boyer, We-
ber, Fogle, Merrill, Frick, Paxton, Drumhelltr, Mitch-
ell, Fleming, Piatt, Potter, ( urtin, Buchanan, Duncan,
M'CuUough, Ard, Cummlngs, Miles, Kirk, Murphy,
P.arker, Sharon, Criswcll, Williams, M'Murtrie, Snare,
Alexander, of Cum. M'Ciirtney, Spencer, Gray, Wood-
burn, Speck, Chirk, A. C.Ramsey, Compher, M'F.lwee,
Downing, Weils, Umlerwood, Gosser, M' Williams,
Patterson— 46.
So it was determined in the affirmative.
The convention then adjourned until 3 o'clock, this
afternoon.
IN THE AFTERNOON.
The convention resumed the consideration of the
amendment to the second resolution, attached to the re-
port of the committee appointed to suggest matters for
the consideration of the convention.
On the question,
Will the convention agree to the resolution as amend-
ed.'
A motion was made by Mr. Franklin,
Further to amdend the resolution, by inserting be-
tween the words "shall" and "pay," the words "be
called the second class, and" —
Which was agreed to.
The resolution, as amended. w.as then adopted.
The third resolution was then adopted, after being
amended by striking out the word "this," and inserting
in lieu "the first class."
The fourth resolution being under consideration,
A motion was made by Mr. Merrill,
To postpone the further consideration of the same for
the present, for the purpose of co:isidering the follow-
ing:
Resolved, that it will be expedient to demand from
those between twenty-one and twenty-si.x years of age,
who shall neglect or refuse to uniform and equip
themselves, a higher sum than from those who shall
have arrived at the .age of twenty-six.
Which was agi-eed to.
On the question,
i-'Wlll the convention agree to the resolution?
The yeas and nays were required by .Mr. Riley and
Mr. Cummings, and are as follow :
YE.\S.
Messrs. Reed, Frazer, M'Glaughlin, Congeneckcr,
Clarkson, Merrill, Frick, P.acker, Paxton, MitcheP,
Fleming, Potter, Wilson, Buchanan, Duncan, M'Cul-
lough, Ard, Cummings, Miles, Kirk, Murphy, Parker,
Criswell, Williams, M'Murtrie, Snare, Alexander, of
Cumb. M'Cartnev, M'Clure, Spencer, Woodburn,
Speck, Clark, A C^Ramsey, Heck, Downing, Wells,
Undei-wood, Gosser — 38.
NAYS.
Messrs. P.age, Riley, Simpson, Cooper, Baker, Fritz,
Nathans, Rogers, Davis, Torbert, Purdy, Hart, Bertels,
Bolleau, Sheetz, Zeilin, Price, Kerlin, Snyder, Mdler, of
Adams, Sanders, Franklin, Roberts, Dean, High, Boyer,-
Weber, Kern, Kelchncr Lyim, Fogle, Hornbeck, Straub,
Piatt, Sharon, Blddle, Ramsey, Gray, <-reer, Tritt, Re-
dett, Fetter, Brady, Bard, \\ allace, M'Geehan, Comph-
er, M'Elwee, Teeter, Alexander, of Westm'd. Brady, of
W'estra'd, Bigelow, M'WJliams Ringland, Patterson,
Bayne — 56.
So it was determined in the negative.
I The question recurring.
Will the convention ag^ree to the fourth resolution?
A motion \v.as made by Mr. Torbei t.
To postpone the question, (or the purpose of intro-
ducing 1 he follow ing:
' That the militia of the 2d class shall be enrolled as
usu:xl by tlie proper officers, and that they shall annu-
I ally pay the sum of to be collected witli the
1 county'rates and levies, and paid into the treasury of
I the commonwciJth.
That the Cd class sh.all be officered as usual, and that
all the officrs of the Ist and 2d class in each brigade,
[ sh;ill annuallv meet for drill days, for which ser-
1 vices they sh:ill be allowed per day ; and if the of-
ficers request it, the state should furnish them with tlio
j necessary camp equipage.
j Which w;is not agreed to.
1 A motion was made by Mr. Franklin,
To re commit to the committee on the subject, the
1 report and resolutions, together with the report and re-
' solutions made by the said committee this rooming^.
Which was agreed to.
52
MIUTART CONVENTION.
[jAKV^a
On motion Mi-. Roberts was substituted on said
committee in place of Mr Franklin.
On motion of Mr. Franklin,
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, that no member of this convention, be per-
mitted to speak more than twice on any question before
tlie convention.
The convention then adjourned until 11 o'clock, to-
morrow morning\
THURSDAY, January 5, 1832,
The convention met, and the roll being called, one
hundred and eleven members answered to their names.
George liichards, Esq. and Captain Philip Wager
Eeigart, having been appointed to supply vacancies,
took their seats.
The president of the convention presented the follow-
ing resolution, transmitted to him by the speaker of the
"In Senate, Jan. 4, 1832.
Resolved, that the officers and members of the Mili-
tary Convention, now sitting in Han-isbur<, be invited
to take seats within the bar of the senate chamber, du-
ring the sitting of senate.
"Extract from the Journal,
"W. S. FUANIO^IN, Clerk."
Mr. Waugh presented to the convention the fuUow-
ing resolution from the house of representatives.
"In (he House of Representalives, Jan. 4, ;83l.
"On motion,
"Resolved, that the officers and members of the Mi-
litarv Convention be invited to take seats within the bar
of this house.
"Extract from the Journal,
"FRS. R. SHUNK, Clerk."
Mr- Simpson, from the committee to ascertain the
amount necess.iry to defray the expenses of this con-
vention, reported.
That they have enquired particularly into the matter
confided to' them, and offer the following:
Resolved, that tlie members of tlVis convention be as-
sessed the sum of seventy-five cents each, and that the
same be paid into the hands of Walter S. Franklin, tsq,
one of the secretaries of this convention.
Which report and resolution were adopted.
Mr. Page, from the committee to suggest matters for
the consideration of the convention, reported,
1 . That the citizens of tliis commonwealth ought to
be divided into two classes
2. That all such citizens as will uniform themselves
voluntarily according- to law, ought to compose the first
class, and be c;uled tlie active militia; and tliat all such
citizens between the ages of 21 and 45, who will not
equip themselves, shall be called the second class, and
pay a certain sum in lieu thereof, for the encouragement
of the volunteers and of the first class of militia.
3. That tlie first class only ought to be subject to drill
or duty in time of peace.
And the following in conformity to the principles
set forth i.i said resolutions.
1. 'I'hat all militia trainings not in uniform should
be abolislied, and that the second class ought not to be
required to do military duty, except when called forth to
execute the laws, to suppress insurrections and repel
invasions. ^ . , , ■ ,
2, '1 hat the first class be furnished with arms and ac-
coutrements, camp equipage, music, powder, and five
days' rations in each year, and be required to encamp
for insti-uction five days in each year.
3. The militia shall be enrolled as required by law,
by the proper officers, and every enrolled militia man of
the second class, except minors, should annually pay
the sum of one dollar, to be collected as the county
rat.s and levies are now by law collected, and paid in-
to the treasury of this commonwealth.
4, The secoi.d class should have such officers *9 may
be necessary; and all the commissioned officers in each
brigade or regiment shall assemble annually, at such
time or place as may be fixed upon by the commanding
officer of such brigade or regiment for inspection and
drill for days in succession, for which attendance
and service, they should be allowed dollar per
day each, to be paid out of the fund to be created as
aforesaid.
5. That dollars per day should be allowed to
each brigade or regiment, for the pay of musicians du-
ring such annual parade, should they desire it, a suffi-
cient quantity of camp equip.ige to be furnished each
brigade or regiment, for the acquirement of a know-
ledge of camp duty. At such parades the officers may
by ballot select from their number the individual who
shall act as the instructing officers of volunteers to drill
in the same manner in brigade or regiment of volun-
teers: if there be no such brigade, then to be joined in
the drill with the militia officers. Volunteers to have
the right to make their own bye-laws, and manage their
own funds.
6. 1 he first class to be subject at all times to the re-
quisitions of the state executive, in compliance with the
provisions of the constitution.
7. That a committee be appointed to draft a memo-
rial to congress, to be signed by the Preisdent, Vice
President and Secretaries, in behalf of this body, ask-
ing a revision of the militia laws of the United States.
8. That the proceedings of this convention be recom-
mended to the early and serious attention of the legis-
lature; with that view, that the officers of the conven-
tion lay before them, an authenticated copy of the
Journal.
The first resolution reported by the committee was
adopted.
'1 he second resolution being under consideration,
A motion was made by Mr Miller, of Adams,
To amend the same by inserting after the words "first
class" "and organized volunteer^."
Which was not agreed to.
A motion was then made by Mr. Nathans,
To strike out "five," where it last occurs, and insert
in lieu, "three successive."
Which was agreed to.
A motion w'as then made by Mr. Riley,
To further amend the resolution by striking out all
after the word *'powder," and adding in lieu thereof as
follows: "And that each company of not less than
privates be allowed the sum of dollars per annum,
to be appropriated by them for militiuy purposes, in
accordance with the bye laws of the respective compa-
nies."
Which was not agreed to.
A motion was then made by Mr. Merrill,
To strike out the words "and be required," and in-
sert "if they diink proper."
Which was not agreed to.
The resolution, as amended, was then adopted.
The third resolution wasadopted.
1 he fourth resolution being under consideration, the
first blank was filled with "tliree," and the second with
"one."
■| he resolution, as amended, was then adopted.
The fifth and sixth resolutions were then adopted.
The seventh resolution was then adopted, and Messrs,
Merrill, Riley, Fritz, Fleming. and M'Clure wereappoint-
eda committee in pui-suarce thereof.
On motion of Mr. Cummings,
'1 he eighth resolution was postponed for the present.
The following resolutions were then offered by Mr.
'lorbert:
Resolved, that the committee appointed to draft a.
memorial to congress recommending a revision of the
militia laws of the United States, be instructed to recom-
mend the passage of a law appropriating to each state
annually the sum of two thousand dollai-s for every re-
presentative to which it is entitled in con^'ess, to be
1832.]
MILITARY CONVENTION.
53
expended, under the direction of the states respective-
ly, in disciplining the officers.
Resolved, thut it be recommended to the legislature
to pass a resolution requesting our senators and repre-
sentatives in congress to use their e.\ertions to eft'ect the
passage of a law agreeably to the preceding resolution,
and that copies thereof be forwarded to the executives
of the several sUites for the concurrence of the respec-
tive legislatures.
Which were not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Simpson, tlie following resolution
was adopted:
Resolved, that the journal of this convention be print-
ed, and that each member of the legislature be lurnish-
ed with a copy of the same, and that each member of
this convention be furnished with three copies.
On motion of Mr. Cummings, the following resolution
was adopted;
Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislature,
to so propoi-tion the mihtary force of this state that the
corps of artillery be augmented.
Mr. Page, from the committee composed of the dele-
gates of the first division, reported the following resolu-
tion, which was adopted.
Resolved, that this convention, inconsequence of the
peculiar and exposed situation of the city of Philadel-
phia, recommend to the consideration of the legislature
the propriety of such a variation in the general law, as
will permit the establishment in the district now compo-
sed of the city and county of Philadelphia, of one divi-
sion of volunteers, and granting, for the purposes of sup-
porting the same, all the fines imposed and collected
from the first and second class within the said district.
Provided, th.at no claim be m.^de by the said division on
the general fund, and that it shall determine the num-
ber of days of encampment for its own instruction.
The convention adjoui'ncd until 3 o'clock this after-
noon.
IN THE AFTERNOON,
A motion was made by Mi-. Wells, and Mr. W. S.
Ramsey,
To re-consider the vote agreeing to the resolution re-
ported by Mr. Page, from the committee composed of
the delegates from the first division.
On the question,
Will the convention agree to the motion?
The yeas and nays were required by Mr. AVells and
Mr. Uavis, and are as follows:
YEAS.
Messrs. Miller, of Lancaster, HambrigUt, Cummings,
Kirk, Criswell, .M'Cartney, W. S. Ramsey, A. C. Ram-
sey, Wells, Underwood, Uigelow, Bayne — 12.
NAYS.
Messrs. Page, Hiley, Simpson, Cooper, liaker, Fritz,
Nathans, Worrell, Nansant, Rogers, Davis, Torbert,
Purdy, H.u-t, Bertels, Boileau, Slieetz, R.chards, Zeihn,
Price, Kcrhii, Reed, Uowney, Longcnecker, Reigart,
Miller, of Adams, Sanders, Franklin, Blattenbcrger,
Roberts, Dean, High, Boyer, Weber, Kern, Kelchner,
Fogle, llornbeck, Livingston, Straub, Merrill, Frick,
Paxton, Urumheller, Mitchell, Fleming, Piatt, Potter,
Wilson, Cuniii, Buclianan, Duncan, iM'Cullougli, Aid,
Miles, Murphy, Williams, M'.VIurtrie, Snare, Fouike,
M'Clure, Spencer, Gray, Greer, Stougli, Tritt, Wood-
burn, Redett, Fetter, Speck, Clark, Brady, of Frank-
lin, Compher, .M'Elwee, Teeter, Downing, Alexander,
of WeslmorcI'd, Brady of Westmorcl'd, Gosser — 79.
So it was determined in the negative.
On motion of ilr. Williams, the following resolution
was adopted :
Resolved, that application be made to congress, by
this convention, for the jiassage of an act appropriating
for the support and disci]>line of tlic volunteers and mi-
litia of each state a sum of money to be distributed an-
nually, and in proportion to tlie representation of each
state in congress: which monies so appropriated shall
be placed at the disposal of the government 6f the states
respectively.
On motion of Mr. Brady, of Franklin co. the follow-
ing resolution was adopted.
Resolved, that there ought to be a provision made by
the legislature for the election of one lieutenant for each
comp;iny of infantry, artillery, and riflemen, and militia
of the first class, in this state, in addition to the number
of officers now allowed by law.
On motion of Mr. Criswell, the following resolution
was adopted.
Resolved, that every freeman within this common-
wealth, who shall have equipped himself and served in
a regularly organized volunteer company for the t rm of
seven years, shall be exempt from mihtary duty in time
ofpeace.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Straub.
Resolved, that this convention recommend to the con-
sideration of the legislature of Pennsylvania, the pro-
priety of reducing the number that is, under the exist-
ing laws, required to compose a company of the first
class militia
Mhich w.as not agreed to.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Fleming.
Resolved, that volunteers hereafter to be organized
of the same description of force have a similar uniform.
M'hich was not agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Franklin, the following resolution
was adopted.
Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislature
to pass a law requring all major and brigadier genei als
and staff officers, to equip themselves, and to parade at
least once a year.
Mr. Merrill, from the committee appointed to draft a me-
morial to congress, reported the following, which was
adopted.
To the Honournhle the Senate and House nf Hepresenla-
tives of the United Slatts of America in C'un^em .It-
seinbkJ.
'1 he memorial of a convention of citizens, assembled
from the different military divisions of the common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, most respectfully represents.
That the people of Pennsylvania are deeply impresj-
ed with the belief th:it the present mihtia system of the
United .States is bui-thcnsome and inefficient^ that since
the passage of the act of 1792, the number of men in-
cluded within its provisions has increased so much, and
will continue to increase so rapidly, that it is inexpedi-
ent for the government to attempt to arm and instruct
the whole body. They also believe, that on no occa-
sion, can the necessities of the country require tlie ac-
tual services of so great a number of armed men as is
now included within the provisions of that act. 1 hey
therefore most respectfully request your honourable bo-
dies to revise the present militia system, and to make
such changes therein, as shall enable the government
to arm, and to instruct at least a portion of those who
may be subject to enrolment.
The eighth resolution attached to the report of the
committee to suggest matters for the consideration of
the convention was then adopted.
On motion of Mr. Davis,
Resolved, that a central committee of correspondence
be appointed to promote the objects of this conven-
tion; and
Ordered, that Col. Walter S. Franklin, Capt. E. W.
Roberts, and Capt Hugh M'llwaine, be said committee"
[ On motion of Mr. i orbert,
I Resolved, that the delegates from each division ap-
point a committee of three to correspond with the cen-
tral committee.
Whereupon,
1 he following persons were appointed.
FIRST DIVISION.
Col. James Page, T
I Col. Joseph Rdey, C PhiUdclphi*.
Major N. Nathans, j
54
INDIGENT AVIDOWS' AND SINGLE WOMEN'S SOCIETY.
[Jahuart
SECO?(D DITISIOS.
Major General William I". Rog'ers, Doylestown.
Col. John Davis, DavisviUe.
Col. Simpson Torbert, Dolington.
THinn Divisioy.
Major John Kerlin, Downing-town.
Lieut. John K. Zeilin, Chester.
Lieut. David B. Reed, West Chester.
rODIlTH DIVISION.
Major Frederick Hambrig'ht, Lancaster.
Major John Mag-laug-hlin, Elizabethtown.
Captain David Mdler, Lancaster.
FIFTH DIVISIOJT.
General Michael Doudel, York.
General Thomas C. MilUer, > ^ ^^ ,
Col. Michael Clarkson, S Gettysburg.
SIXTH mvisiox.
Gen. Georg-e D. B. Keim, Reading.
Major William F. Dean, Pottsville.
Captain E. W. Roberts, Harrisburg-h.
SEVEXTH DIVISION".
Col. Georg'e Weber, Kreidersville.
Major John W. Hornbeck, Allentown.
Captain Oliver S. Dimmlck, Milford. I
EIGHTH DIVISION.
General Henry Frick, Milton. |
Col. Joseph Paxton, Catawlssa. |
Col. C. M. Straub, Selinsgrove.
NINTH DIVISION.
Col. James p. Bull, Towanda.
James Lowry, Esq \\ ellsborough.
Major Robert Fleming, WiUiamsport.
TENTH DIVISION.
Captain William Williams, Huntingdon.
Major Abraham S Wilson, Lewistown.
Captain George Buchanan, Spring M lis. Centre co.
ELEVENTH DIVISION.
General Wilfs Foulke, Carlisle
Major Alexander Magee, Bloomfield.
Captain Jasper E, Brady, Chambersburg.
TWELFTH DIVISION.
Major Isaac Teeter, Ehensburg.
Captain Thomas B. M'Ehvee, Bedford.
, Captain Daniel Weyand, Berlin.
THIItTEENTH DIVISION.
Major John B, .Alexander, Greensburg.
Col. Samuel Evans, Uniontown, Fayette co.
Lieut. L. L. Uigelow, Adamsburg, Westmoreland co.
FOPRTEENTH DIVISION.
Col. John Buckingham, AVestBuckingham.Wash. co.
Col. Isaac Hodgens, Washington, Pa.
Major Corbly Garard, Whiteley, Greene county.
FIFTEENTH DIVISION.
Major E. Travilla, T
Major A. M'Farland, s. Pittsburg.
Jonathan Large, Esq. J
SIXTEENTH DIVISION.
Brig. General John Dick, Meadville.
Col. William Hamilton, Mercer.
Col. Joseph Vera, Beaver.
On motion of Mr. Merrill, the followingresolution was
unanimously adopted.
Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be and
they hereby are tendered to the President, Vice I'resi-
dents, and Secretaries thereof, for the ability, impai'tiali-
ty and diligence with which they have discharged their
duties.
On motion of Mr. Miller, of Adams, the following re-
solution was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be ten- •
dered to the commissioners of the county of Dauphin
for their kindrfess in granting the use of the Court
House.
On motion of Mi'. Nathans, the following resolution
was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, that the tlianks of this convention be and
they hereby are tendered to the committee appointed
to suggest matters for the consideration of the conven-
tion, for their diligent discharge of that duty.
On motion of Mr. Page,
Ordered, that Messrs. Page, Ringland and Franklin,
be a committee to revise the proceedings of tliis conven-
tion, and attend to publication
The convention then adjourned sine die.
JOHN B. ALEXANDER, President
AVm. B. Mitchell,'
William Downj
Willis Foulke,
Samoel a. Price,
Simpson Tiirbe.rt.
Waller S. Franklin,
Vice Presidents.
Secretaries,
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE INDIGENT WIDOWs' AND SINGLE W0ME.N*S SOCIETT
OF PBlLADELPttlA.
The rotation of the seasons has again brought around
dreary winter, with all its wants and deprivations. Yet,
although stern and rugged in its aspect, it has attrac-
tions peculiarly belonging to it; for while the charms of
the preceding periods of the year call us forth to enjoy
the beauties of nature, this brings us to the heartfelt re-
alities and endearments of hime, and all the interesting
ch.\rities of domestic life. It is now the season of social
intercourse, of benevolent exertion, and intellectual
improvement; the .«eason when man is especially called
to the exercise of those qualities, which distinguish and
elevate him above the animal creation.
At this season, also, the various benevolent Institu-
tions hold their annual meetings, and among them the
managers of the "Indigent IVii/ou-s' and Single IVn-
meii's fSocieti/," feel it incumbent upon them to present
to their patrons a statement of the helpless family in-
trusted to their care. In the quiet and monotonous
mode of living so essential and suitable to advanced life,
there can be little to recreate, although much to inter-
est, the feelings of the regular visiter. To see a-number
of respectable beings, who have been destined by Pro-
vidence to survive all those ties that render hfe a bless-
ing, and destitute of even the means of supplying the
necessaries of life; to see such in the settled possession
of a home, which affords every needful comfort, divested
of all anxiety for the future, assured of good nursing
and medical attendance when required, and the means
of receiving spiritual instruction and consolation, must
surely be gratifying to every benevolent mind; and
while they are preparing for a richer inheritance, by
patient resignation to the appointments of their Heaven-
ly Father, afford a salutary lesson to those by whose
kindness they are sustained.
Since the last report, three of the family have finished
their course, and, we have reason to hope, have obtain-
ed their reward. One of these had been long suffering
under derangement of mind, but was retained in the
family until within a few months past, when it became
necessary to remove her to private lodgings, within a
few miles of the cltv, but still under the care of a com-
mittee of the board. The Rev. Dr. Ely, Capt. Whillden,
and the church of which she was u member, kindly as-
sisted to defray the expense of this arrangement, which
rendered her latter days as comfortable :is her situation
would admit. Five persons have been received into the
asylum during the past year, making the family to con-
sist at this time of fifty-two persons, including the matron
and domestics. The managers, desirous of rendering
1832.]
REVOLUTIONARY HEROES.
55
the institution as beneficial as possible to the comrrn}ni-
tv, thus ventui-e to receive asmuny pensioners ^s can be
cjmfortably accommodated, although their funds, they
regret to state, are in x less satisfactory situation than is
the household establishment Many causes may be as-
sig'ned as tlie reason of the diminution of income. The
continual fluctuations of human events doubtless pro-
duce an effect; and the numerous and ever increasing
projects that lay claim to public liberality, possessing
the attraction of novelty, induce many to allow their
bounty to flow in a new channel. Uut surely an esta-
blsh.ne.it that has been tested by many years' experi-
ence, should not be permitted to languish and decay for
the sake of nioi-e recent expciiments, however imposing
in theory. But though frequently embarrassed, the
managei's are not discouraged; relief often comes wlien
least expected; as recently, when the fr.ends of the asy-
lum were generally absent, and the treasury empty, a
stranger, unsolicited, and unknown, ottered to exliibit
his curious Tnechanism for the benefit of the institution,
and although the avails of this benevolent act were not
sufficient to prevent the necessity of drawing from the
small saving fund, yet the aid was peculiarly seasonable
and cheenng; hke a gleam of sunshine in a darkened at-
mosphere, it inspire<l hope, and renewed their confi-
dence of support from that Being who emphatically
styles himself "the Widow's God" I hey also notice
witJi gratitude the Ijgacy of I'aul Slemen, Esq received
from Ins executor, Mr. Bohlen, and the bequest of Mrs.
Margaret \V. Barton, with several donations, as per
treasurer's account, annexed.
Thus the year has closed with much less difficulty
than was apprehended, so that the maivigcrs have good
reason for th.inkuf Iness and trust, believing that as their
day is so shall dieir strength be The preacher has said,
"cast thy bread upOn the waters, and thou shalt find it
again after many days." Yes, it will return when the
season of action is over, and no'hing remains to solace
the last stage of existence, but the retrospect of the
past, and the ant c.pation of the future. It .>ill then re-
turn in the soothing reflection, that in the season of youth-
ful hilarity and enterprise, when the worUl and its plea-
sures possessed every attraction, that then, even at that
joyous season, the heart andtlic hand were freely open-
ed to alleviate the sufferings and destitution oftlieaged.
Jiid,genl kf^tJoirx' and Sing'e tVumen'a Huciely, in ac-
want uilh llie Treiisurer.
Decem KF.n — 183 1.
DU.
Upon Wan-ant of the Board of Managers,
paid to the Purchasing Committee, f 2,350 00
To cash paid for Printing Reports, 11 SO
To Chaloner and Henry, their note, 2,0U0 00
To Saving Fund, ' 100 00
To Balance remaining in Treasury, 7^ 11
Decembeii — 1831.
CR
By balance of account from last year.
By Annual Subscriptions,
By Life Subscriptions,
By adin ssion of Pensioners in Asylum,
By Board of Persons in \sylum,
By proceeds of Mr. Maelzel's Exhibition,
By sundry Donations,
By tie Bequest of Mrs Margaret Wharton
By the Be<|uest of .M.. .John Maybin,
By a Legacy of Paul Sicmen, Esq.
By dividends on >tock.
By Knitting and Work done in Asylum,
By sales do.
By Cash drawn from Saving Fund,
By fines from Managers,
By cash from Charity Bo.t,
*4,531 31
S4,531 31
From the American Volunteer.
REVOLUTIONARY HEROES.
A Pubhc meeting of the Revolutionary Officers and
Soldiers within the bounds of the County of Cumberland,
convened, in pursuance of notice, at the County Hall
in the borough of Carlisle, on Tuesday the 3d of Jan.
inst (that being the 55th anniversary of the battle of
Princeton,) to devise ways and means foi- their mutual
benefit. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the at-
tendance of these venerable men was not so numerous as
was anticipated; but still, thei-e were enough present to
give great interest to the scene,and to call foiili the live-
liest emotions of gratitude in the bosoms of all who wit-
nessed this assemblage of veterans, who had fought for
the liberties of our land, in tlie perilous times of the
Revolution.
The meeting was organized by calling Jir.hibald
Loudiin, to the chair; and by appointing George Bin-
chart and I'eler Duet/, Secretaries.
The chairman having stated the object of the meet-
ing, further remarked "That although Congress had
done much for the relief of the surviving officers and
soldiers of the Revolution; still, that in many instances,
the aid granted proved insufficient for thesupport of
those whose age and infirmities rendered them utterly
unable to maintain themselves.
That in many instances, others, who had risked their
lives in the sei-vice of our country during the revolu-
tion, were not within the letter of the existing acts of
Congress; and therefore could obtain no relief.
That there was now more probability than formerly, of
Congress extending further aid to 'them, inasmuch as
old age, poverty and disease had made such sad havoc
in their ranks, and had left so/ew ohji-cts for the nation's
bounty, th.at the most liberal grants by Congress, would
not be felt by the country at large."
It was then Hesalvd, That / cob Oiler and Michael
Milkr — be a committee to ascertain the number of Re-
volutionary Soldiers present — their respective ages
and to what division of the army they belonged.
AVhen, aft r making the necessary inquires, the
committee reported. That the numbei- present was, to
wit: —
Of lite Pennsylvania Militia.
Jacob Oiler,
M chael Miller,
Frederick Kinehart;
John Sloneckcr,
Archibald Loudon,
Robert Wright,
Of the Flying Camp.
Peter Ducy,
Of the negulan.
George Simon Rinehart,
John .Mitchels,
Robert Barkley,
Peter Trill,
John Fagjn,
i Phihp Lenhart,
Martin M.Uer,
It was further Resnhed, That our rcpresentitives in
Congress be requested to use their exertions to procure
for the soldiers entitled to pensions under the existing-
laws, a further relief and assistance from Government,
and to cause such other laws to be m.ade as may em-
brace, within their provision.s.those soldiers of the revo-
lution, who are not entitled to aid or pensions under the
present acts of Congress.
Resvlved, That the proceedings of this meeting, sign-
ed by the chairman and .secretaries, be published: and
that a ccpy of the same, be sent to our representatives
in Congress.
ARCHIBALD LOUDON, Chaimun.
Peter Dckt,
aged 85 years,
do 8 J years,
do 80 years,
do 80 years,
do 78 years,
do 75 years.
aged 78 years.
aged 85 years.
Ao
82 years.
do
81 years.
do
77 years.
do
76 years.
do
72 years.
do
71 years.
G. S. RlVEHiHT.
Secretiries.
56
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1832.
EASTERN PENITENTIARY.
5T
IsSTnucTiOJfS RESPEcrrso
DELAWARE ANU SUSQLEIIA.NNA TRADE.
The following article is from the original document
lately presented to the Editor liy a descendant of one of
the parties to whom it is addressed. The instructions
g-iven to the commissioners, show the amicable dispo-
sition of our state towards its neigliboui-s; in 1786, when
the subject of a communicaUon between the Delaware
and Chesapeake was engaging attention, and as the cir-
cimistancus of the present period.are somewhat similar,
it appears to us seasonable to introduce it.
IN COUNCIL.
PHiLADEtPHiA, October 26th, 1786.
Gentlemen, — To your own sense of the importance
of the negociation with the Stites of Delaware and
Maryland which you arc now about to enter upon.
Council might have very safely trusted, .is well for
your abilities in conducting, as for your zeal in bringing
it to a favourable conclusion. They however esteem
it a duty to impress you with some ideas which in certain
conjunctures may serve you as leading principles, and
be pleaded as motives.
You will remember how much the welfare of Penn-
sylvania depends on her export trade, and as a naviga-
ble communication between the two 15aysofChes.ipeake
and Delaware will aid our exports more or less accord-
ino- to the extent to which the work may be prosecuted.
You will herein have a sufficient motive to contend for
the communication upon the largest practicable scale.
A like consideration may induce Maryland to press more
ji.articularly on the subject'of the Susquehanna naviga-
tion. In this case that State should know that the im-
provements there should eoirespond in extent with the
views entertained with regard to the former navigation.
The States, parties to the negociation have the s.imc.
general objects, but as each may be attached to ways of
"accomplishing them, particularly favorable to itself, un-
less a spirit of mutual concession take place among the
negotiators, a particular bias may tend to disappoint
the main purpose. You will not therefore risque too
much on that head, but sometimes jield in points not
materiallv disadvantigeous to the State when it may be
necessary to procure a general concurrence.
If pri'ncii)les could be established to determine the
comparative benefits to each state, from the new navi-
gation, then the burthen of expcnce to be borne by each
State might be precisely adjusted; but .as such accura-
cy is not attainable, Council in this article are not averse
to your application of the nile just laid down.
CHARLES niDDLE, Vice President
To the Hon. Francis Hopkinson,Esq. Dr. ,Iohn Ewing,
David Rittenhousc, Robert Milligan, and George Lati-
mer, Esqrs.
THIRD ASXrAl DEPORT OF TRE
BOARD OF INSPECTORS OF Tlir: EASTERN
STATE PENITF.NTAUY.
1 he Report of the Board of Inspectors of the E.astern
State Penitentiary- for the year 1831, being the Third
Annual Report made in conformitv with the act of
April, 1829.
To the Hunnrable the Senate and Uuuae of Representatives
of the Commoniucutth of I'tnnsylvania.
The term for which the members of the late boajd '
were commissioned, having expired, the following per-
sons have been appointed iaspector.'!, by the honora-
ble the judges of the Supreme Court; viz. Charles S.
Cnxe, Thomas Hradforil, .Ir., Benjamin \\. Richards,
John Bacon and \Yilli.iTu H. Hood; and the new board
was organized by the election of the following members
to the offices attached to their names respectively, vir.
Charles S. Coie, President,
Tbojcas BRAPronn, Jr. Pecrftary,
.TOH.v Bacok, Treasurer.
V6t. rx. 8
The office of AVarden, continues to be held by Samc-
Ei R. Wood, and, that of Physician by Dr. Fraskhx
Baciie.
During the hist year fifty pri.soiiers have been re-
ceived ;it the Penitentiary; fifty-eight had been com-
mitted at the date of the last annual report, making an
aggTegate of 108 prisoners received at this institution
since it was opened on the 1st day of July A. D. 1829.
87 convicts now remain in confinement. A'arious mat-
ters required by the acts of assembly to be particularly
reported, are stated in the annexed table marked A.
Four deaths have occurred; twelve prisoners have
been discharged by expiration of their sentences; one
convict has been pardoned without the recommenda-
tion or interference of any of the officei-s of this institu-
tion; the pardon liaving been obtained, it is understood,
upon the favourable circumstances of the case, repre-
sented by those acquainted with the prisoner and the
facts, in the county in which he was convicted. There
has been no escape. The general health of tlie prisoi^-
ers has been good, and it is believed that no death has
resulted from the confinement of tlie deceased, nor has
any disease appeared among the prisoners that can bo
attributed to this system. The opinion heretofore ex-
pressed, that the practical operation of this institution is
benffici.al to the moral and not injurious to the physical
powers of the prisoners, has been confirmed by an-
other year's experience and observation.
The law which requires the appointment of a Reli-
gious Instructor of the prisoners, providing that his ser-
vices shall be gratuitous, the Board has been unable to
obtain a suitable person to fill that important office.
Moral and religious instruction forms one of the most im-
portant features of the system, and will require the faith-
ful, unremitting, and undivided attention of .a Chaplain,
or Keliglous Instructor, whose duty it is to pass from
cell to cell ; to visit every prisoner frequently during
the week, to remain with him a considerable time, teach-
ing him his duty to his Creator, his country, and him-
self, and with the exercises of the Sabbatli, will require
lus residence in the Penitentiary, or in its immediate
neighbourhood. The whole time of any one etergy-
man will certainly be required as soon as all the convicts
of the Eastern District shall be confined within these
walls. It is true, that " The Philadelphia Society for
allevialins; Ihe Miseries of Public Prisons," and "The
PhiLadelphia Bible Society," have continued to furnish
the Holy Scriptures and other religious works, and that
some clergymen have visited tlie prisoners, and, parti-
cularly, that the Rev. Mr. James Wilson has performed
divine service for some time, on every Sunday; and
hence much good has resulted to the Institution; yet, in
the opinion oftlieBo.'u-d,this branch of the system has not
been satisfactorily and libei-ally carried into execution.
Extracts from the Report of the Warden, marked B.,
from the Report of the Physician, m:u-kcd C, and tlie
Report of the Building Committee, detiiiling the pro-
gress of the Prison towanls completion, marked D.,
are respectfully submitted.
The experience of anotlier year has also tended to
confirm the opinion, that the prisoners can generally
maintain themselves by their labour in solitude. The
aged, the diseased, those under short sentences and re-
quiring to be instructed in trades, in consequence of
having no occupation that can be pursued in the Peni-
tentiary, will form exceptions to this rule.
Fin.-dly, the actual operation of the Penitenti.arj- Sys-
tem of solitary confinement at Labour, with instruction
in Labour, in morals, and in religion, has continued to
command the approbation of the Board, and, in the
opinion of its members, the friends of the Institution
have great cause to rejoice in its success, as the best e\-i-
dence of its excellence, and of the practical wisdom
and humanitv of its founders.
CHARLES S. COXE, President.
Atteiit — T. Bradfobp, Jr., Sieretary.
Eastern Sute Penitentiary of Fennsrlvanii, ?
:d Januray, 183?. 5
'58
TABULAR STATEMENT. A
[Jakcaiit
Place of Nativity.
Sentenced.
Time.
Offence.
At what court tried.
Times
convt'd
59
60
61
I 62
63
I 64
65
66
67
68
69
70
27 Male
28;
4-7
31
21
24
30
21
22
27
71'26
72 28
7321
74 20
75'19
76 18
7753
7831
79i21
8018
8125
82 24
83130
84'23
85'25
86'46
87,21
8829
89'52
90 25
9124
92 46
93 60
9426
95 21
96 20
Fern
Male
Ulster county, N.Y.
Northumberland co. Pa.
Sunbury, Pa.
Lancaster, Pa.
Philadelphia.
Southern States.
Orang'e county, N, Y
Philadelphia.
freland.
Luzerne co. Pa.
Connecticut.
Delaware.
N. Jersey.
Philadelpliia.
Delaware.
Philadelphia.
Bradford co. Fa.
London.
Delaware.
Holland.
Philadelphia.
Berks co. Pa.
Berks co. Pa.
New York.
Pennsylvania.
England.
England.
York CO. Pa.
Bucks CO. Pa.
Chester co. Pa.
England.
— ^Ireland.
— Delaware.
— |England.
— Pennsylvania.
— .Virginia.
— New Jersey. "
— Delaware.
— Fennsylvania-
— London.
— Philadelphia.
Fem Delaware.
— Delaware.
Male Lancaster CO. Pa.
— Maryland.
— Philadelphia.
— Philadelphia.
— Ireland.
— New Jersey.
— Bucks CO. Pa.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
March 16
March 16
April 5
April 8
April 30
April 30
April 30
April 30
.\pril 30
April 30
May 14
June 23
April 19
July 9
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
AprU 21
Aug. 16
Sep. 12
Sep. 28
Oct. 4
81831
7
17
Oct.
Oct.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Nov.
Nov.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Passing countf. coin Q.S.Luzerne county Isi
Forgery Q. S. Columbia Isi
Horse stealing O. T. Dauphin Is'
Forgery O. T. Lancaster
19 ' 13 mon. Horse stealing Same
19 ' 4 years Burglaiy Same
Forgery Q. S. Philadelphia
Forgery f.ame
Horse stealing Q. S. York
Hoi-se stealing Q. S. Luzerne
Burglary O. T. Pliiladelpliia
Same Same
Same Same
Same Same
Manslaughter Same
Manslaughter Same
Horse stealing Q. S. Bradford
Forgery Mayor's Court Phila.
Horse steaUng O. T. Lancaster
Forgery Mayor's Court Phila.
Passing countf. coin O. T. Berks
Burglary Same
Arson Same
Horse stealing Mayor's c't Lancaster
Robbery O. T. Lancaster
Horsestealing Q. S. Northumb'land
Horse stealing Same
Horsestealing Q. S.Lancaster
Forgery Same
Horsestealing Q.S.Bucks
Intent to commitrape Q. S. Philadelphia
.\ss'lt & battery with Mayor's Court Phila.
intent to murder
Larceny Mayor's Court Phila.
Larceny Same
Horse stealing Q. S. Schuylkill
Perjury Q. S. Columbia
Larceny Q- S. Cumberland
Larceny Mayor's c't Lancaster
Larceny Same
.Arson O. T. Montgomery
Burglary O. T. Delaware
Burglary O. T. Philadelphia
Manslaughter Same
Manslaughter Same
Murder O. T. Lancaster
Robbery O. T. Dauphin
Larceny Mayor's Court Phila.
Larceny Same
Larceny Same
Larceny Same
3 years Larceny Same
THE rOHOWISG PBISOJTEnS ULVE BEBX DISCHAEGED IN 1831, WHO WEKE OF THE SUKBEB BEFOHTED
AT LAST SESSIO
1 year
1 year
2^ years
4 yc.irs
13 mon.
4 years
years
years
years
year
years
years
years
years
years
years
year
years
years
years
years
years
years
years
years
years
years
15 mon.
1 year
3 years
7 years
7 years
14 mon.
13 mon.
3i years
1 year
2 years
3 years
3 years
4 years
2 years
2 years
2 years
2 years
12 years
3 years
2^ years
3 years
18 mon.
Oct. 22 182912
Nov. 11 ' 2
Nov. 17 ' 2
Nov. 25 ' 2
Dec. 30 ' |l
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
years
years
years
years
year
4
19
April 15
July 31
Aug. 17
Aug. 17
Aug. 17
Oct. 6
Oct. 9
5 1830 2 years
\l year
15 mon
1 year
year
1 18 — Harrisburg, Pa.
5 42 — Franklin co. Pa.
6 22 — New York.
8 29 — Ohio.
1 1 48 — Virginia.
13 26 — New Jersey.
1421 — New York.
16 20 — South Carolina.
23 31 — Pennsylvania.
2634 — Delaware.
33 28 — New Jersey.
3819 — New York.
39 20 — Northumberland co. Pa.
43 35 — Delaware.
45 43 — Maryland. ^^
♦Pardoned, ApriU, 1831 t Died, Oct. 18, 1831. t Time out, Oct. 22, 1831. || Time out, tio^Tu, ISST
tJiP^j^AV^?^- loP'- 1T™^S"V=;K<'^ '■*^' '83'' " Jan. 17, I831_detained for coetB,
+t n.ed, May 17, 1831 Jtljin. 17, 183 -detained for costs. || || Time out, April 19, 1831.
^VTtme out, April 15, 133 . ".T'S^ ?'"l ^'^^.^■^' '^^l' *'* ^'^^' M"<^h 6, 1831. ttt Time out, Aug. 17, 1831.
m Time out, Aug. 17, 1831. II II II Died, Aug. 20; 1831. ^MTime out, Nov. 9, 1831.
Qj No prtsoner has ever been convicted a second time to this Peniteniaary.
Burglary
Horse stealing
Horse stealing
Horse stealing
Horse stealing
Forgery
Forgery
Horse stealing
Forgery
Forgery
9 years Burglary
|1 J'ear JHorse stealing
1 J'ear [Horsestealing
3 years Horse stealing
13 mon. Robbery
O. T. Delaware
Q. S. Cumberland
O. T. Lancaster
Q. S. Adams
O. T. Schuylkill
Mayor's Court Phila.
Q, S, Columbia
Q. S. Lancaster
Q. S. Montgomer}'
Q. S. PhUadelphia
O. T. Montgomery
Q. S. Northumb'land
Same
Q. S. Philadelphia
O. T. Lancaster
1st*
2d|
lst§
istTT
3d"
4thtt
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2dl||
2d§§
Istll
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lst§§§
^835.]
EASTERN PENITENTIARY.
59
ElTRACT FHOM TH£ WaHDSs's RKPOBT. — B
In taking a review ot tlie operations of the Peniten-
tiary for the past year, it is gratifying' to find, that no-
thing has occurred to discourage, but much to prompt
us in a steady persevei-ance in tlie Pennsylvania System
of Prison Discipline.
The general health of the prisoners has been good;
and (if we are not much mistaken and deceived by ap-
pearances) the moral effect produced on many who have
undergone our discipline, has been and is of the most
beneficial character.
The ccnduct of tlie prisoners has been such, as rarely
to require correction or punishment-, for the last three
months, we have had but two instances for which even
a meal has been stopped for bad behaviour.
One of those received the past year is an idiot; T/ell
known to be such in the county from which he came:
and I believe that I am warranted in saying, (from testi-
mony that I have received, ) he would not have been
convicted if he had not been a troublesome fellow in the
neigbborhood, which circumstance rendered his remo-
val from it desirable. We received a convict of a simi-
larcharacter in 1830: both of these prisoners were on the
day of their arrival, much more fit subjects for tlie Alms
House, than the Penitentiary.
The proportion of deaths is large foi- the number of
prisoners, but can in no respect be attributed to the sys-
tem of confinement. No. 13, was a remarkably healthy,
robust young man, and had enjoyed excellent health up
to the day when he was attacked by Epilepsy, which
carried him off in a few hours. Two others came in
diseased: one of them to such a degree that he was car-
ried from the stage to the cell, and rarely if ever, sat up
in bed afterwards. I have no doubt but the severity of
a ride of sl.\ty miles, in his weak state, very much hast-
ened his dissolution. The other was in a delicate state
of health when he came in, and gradually sunk into a
decline.
Of the whole number discharged from the commence-
ment of the establishment, we have received an unfavor-
able account of but one. This was an old convict who
lias been passing from one prison to another for the last
15 years; and through deception and tlie lenity of the
judge, was sentenced to but one year. When he was
discharged I h;id Uttle expectation of his doing well: he
has however, shown a decided disposition to avoid tliis
prison hereafter.
Of the 87 prisoners now in custody, 43 are employed
in the weaving and dying department; 18 in the shoe-
making; 2 in the carving; 4 in the blacksmith; 3 in the
carpenter; 1 in the carnage making; 2 in the locksmith;
1 in the tailoring; 2 in the wool picking; 1 in the cook-
ing; and I in the wasliing departments: 3 are indispos-
ed; 2 are idiots; 1 man aged 73, is too infirm to work,
and 3 just received luavc not been employed.
It is satisfactory to find on a settlement of our ac-
counts, that under all tlie disadvantages'of a new esta-
blishment, the convicts have with a few exceptions,
maintained themselves; proving that prisoners can in
many bi-anches of business work to quite as great ad-
vantage in separate confinement as together. The ex-
ceptions are one old man, the diseased, and a few who
came in without trades, and had but 1 year or 13 months
to serve: this period being too short to learn a trade,
and afford time to remunerate us for teacliing them.
In conclusion, I may congratulate the Board on the
prosperous state of the Penitentiary in ever>- respect,
and I humbly hope by divine aid, that it will prove a
blessing to most, if not to all, of the unhappy persons
who arc brought within its walls.
Extract fbom PuTticii.ts RironT. — C
To the Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiarj-; the
Physician respectfully presents his anuual renort for
1831. ^
The health of the prisoners for ihii year his been gen-
erally good; though a few cases of severe indisposition
have occurred. The confinement operates differently
on different prisoners. Increasing llie health of some, and
lessening that of otliers; but the average health of tlie
whole is, perhaps, as good as when tliey were received.
Four deaths have occurred in the course of the year.
The following table presents the state of health on
admission, and cause of death, of each of these prison-
ers.
Numbtr of the St ate of Health
Prisoner. on admission.
2X
13.
43.
77.
Good.
Tolerable.
Doubtful.
Cause of
Death.
Dropsy of the chest.
Epileps)'.
Disease of Mesenteric
Glands.
S3 from a ") , . .
. ( Injury t^
to hip and
Helpless from a '
severe
hip and 1
The avemge number of prisouei-s in the Penitentiary
for the year has been 67.4. Four deaths having oc-
curred, gives the mortality for the year at a little less
than six percent. The aver;;ge number confined in 1830,
was 31; and there having occuiTed but one deatli, the
mortality for that year is a little ir.ore than 3 per cent.
The average number confined since the opening of the
Penitentiary has been 4-1.4. The total number of deaths
having been five, gives the average amount of mortality,
from the commencement, at a Uttle less than five per
cent.
Tl.e mortality of the present year, it is perceived, is
considei'ably gi-eater than for the last. The Board how-
ever will obseri'c, that in 1831, accidental circumstances
have increased tlie number of fatal cases. The phy-
sician deemed the health of No. 33, to be good when
he arrived; but dissection revealed the existence of ex-
tensive disease of the chest of long standing, which no
doubt laid the foundation of the affection, of which he
died. No. 43, was in bad health when admitted. No.
77 arrived from a neighbouring county in a state of
complete helplessness, from a fracture of the neck of
the thigh bone and other serious injuries. His condi-
tion was such that he kept his bed from the moment of
his reception to the day of his death. He was evident-
ly not in a proper condition, to be removed from the
county prison, much less to undergo tlie fatigue of a
long journey.
It is difficult to form an estimate of what will proba-
bly be the average mortality among the prisoners in tlie
Penitentiary for a scries of years, from results deduced
from so sm.all a number of prisoners as have yet been
received. This difficulty arises from the circumstance,
that while the number of the prisoners is so sm.all, a
single deatli bears so large a proportion to the whole
number confined as to swell the per centage of mortali-
ty very considerably.
No particular disease can be said toprevail in the Pen-
itentiary, as the result of the mode of confinement or
dlscipUne; and no ment.al affection has been superinduc-
ed. The affections which have occurred most fre-
quently have been Coughs, Rheumatic pains, and Di-
arrliaa,
Rr.ponT or BciLSiirc Comwittez. — D
The Building Committee while offering their report
in rel.ation to the erection of additional cell buildings,
have to express tlieir regret, that more progress has
not been made toward their completion.
Notwithstanding the work w.as commenced late in
the season, yet tliey did hope that the year would not
have closed upon them wilhout witnessing the entire
erection under roof of one of the blocks of the build-
ings.
The numerous houses that have been placed under
contract the past year in the city and its vicinity caused
an excessive demand for materials of all kinds: this cir-
cumstance, combined with the construction of the
Breakwater, created to great request for •ur important
60
LEHIGH COAL AND NAVIGATION COMPANY.
[Janoaut
and principal material, stone — that great difiiculties were
presented in procuring' a full and constant supply of
that article, and consequently impeded very much the
pxpected rapidity of the work.
'I'owardthe close of the building season this impedi-
mfint seemed to have been removed by a contract with
the proprietor of an extensive quarry who did not
doubt his ability to supply us. A few loads were re-
ceived from him, when the unexpected and sudden ap-
proach of severely cold weather put an entire stop to
the further reception of stone, as also to the masons'
work, and they w-ere obliged to resort to measures to
secure the work already done from the effects of frost,
at least one month earlier than they had anticipated.
Altho\igh the progress of the work has been con-
stantly under the supervision of the Members of the
Board, it may not be deemed improper for the Commit-
tee to give some general account of the work done, the
materials purchased and its present situation.
On or about the 1st of June the preparatory arrange-
ments were made by the Architect and Superintendant,
by fixing the levels and laying- out the foundations, for
tliree blocks of buildings, radiating from the centre in
conformity with tlie original plan; and about loth of
the same month n number of laborers with horses and
carts were employed to dig and remove the superincum-
bent Earth: in the performance of this labour not less
than ten thousand yards of earth were taken away.
The Masonry was begun on the eleventh day of July,
and continued as vigorously as circumstances would ad-
mit, until the severity of the season forbad further pro-
gress, when the number of perches laid amounted to
near 4000.
In the North block 44 large and 50 smaller cast iron
JosiAH White had resigned his off.ce as Acling Mana-
ger at Mauck Chunk, and removed his residence to Phil-
adelphia — it was, on motion, unanimously.
Resolved, that the thanks ofthe Stockholders be pre-
sented to him for his able and valuable services, during
the long period of his arduous appointment.
From the minutes,
EDWIN AVALTEE, Secretary.
At an election held on the 9th January, 1833, the fol-
lowing named persons were chosen officers ofthe Le-
high Coal and Navigation Company, for the ensuing-
year: viz.
Presidenl .
Joseph Watso:?, Esa-
Josiah White,
Erskine Hazard,
Timothy Abbott,
Thomas Earp,
Ephraim Haines,
Managers.
John Cook,
George Peterson,
Jonathan K. llassinger,
Evans Rogers,
John McAllister.
2 reasurer.
Otis Ammidon.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS.
The Slanagers of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation
Company, in offering their annual communication to
the Stockholders, have again to regret, tliat contrary to
the anticipations of their last Report, they have been
unable to derive any material benefit from either the
Delaware or Moms canal, and have therefore been pre-
door frames and cases are fixed and completed with the j vented from carrying the ir business", to the 'extent for
cast iron shields in front of the openings for admission ^vhich arrangements had been made.
The Morris Canal was not ready for use until within
a few weeks ofthe close ofthe season; but a considera-
ble number of boats laden chieflv with coal from Mauch
of warm air into the cells. 50 other door castings, and
100 sky hght fr.ames are fitted and prepared for placing
in their respective situations as soon as they mav be re- „, , . .^ , ^r ^a Ann *
quired. 150 brackets of cast iron for tlie support of i Chunk, a portion ofthe contract for 50,000 tons men-
the gallerv t-; be placed in front of the second tier of] tioned m our last Report, were passed throughout the
ceUs in the North Block are also prepared and - readv i ''vhole Ime from the Delaware to Newark Bay. It is a
for use as soon as wanted. The whole number of Pieces | highly gratifying cu-cumstance that this canal is now com-
of iron Castings consists of 334 door frames, 116 skv ! pleted, and its successful operation during the short pe-
liphts, 255 slides to cover warm air openings into the { riod referred to, furnishes an assurance that in the co-
.?ii. ion k,.,^Vofc fn- c„r„^r>rt of tr^iu,-,. It, co,-r,T,^ ming scasou it Will enable US greatly to extend our busi-
ness with the New York market, and with the exten-
sive agricultural and manufacturing districts through
which the canal passes,
above eround,and those of the North, readv for arching : Vigorous efforts under the direction of the Canal
as soon as the season will permit, for which purpose • Commissioners have been made to perfect the naviga-
150 000 bricks have been purchased and are now on ; t'O" of the Delaware canal;— its lower section from
the site There is also a considerable quantity of lum- ^'e«' «ope to tide water at Bristol, has been, during the
cells. 180 brackets for support of gallery in second
story. 15 pieces, 8 inch pipe, 18 pieces iron steps for
stair way.
The walls of the West and North West blocks are
season, with very little interruption, in navigable order;
but tills has been of no avail to the Company, as the
chain of communication with the Lehigh was incomplete,
in consequence of the upper section, from Easton to
New Hope, being incapable of holding a sufficient
JOHN BACON,
WM. H. HOOD.
To the Board of Inspectors, &c.
Building
Committee.
ber, a portion of which is intended for wooden doors
and floors of the cells. The lime has been regularly
delivered as required, by Daniel Davis who furnished
through the season 3709 bushels.
The Committee hope to be prepared to commence . i,. ■ j r- - i
ae-ain as soon as the approaching season for building will ; depth of water. We are now .assured from personal ex-
warrant; and, thev trust with more confidence in obtain- ! a™"^tion, and from sources of undoubted information,
in- the materials than thev heretofore had. t^iat this work will be in navigable order throughout
" "- - - _ .. .. the line, at an early period of the approaching' season.
As, however, it may be satisfactory to the Stockholders
to know the views ofthe State Commissioners, we sub-
join extracts from their recent annual communication to
the legislature; — their remarks on the subject are thus
introduced:
" At the last annual Report ofthe Canal Commission-
ers, December 31, 1830, in speaking of this division
they say, that, 'the filling ofthe canal for navigation in
its whole course, commenced in October 183U;' and
that, 'twenty-five miles are navigable;' but they add,
that, 'a part of the work first constructed has prov-
ed defective and requires extensive repairs.' This last
observation has been verified by tlie fact, that since that
time, the two Supervisors on the Delaware division have
expended $97,339 51 on repairs, and in introducing
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
OF THE
LEHIGH COAL AND NAVIGATION COMPANY,
To the StacMolders, January 9, 1832.
At the stated annual meeting ofthe Stockholders ofthe
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, January 9,
1832,
JAMES McALPIN, Chairman.
Information being- communicated to the meeting, tha^
1832.]
LEHIGH COAL AND NAVIGATION COMPANY.
61
feeders, uml the whole line Is not yet ready for naviga-
tion. The original plan and construction of large por-
tions of this division have proved to be exceedingly de-
fectii'C; and, although every exertion has been made
throughout the yoar, by the officers on the line, to fill
tie whole canal with water, yet their etforts have here-
tofore proved unsuccossfid.
The twenty-five miles of canal between New Hope
and Bristol, was open for navigation on tlie 2Uth of last
March; and has continued in good order, tliroughout tlie
season, with but two or three weeks' interruption, caus-
ed by the falling of the water in the river from which it
was supplied: but for want of a connection with tlie up-
per portion of the canal, this part of it has been .almost
useless. The water from the head of the can;U at Eas-
ton, has within a short period reached New Hope, and
confident expectations are entertxiined that tlie whole
line will yet be filled, ready for an active navigation next
season.
The porous nature of the soil along the Delaware, has
demonstrated the fallacy of the original design, of feed-
ing the entire 60 miles of canal from the Leiiigh. Hence
it has been found necessary to introduce other feeders;
one for conveying into the canal, the waters of Durham
creek, about ten miles below E.aston; it is 1S90 feet
long, and 12 feet wide at the bottom; and another near
LumberviUe, by which the water of Milton creek is
conveyed into tlie canal; it is 1509 feet long. Tempo-
rary feeders have also been constructed on sections 54
and 61, which will not be required when the repairs of
the canal are completed."
The above extracts show the causes which have so
long delayed the completion of the Delaware canal.
During' the last two years there have been freshets on
the Lehigh, unusually great, and of a character hereto-
fore almost unknown; by means of which, parts of our
works sustained some damage, which have however
been effectually repaired at no great expense. The re-
sistance offered to these freshets strongly proves the
correctness of the opinion^ that our works have gener-
ally been constructed in a manner, the most substantial
and permanent.
The Lehigh canal throughout, is now in good order,
and prepared for immediate business.
The i-ail-road to, the old Coal Mine,is in good working
condition, and a large quantity of coal is there uncover-
ed and ready for quan-ying.
The new rail-road of about four and a half miles in
length, connecting the Room Run mines, with the land-
ingatM.auch Chunk, will be completed with a small
additional expenditure during the spring; and will en.a-
ble the Company to supply any amount of coal which
_ may be required.
The great and rapidly increasing consumption of an-
thracite coal in the United States, which entirely ex-
hausted all the stocks in market the past year, with the
fact that there is still a deficiency of supply to the
.amount probably of from 30,000 to 50,000 tons, ren-
ders it cert.ain lliat a very extensive m.arket is already
open for the produce of the mines, and that, with the
Delaware and Morris canals fairly in operation, the Com-
pany will command a business more proportioned to its
immense resources than has yet been practicable.
Although from the causes detailed, the Managers are
still unable to declare a dividend on the investments of
the Stockholders, yet they are of the opinion, from the
present situ.ation and prospect of affairs, that the cur-
rent year will terminate their dis.appointments, and ena-
ble them at lengtli to cond\ict a business which will
greatly increase in .amount and inprofit, and yield, not
only reasonable dividends, butalso the means of reduc-
ing the loans which the construction of their canal
and of other permanent works have compelled them to ;
contract. ]
It is expected that at Iea,st 100,000 tons of co.al will j
be shipped from Mauch Chunk for the supply of the ,
coming season. A contract has already been made for
mining and delivering it on board the boats; and adver-
tisements have been issued for proposals to perform
other parts of the service of bringing coal to market
Lehigh coal, both at home and abroad, has continued
to maintain its good name, and is deservedly deemed an
article of superior quality.
The whole quantity brought from the mine, in the
past year, including the sales at Mauch Chunk, was
44,500 tons; which, together with 10,500 tons on
hand from 18o0, has all been sold, making tlietot;d sales
of the Company in 1831, 55,00j tons.
In consequence of the expectation held out by many
persons, in the spring of List year, that a reduction
would be made in the price of coal, orders were so
long withheld, that all our yards became completely
filled, and we were obhged to discontinue bringing
it down in the month of August. Afterwards the scai'-
city of vessels, by raising the price, of freight, so much
reduced the shipments of coal, that it was supposed no
more than tlie quantity on hand could be disposed of,
and therefore the business of transporting coal from
Mauch Chnuk was not resumed, nor did it apjieur proba-
ble that there would be any scarcity, until the cold
weather actually set in; — notwithstiinding, however, tlie
tardiness of consumers, here and abroad, in furnishing
Uieir orders, and the consequent want of room in" the
Company's yards, the Managers would have considered
themselves justifiable in ordering a large additional
quantity to be brought to market, if they could have
had the use of the Delaware canal, by means of which
they could have increased their stocks at a much reduc-
ed cost.
The prospect of speedily realizing a h.andsome profit
by the sale and improvement of water powers .and town
lots, is highly encoura.ging. There are probably no
scites in the country offering advantages to enterprising
individuals for the location of manufactories and other
large establishments, equ.al to those which will be found
on the Lehigh, arising from the easy access which the
Delaw.are canal, and the Morris and' liaritan canals, af-
ford to the markets of Philadcljihia and New York,' and
the concentration of a large amount of power in each
location. All these advantages .are more particularly
evident at South Easton, a new town recently laid out
by the Company. At this place the whole power of the
river may be applied under a head of 23 feet. It is sit-
u.ate at the junction of the Lehigh canal with the Dela-
ware and Morris canals; opposite to the flourishing town
of Easton, the seat of justice for the county, and con-
t.aining about 4,000 inh.abitants; inthemidstof a rich
agricultural country-, surrounded by a healthy, industri-
ous and numerous population, and 'in the im'mcdiatc vi-
cinity of inexhaustible bodies ofiron, coal .and limestone.
•■VU the articles of subsistence are cheap and abundant!
This town is distant, hy canal, about SOmiles from Phihi-
dclphia, 06 miles from New York and 46 miles froiii
Mauch Chunk, from whence to Berwick on the Susque-
hanna, 32 miles, there is a good turnpike road. A por-
tion of the water power and some of the town lots at
this place arc already disposed of A number of town
lots have also been sold at Nesquihoning, and the nume-
rous inquiries made for them there, as well as at Mauch
Chunk and South Easton, show that the public .attenlion
is directed towards these promising settlements.
The amount of tolls on the canal during the year
1831, w.a.'i.about ? 15,000; of which the chief p.art was
for coal shipped by the Company.
For further inform.ation relative to many of the de-
tails of the operations on the Lehigh, reference Is made
to the report of the Acting Manager, which is herewith
submitted.
In conclusion, the Managers repeat the assurance,
that their confidence in the successful issue of the enter-
prise of the Company, is unabated, fully bellering that
the Stockholders will ere long be amply compensated
63
LEHIGH COAL AND NAVIGATION COMPANY.
[JiircAfi^
for their perseverance throug'h several years of difficul-
ty and discourag-ement.
By order of the Board of Managers.
JOSEPH WATSON, Peesidei7t.
PniLADELrHiA, Januar)' 9th. 1832.
THE ACTIXG MANAGER REPORTS,
That the stocks on hand, under his care at Mauch
Chunk, Sic. are the following': — viz.
3,355,567 feet of lumber for building boats, &c. &c.
2,056 tons of coal at Mauch Chunk,
300 tons of coal in boats, frozen up in the Le-
high canal,
800 tons of coal at South Easton,
308 coal wagons for the i-ail-road to the old coal
quarrj-,
21 mule wagons for do. do.
44 dirt wagons at old coal quarry,
9 wagons of various descriptions for rail-road,
115 mules,
33 horses,
9 oxen,
24 canal boats for boating coal,
ii6 do. for other work on canal,
28 coal wagons for Room Run rail-road,
13 dirt and truck wagons for do. do.
270,000 tons of coal uncovered at the old coal
quarry.
At Room Run mines we have the foUomng prepara-
tions for quarrying and mining coal: viz.
6,000 tons uncovered and ready for quarrying at
the 50 feet vein.
540 tons uncovered and ready for quarrying at
the 26 feet vein, which is vertical.
4,500 tons uncovered and readv for quarrying at
the 39 feet vein.
We have made an open cut to hard and merchanta-
ble coal to one point in the 19 feet vein, and one point
in the 12 feet vein, and to four points in the 28 feet vein
— and in each of these points we have run drifts or lanes
into the coal veins; tlie sides of these lanes constitute
the working breasts of the mine, and the lanes have a
rail-road in each, corresponding with the main rail-road,
so that the load will be put in the wagon in tlie mines,
and not be changed until capsized from the wagons into
the canal boat at Mauch Chunk landing.
The rail-road to the Room Run mines will be finished
in the ensuing spring. It is divided into eight sections.
The foot or end of the rail road at Hise. Length.
Mauch Chunk is elevated above
the dam, 14.23 ft.
Sect. No. 1, is from Mauch Chunk
landing, to self-acting
plane, 11.90 1,200 ft.
" 2, self-acting plane, 120.15 1,260
" 3, for horse power, 1 foot
rise in 100 feet, 97.29 9,912
" 4, for horse power, 10
inches rise in 100 feet, 96.51 11,347
" 5, self-acting plane at
Room Run, 120.15 1,260
" 6, self-acting plane inclu-
ding the flat part at
head of sect. 5, up
Room Run, 54.82 891
^ From the head of sect;
6 commence our coal
workings.
" 7, for horse power, one
foot rise in 100 feet, 11.15 1,160
" 8, for horse power, 22.50 750
Total, 548.70 27,780
The whole of the lanes and drifts for working the
coal up Room Run, lie on a level with, or above, sections
7 and 8.
The grade of tliis road is of the best inclination for
economy of transportation, and its width is calculated
for a double track throughout. Sections No. 3 and 4,-
will, however, for the present, have a single tract; the
remainder of the road, will have double tracks. Sec-
tions No. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8, will have wooden siUs; and
sections No. 3 and 4 have sills of stone blocks, and cast
iron knees. The rails are five inches by seven inches
thick, and mostly of oak. Sections No. 3 and 4 are
about four miles in length, upon which horse power is
intended to be used. The horses or mules will descend
by gravity, as on our old road, and pull back the empty
wagons. On these sections there are twenty slight
curves, with a uniform radius of about 1600 feet to each,
and between the curves the road is perfectly straight.
With regard to the extent of the Room Run mines, I
refer to the description in my last annual Report, which
is confirmed by the examinations of the past year.
The following freight was transported on the Lehigh
canal in 1831:
Coal, - - 42,743 tons.
Grain, - 400 "
Flour, - - 2,396 "
Salt, - - - 2i "
Salt fish, beef and pork, 27i "
Beer, porter, and cider, 4 J "
Other provisions, - 23J "
Whiskey, - - 182J "
Hay and straw, - 64J "
Lumber, - - 2,430 "
Cord wood, - 1,084 "
Brick, - - 7i "
Slate, - - 418 "
Lime, and limestone, 3,684 "
Other stone, and sand, 21 "
Iron, - - 315 "
Pitch, tar and rosin, IJ "
Other Merchandize, 63^ "
Total, 53,868 tons.
The whole line of our canal had five feet water in it
during a portion of the past year, and the navigation
was uninterrupted throughout the season, except a few
weeks in the 10th month last, when some breaks were
made by tlie highest freshet experienced on the Lehigh,
since our settling in that country. Those breaches are
repaired, and the banks raised and strengthened; but
thei-e yet remains to be done some walling and embank-
ment to make it entirely secure, which, I estimate, will
cost a further sum of sixteen hundred dollars.
The total quantity of coal brought from our coal
quarries, the past year, was 44,683 tons. To transport
this coal from Mauch Chunk, it required, besides 157
loads by canal boats, 616 box boats which took above
4,700,000 feet of lumber for their construction; the total
length of box boats built during the year was 10 miles
nearly.
The total amount of coal shipped by us from 1820,
inclusive, to this time, is 247,244 tons, requiring above
36 milUons of feet of lumber, and a total length of the
temporary box boats exceeding 97J miles. These gen-
eral totals are mentioned, to show the immensity of the
line of boats built,and the lumber required to transport so
small a quantity of coal, owing to our getting but one
voyage out of each boat, before it is broken up ; where-
as, if we hadhad canals from the beginning, as we now
have, and all this lumber had been converted into canal
boats, it would have transported on the canals, fifty loads
of coal to each boat, making in the whole upwards of
fourteen millions of tons. This comparison of the vast
amount of labour bestowed to send so small a quantity
of coal to market, by the channels of the river, with
what the same amount of labour would effect, by the
canals and improvements as they are now made, is very
striking. It makes the coal we have heretofore sent
away, appear as no more than mere samples, w hen we
consider the capabilities of our natural resoui'ces.
The Delaware canal has disappointed our hopes of
business hitherto, owing to the upper part, for 34 miles.
1832.]
LEHIGH COAL AND NAVIGATION COMPANY.
63
being fed exclusively from the Lehigh end, and that
some of it was badly made, and the lower part could
not be tried until the upper part was made sound. A
feeder is now nearly ready to be introduced, 10 miles
below Easton, and another, 26 to 27 miles below that
place; so that the canal in future will be well fed. This
canal was largely repaired last year, but it was not till
the 1 1th month, just before the setting in of the winter,
that the upper part was made strong enough to hold
water sufficient to supply tlie lower part; since then it
held 4 to 4J feet for a considerable time, and so as to en-
able us to send a boat with 25 tons of coal to within 4
miles of New Hope.
The line on the Delaw.are consists of,
88 inland sections of about half a mile each, which
w'Jl never require much repair.
17 river sections, which are good, and will not re-
quire more than ordinary' repair.
13 river sections, made with sand on coarse stone
base and sides, which will require the banks to
be loaded with gravel.
Total, 118 sections, making about 60 miles; in which
are 23 locks.
The 13 sections above mentioned, will have hands on
tliem early in the spring to cover the banks with gravel,
90 as to prevent breaks, and thus keep a constant and
uninterrupted navigation in the coming season, or as
nearly so, I presume, as the best otnew canals.
The Slorris canal has also had its difficulties the past
season. These difficulties were confined, however, to a
few ordinary breaks in the canal, and mainly to about a
mile of lime stone sinks; these sinks, as fir as known,
are conquered, and the method pui-sued with them, puts
it in the power of the Superintendant to fill them up
speedily. 1 here has been nothing essentially wrong, to
prevent the planes from working, when well supplied
with water; and the lack of water was occasioned by the
length of time necessary to fill a new canal; and not by
any deficiency in the fountains or sources of supply.
The planes all work well, and present no interruption^
so far from it, that the first flour boat from near Easton,
made a trip to Newark and back, a distance of 180
miles, in about seven d;iys (exclusive of the time she re-
mained at Newark. ) The navigation was open at the
Delaware end, for two or three weeks only, before the
close of tlic season; during which time 39 boats passed
through the can;il, and of course over tlic defective part.
The whole of the work, when frost set in this winter,
was in good navigable order.
Our business for the next season, will not, therefore,
rest on works that are altogetlier untried; and had our
prospects, last spring, been as well based, as they now
are, m the sec\ire use of the Delaware and the Morris ca-
nals, we should have had such a stock of coal on hand in
market, as to have prevented all distress for want of fu-
el on the sea board. For it will be seen that our Com-
pany sent from the mines, the past year, only about
41,000 tons, while the supply from all our neighbors was
134,000 tons — whereas our present means and facilities
are much greater than theirs, and of course authorize the
expectation of a much greater supply. And when we
get fairly under way, if we don't do a greater coal busi-
ness than all our neighbours put together, it will be be-
cause we are less industrious, or manage worse than they
do; nature having done so much more for. us. I don't
mean by these remarks to s,ay, that our neighbours are
not ivelt o'.y, but only to say we are belter off.
Although a series of circumstances has diverted the
public feeling, hitherto, from cffecling the continuo\is
navigation from the Lehigh to the canal on the North
branch of tlie Susquelianna, by the long contemplated
Nescopeck route, yet, whenever the people pause and
select the best ground or line, for the general good, they
will undoubtedly point ihc public finder to this line, as
the one most to be desired. The use of planes, like
those of the Morris canal, would so much reduce the de-
tention or interruption from locicage, u to require, in
the whole distance from Mauch Chunk to Berwick, no
more time than about thirty common lift locks.
It is now the twenty-second year since I commenced
operations in the works of internal improvement, at the
Falls of Schuylkill, in which time I have been absent
from that kind of service very few days. It is also the
fourteenth year since I began, with my colleague, E.
Hazard, our labours at Mauch Chunk and on the Lehigh;
and it may therefore be expected that I should have a
tolerably matured idea of tlie works of a Company in
whose history I have formed some prominent part. The
Lehigh Company, which was incorporated in 1822,
started in 1818, with a lease on certain coal lands which
they have since purchased in fee, and with a grant of
authority from the Legislature of Pennsylvania to im-
prove tjie navigation of the Lehigh river, which grant
reser\-ed to the public the right of using the said im-
proved navigation or canal, on payment of tlie tolls fix-
ed by law. A temporaiy and cheap navigation was
made in the river, by artificial freshets, to enable the
Company to send their coal to Philadelphia, and try the
experiment, whether it would sell. This temporary
navigation, was completely successful, and five years
clasped, viz: from 1820 to 1824 inclusive, before An-
thracite coal was brought regularly to the Philadelphia
market from any other quarter than the Lehigh. The
experience of those years encouraged the opinion, that
the market would sustain the cost of a canal from Mauch
Chunk to tide. To ensure then, an early completion of
such a navigation, our Company felt the necessity of
leading, or making their improvement ahead of the pub-
lic, who eventually decided on making the Delaware ca-
nal. The labour of pioneering, therefore, naturally fell
on us. The whole work is now done. The line of na-
vigation may now be considered .as complete from Mauch
Chunk to Philadelphia, by tlie Delaware canal, and to
New York, by the .Morris canal. The latter canal passes
through a thickly settled district of countr)-, with an ac-
tive and wealthy population, and promises a large mar-
ket for coal along its banks. Our own canal is calcula-
ted to pass up and down 400 tons each way per hour; and
although this is probably beyond all demand, it is of
much moment to know, that the lasting advantage to the
Company from making so good a canal, is, that every
ton of coal or other freight that p;isses on it, will be car-
ried at the lowest possible cost.
The improvements at Mauch Chunk, &c., are all
made and adapted to a coal business of great magnitude.
The finish of the rail-ro.ad to the Room Run mines, men-
tioned above, essentially closes all our outlays, for per-
manent improvements from our mines to our'm.arkets.
Our coal field is explored for a number of miles — and,
however large the sum of all the veins in any other An-
tliracite region or section of coal field, may "be, our sec-
tion at Room Run alone, as far as now opened, exposes
to view a body of coal much larger than has been dis-
covered and made known, in this or any other country.
The coal here is not surpassed in quality, it being of
our best kind, and it lies so .as to drain itself; while the
rail-road, which will rank with the best in any country,
descends from the mines, the whole distance to the place
of shipment at M.auch Chunk.
The old coal mines or quarries, from which we have
exclusively drawn our supplies heretofore, and which
we still continue to work, lie ncirthetop of tlie moun-
tain, nine miles byrail-ro.ad from the landing at Mauch
Chunk. The fifty feet vein opened at Room Run, four
miles from tlie Lehigh, is evidently a continuation of
these mines. In case of any sudden and great demand,
there is .abundant sp.ace in the old mines Oiemselves, by
extending the uncovering, to employ such a number of
workmen in getting out coal, sls to nicet any emergency.
Such then is the state of our pr6pcrty. It has just at-
tained maturity, and in my opinion, is ready to produce
results that will repay us for our perseverance in a great
enterprise, involving large disbursementa, on which the
64
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[jAlTCARr
stockliolders have been deprived of an income for se-
veral years. All which is respectfollv submitted,
JOSIAH AVHITE, Acting Manager.
Philadelphia, 1st mo. 7th, 1832.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
Saturday, Januarxj 2lsl, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL— Mr. Pettit offered the fol-
lowing- preamble and resolution, which were agreed to.
The select .and Common Councils of the City of Phi-
ladelphia, having' learned with deep regret, that a bill
to incorporate the York and Maryland line Rail Road
Company, has passed the House of Representatives and
is pending in the Senate of Pennsylvania, deem it their
solemn duty to express their sentiments and the senti-
ments of the people of Philadelphia upon this impor-
tant subject. Aware, .as they are, of the principles upon
which the system of internal improvement in this com-
monwealth was established, and of the inducements of-
fered from time to time, by tlie legislature under the
sanction and encouragement of the people, for its vigor-
ous prosecution by the investment of capital and the em-
ployment of skill and labour, — the Councils are not will-
ing to believe that an act will be passed by the authori-
ties of Pennsylvania, which shall permit and direct a de-
parture from the original design of connecting the
AVestern waters of the Commonwealth with the City of
Philadelphia as the first and grand object of the system,
and which shall, before the successful and thoroughly
tested accomplishment of that object, carr^^ the chain of
communication into another State, that contributed no-
thing to the work, but will thus realize immense advan-
tages at the expense of Pennsylvania. The Councils
cannot be so short-sighted .as to admit that the bill has re-
ference only to the trade of the county of York and the
adjacent country-, but regard it witli those who have
heretofore most strenuously urged its adoption, as in-
tended to offer to Baltimore" the great ti-ade of Pennsyl-
vania, and of the Western states and territories passing
through Pennsvlvania; — a trade wliich the public works
of the State mU bring to a point on the Susquehanna
so near to the town of York, that the improvements
now in progress between the Susquehanna and that
town, and the contemplated works in Maryland, with
tlie aid of the charter now asked of the legislature
of Pennsylv.ania, will complete the communication from
such point to the City of Baltimore. That this is the
object in view has not been and could not have been
concealed or disguised. The inevitable result of such
a measure, independent of the question of the violation
of the faith of tlie State which is believed to be virtually
pledged, must be to divert a large portion of the trade
of Pennsylvania and the Western states and tei-ritories
passing to the Susquehanna, from its regular empo-
rium,the City of Philadelphia, to another City out of the
limits and ijeyond the jurisdiction of the Common-
wealth; — to confer without the slightest equiv.alent, on
that other cit)- all the advantages of the s.ale and barter
of the produce thus divested; to secm-e to such other
city and consequently to the State to which she belongs,
the return trade, of which Philadelphia, and with her,
Pennsvlvania, now h.as the immense benefit, and which
would' thus be lost to her; to strike deeply at the inte-
rests of a large part of the people of Pennsylvania en-
gaged in carrj-ing on that trade at Plriladelphia: to les-
sen to a great degree the ability of Philadelphia and
consequently her responsibility to furnish her accustom-
ed portion of the revenue of the State, and in the same
proportion to decrease that revenue; to lessen to a large
amount the tolls of the produce and merchandize going
to Philadelphia from tlie Susqueh;mna, and retm-ning
from Philadelphia to that river on the public works,and
thus again seriously to affect the revenue of Pennsyl-
vania; — and in every aspect of the case to inflict a deep
Injury upon the Eastern part of the state in particular.
and to strike a dangerous blow at the welfare of the
people of the Commonwealtli at large.
It is known that the suggestion has been repeatedly
made, that the passage of the blU in question will fur-
nish to the people of Pennsylvania, whose produce
reaches the state works near Columbia, a choice of
markets. This argument, though at first it may seem
specious, is yet without soUdity. It might be enough
to remark, that by avoiding improper legislation, Phi-
ladelpiiia will remain, what she now is, a market suf-
ficiently extensive for aU the piu-poses of competition;
and that wliile this State is urging upon the councils of
the Union the pro]>riety and neccssitj' of the protecting
system, to recognize' and enforce the .abandonment of
the first principles of that system as they can be most
directly, profitably, and fairly applied witliin her own
borders, would present a case of glaring inconsistency.
While generosity is acknowledged to be praiseworthy,
it is submitted that it should not be indulged at the ex-
pense of justice, and of the highest interests of the
Commonwealth. The generosity necessary to the pass-
age of tills bill, goes the whole length of confounding'
all the distinctions between the people of Pennsylva-
nia, who support her government and pay for her pub-
lic works, and the people of another State who owe their
allegiance elsewhere. But it is entirely overlooked by
those who make the suggestion, that by far the greater
part of the ti'ade wliich reaches the Susquehanna near
Columbia and ought to go to Philadelphia, is from be-
yond the limits of this State, and tnat the persons most
concerned in that trade, utter no complaint and ask for
no furtJier choice of markets.
The City Councils desh'e that the utmost practica-
ble liberality should be extended to their fellow citi-
zens of York and the other southern counties of Penn-
sylvania, and would gladly witness the success of every
effort to connect them with the line of canals and rail-
roads through the State; and believe that the legisla-
tion of the Commonwealth has not been deficient in a
generous spirit towards them. A communication from
York to Columbia, and thus to Philadelphia, has never
been denied; but, on the contrai'V, has been encou-
raged, and would give to the citizens of York every just
adv.antage of the State works, without depriving them of
any of the' means they now possess of trading elsewhere.
With such views, and without enlarging upon the va-
rious points of which the subject is so fruitful; and in
the confident persuasion that a full investigation will be
made before a final decision, and in a firm reliance upon
the disposition of the Legislature of the State to dis-
cern and to protect tlie interests of the w'liole commu-
nity. It is
Resolved by the Select and Common Councils of the
Citv of Philadelphia, that they view with profound re-
gi'et the measures taken towards the passage of a law
by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, to incorporate the
York and Maryland line Rail Road Company, and that
they do in the name and behalf of the people of the
City of Philadelphia respectfully, but firmly and so-
lemnly, remonsti'ate against the enactment of the said
bill into a law.
Resolved, That the members of the Senate from the
City of Philadelphia, be requested to use their most
strenuous exertions to prevent the passage of the said
bill through that body, and that the members of the
House of Representatives from the city, be also i-e-
quested, so far as it may yet be within the range of their
duty, to use their utmost endeavours to prevent the
final passage of said bin.
Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and
resolutions, signed by the Presidents and attested by
the Clerks of the Councils, be forthwith transmitted to
the Governor of the Commonwealth, and to the Speaker
of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of the
Representatives, to be respectfiilly submitted to both
branches of the legislature-
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DE.OTK.
TO THE PRt
EUVATION OF EVEHT KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE 8TATK.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. IX.
-lYO. 5.
PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 4, 1832. NO 214.
From the Wellsborough Pheiiix.
SKETCH OF TIOGA COUNTY.
Tioga is one of the northern rang'e of counties, bor-
dering on the state line, bounded e;ist by Bradford, (for-
merly Ontiirio, ) soutli by Lycoming-, and west by Potter
county — its extent is 35 miles by 33, and contains about
700,000 acres of land, three-fourths of which may be
said to be well ad;ipted to agricultural purposes, and
more especially to grasses, all of which yield abundant
crops.
The county was provisionallv set off from Lycoming
by the Act o'f 26th March, 1804, and by Act of 21st
March, 1806, the seat of Justice w;is established at
Wellsborough. In 1808, the county was org.mized so
far as to elect county commissioners, and in 1812, was
fully organized for judicial purposes, being one of the
counties that composed the 11th judicial district; -and
by Act of 25th Febru.ary 1818, the comities of Susque-
hanna, Bradford and Tioga were erected into a sepa-
rate district, and now compose the 13th judicial district,
to which the counties of Potter and .M'Kean are proyi-
sionally attached.
In 1810, the population wss 1687— in 1820, 4021—
and by the late census of 18oiJ — 9071, showing that in
each term of 10 years we have more than double, and
from present appearances, tlie next enumeration will
doubtless present a still more favourable result.
The settlement in this county w;us begun about 1797-8,
chiefly by emigrants from Connecticut, claiming under
tliat uiifortimate title which has caused so much trouble
and litigation to Northern Peimsylvania, and which is
now fully settled anil compi-omised: so th.at at this time,
there are few counties in the state, where titles are so
well established.
The principal timber is Beech, Maple, Oak, Elm,
Hemlock, Hickory and Bass, or Linn: and the uplands,
in the vicinity of the larger streams, are well covered
with White Hines, of a superior quality — the Sugar Ma-
ple abounds in many pl.ices, and large quantities of su-
g;ir are obtamed from this valuable tree.
The county is well situated with regard to navigable
Ktreams, luiving the Tioga, a south branch of the Che-
mung, on the cast, which is n.avigablc for arks and rafts
about 30 miles .ibove the state line — the Cawanesquc
on the north, n.avigable about the same distance from its
confluence wih the Tioga, and Pine creek, (and its
branches) in the west, which is navigable from and be-
yond the Hotter county line, so that it may be affirmed,
that no part of the county is distant from a navigable
s"j-eam, more than 10 miles. These streams all empty
into the Susquehanna; the two former into the North
Branch, the latter into the AVest Branch, near Jersey
shore in Lycoming county.
A very extensive lumber business is done on these
streams, particularly on Pine creek, whence upwards
of five millions of sawed lumber will be sent next spring
to the Susquehanna and Baltimore market. But little
of o\ir lumber has yit fo\ind its way to Philadelphia by
the Union Canal, the cntnincc to which has hitherto
been so completely blocked up, during the active sea-
son, that our lumber men have preferred their old mar-
kets, to &n uncertain detention at Mid<Ucto\vn. This will
doubtless not be the ciwe, when th» canal shall have
Vol. rx. 9
been completed in the branches, and a facility of getting
to market, independent of fresliets, will prevent such
vast accumulations of lumber as have hitherto occurred
in the opening of the spring ti'ade. Still, however, the
bulk of lumber will ever be transported by rafts, in
preference to using the canal, unless, and which seems
very probable, the dams now erecting on tlie river,
will force the descending trade to abandon it. One es-
tablishment on Pine creek, now has upwards 900,000
feet, sawed since the last spring.
Wellsborough, the seat of justice, is located in the
ten-itorial centre of the county, 3 milesfromthe navigable
waters of Pine creek, and at the intersection of the east
and west state road leading through all the northern
range of counties, and the north and south state road from
Newberry to the 109 mile stone, on the state line.
This village contains 40 or 50 indifferent dwelling hou-
ses — a court-house and jail, of no very respectable ap-
pearance four stores — two taverns — two smith shops
— two tan y;irds — one printing office, from which is is-
sued a weekly paper — two shoemaker shops— and for-
tunately but one distillery — an academy, endowed by
the legislature of Pennsylvania, and a school for small
cliildren — both of which are respectably supported. In
the former, all the usual branches of an academical
course are successfully taught, and children from a dis-
tance can obt;un boarding, in respectable private fami-
lies, at very moderate rates. The principal and trus-
tees pay .strict regard to the moral deportment of the
students. Parents in tlie adjoining counties, will find
this institution well worthy attention. This place has
not increased so rapidly, as from its favourable situation,
and being in the heart of a large body of first r.ate beech
and maple land, could have been expected, owing
chiefly loan unfortunate dispute about the location of
the se.at of justice, which after many years of warm and
earnest endeavours to effect a removal, is now consider-
ed settled, and those who are interested in its welfare,
may confidently look forward to early and valuable im-
provements.
PROCEEDI.NGS OF COUNCILS.
Saturday, Jan. 21sl, 1832.
The following commimication from the tenants of the
late Stephen Girard's' stores, was received and laid on
the table.
To the Select and Common Councils.
The undersigned, occupiers of stores Nos. 20, 22, 24
and 26 North Front st. tenanted by us under the late
Stephen Girard, which property by his io!l has passed to
the corporation of the city of Philadelphia, respectfully
represent that they are unwilling to Continue tenants of
said property at the rents which they have heretofore
paid, and request that Councils may reduce the same
to twelve hundred dollars.
At this rate we believe the store contiguous, which
has remained unncmpicd can be leased, and the whole
block pcrmanentlii tenanted.
GILL, FOHD, & CO.
H. C. CORBIT.
.1. G. HARKEH, & CO.
i PhiladclphlH, Jan. 21, 1832.
66
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[FEBnViBT
Mr. Pettit offered a resolution for the appointment I Hahrisbdbg, Jan. 14th, 1832.
of a Joint Committee of two members of each Council, ' Benj. W. Richards, Esq.
with leave to proceed to Harrisburg to enforce the re- | ^^^^ Sir— The committee on the Judicary System
solutions [respecting the rail-way,] which had been have under consideration the project of a law providing
adopted; and Messrs. Pettit, Groves, AVelheiill and ^^ the removal of Aldermen in the city of Philadelphia,
Coryell, were appointed the committee
COMMON COUNCIL.— The following communica-
tion from Mr. Isaac McCauley, was received and laid on
the table.
James Page, Esq. President of the Common Council.
Sir: — Understanding that a meeting of the Coun-
cils is to take place this evening, for the purpose of
expressing their opinions respecting the P.altimore and
York Haien rail-road, I have thouglit that the following
suggestion might not be deemed by you improper.
That a mutual spirit of friendship and good feeling
should exist between every state and city in the Union,
is exti-emely desirable. The present excitement on
from office in cases of ascertained lunacy by legal pro-
cess.
The committee wishes to have an expression of the
views of the constituted authorities of the city on this
subject. You will confer a favour by laying the matter
before Uiem in such way as you may deem proper, and
informing us of the result of their deliberations.
X have the honour to be &c. your obdt.
THOMAS S. SMITH,
On belialfofihe Com.
Mr. Sextou offered the following report and resolu-
tion, relative to lighting Conrad's Court, which were
adopted.
the subject ofthe rail-raid has, however, at the present The committee to whom was refen^ed the petition of
time, affected in some degree this spirit as regards this
city and Baltimore. The citizens of the latter place,
consider our opposition to then- views, as selfish and nar-
row minded. Maj- not a course be taken which will en-
able each state to manifest its own liberality, and at the
same time to recognize the liberality of the other.' Let
it be recommended to the legislature to reject the pre-
sent application, and to extend the Philadelphia and Co-
lumbia rail-road through the counties of York and Ad-
ams as far as it m.iy be proper, and for the interest of
the state so to do To put in a course of execution im-
mediately the following parts of such road, viz: from
Columbia to Gettysburg, a distance of 39 or 4U miles,
from thence to some point on die Maryland line leading
towards WiUiamsport on the Potomac. There might
also be a branch extended to Chambersburg. When
this is completed we may say to our friends at Baltimore,
give us a rail-road through your state to v\ illiamsport or
some other eligible point on the Potomac, and we will
reciprocate the favour by granting what you now ask
for. This will try the question, who is the most liber- :
al, and put to rest any unpleasant feelings that may
now exist
I am respectfully, your obt. serv't.
ISAAC MACAULEY.
Philadelphia, Jan. 21, 1832.
The annexed communication from the committee of
the house of representatives of Pennsylvania, was re-
ceived and referred to the Girard committee.
PBiLADELPHii, Jan. 12, 1832.
John M. Scott, President of Select Council
Dear Sir: I am directed by the committee appointed
by the house of representatives of the commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, "to confer with the constituted author-
ities of the city of Philadelphia, as to what course may
be necessary to enable the state to receive the benefit
of the bequest made by the late Stephen Girard, Esq."
to inform you that the members of said committee are
now in Philadelphia, and will be pleased to co-operate
with any committee that Counc'ds may appoint on the
subject.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours,
JOHN W. ASH MEAD,
Chairman Com. House uf Represent' a.
The following communication from the Mayor, en-
closing a letter from Mr. Smith, one of our city repre-
sentatives, was received and laid on the table.
Mayor's Office, Jan. 20th, 1832.
To the Presidents uf the Select and I'ommon Councils.
Gentlemen — In order to comply with the request
contained in the enclosed letter, from one of our repre-
sentatives at Harrisburg, I transmit the same to you, and
am very respectfully yours, B. W. RICHARDS.
Matthew Conrad, and others for lighting Conrad's
Court:
Beg leave to report, that they have examined said
Court, and are of opinion, that the same ought to be
lighted at the public expense, especially, as lamps have
already been placed there, at the expense of the peti-
tioner.
They therefore offer the following resolution:
Resolved, that tlie city commissioners be directed to
have Conrad's Court lighted, at tlie expense of the cor-
poration.
Thursday, Jan. 26th, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL. — The annexed communication
from the tenants of houses of the late Stephen Girard,
in Eleventh street, was received and laid on the table.
To the members of the Select Council.
We the undersigned, occupiers of dwellings Nos. 1,
3, and 5, south Eleventh street, tenanted by us under
the late Stephen Girard, which property by his will has
passed to the corporation of the city of Philadelphia,
respectfully represent that they are unwilUng to con-
tinue ten.ints of said property, at the rents wliich they
have heretofore paid, and request Councils may reduce
the same to four hundred dollars from the 1 st inst.
We having taken the houses at a time of extreme
scarcity of dwellings, at a price above what we believed
their full value, and not intending to remain longer than
the present year imless the rents be reduced.
GEO. W. EDWARDS,
JOHN READ, jr. for
WILLIAM READ,
ALBERT BARNES.
Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1832.
The following communication from the office of the
Guardians of the Poor, enclosing a statement from the
Commissioners for erecting a new Alms Hocse, \vas re-
ceived and laid on the table.
Office of the Board of Guardians, 'i
January— 1832. 5
John ^f. Scott, President of the Select Council.
Sir, — I am directed by the Board of Guardians for
the relief and employment of the poor, &c. to furnish
the accompanying statement, prepared by the Commis-
sioners for erecting the new Alms-house, as containing
the information required by the joint resolution of the
Select and Common Councils, of the 14th inst.
Very respectfully, I am sir.
Your ob't. serv't.
SAML. HAZARD, Sec'y.
tn compliance with the request of the Select and Com-
mon Councils of the city of Philadelphia,— The Board
of Commissioners for erecting suitable buiMngs for
1832.]
PROCEEDINCS OK COUNCILS.
67
the accommodation of the poor, herewith submit the to eflect the improvements contemplated by the said
§51,716 94
195,303 00
4,517 00
85,000 00
statement desired, viz: —
Cost of the farm comprising 188 acres,
Present cost of tlie two bviilding-s, 500
feet in front each by 65 feet in deptli.
Cost of constructing a wharf on the
Schuylkill, together with a road lead-
ing to the buildings.
Estimated cost to complete the present
buildings. Alms House and Hospital,
Estimated cost of two other buildings
which are intended as, house of em-
ployment, women's apartment and
children's asylum, and which are to
be built in conformity with the pre-
sent buildings, 215,000 00
§551,536 94
By order of the Board,
E. W. KEVSER, President.
N. BoNKEn, Secretary.
Mr. LippiNCoTT from the Girard committee, report-
ed the following outline of a bill to be sent to the legis-
lature with a resolution attached, which were una-
nimously adopted.
To the Select and Common Cvuncils nftliccUy nf Philu-
delphia.
The committee on the Girard fund respectfully report
testator, and to execute in all other respects the trust*
created bv his will:
Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c. That it shall and may bo
lawful for the Mayor, &c. by ordinance or by act of
authorized officers or agents, to lay out, regulate, curb,
light, and pave a p.assage or street, not less than twen-
ty-one feet in width, on the east part of the city of Phi-
ladelphia, fronting the river Delaware, at such distance
or distances in the several parts thereof, from the eas-
tern line of Water street, as they shall judge proper,
extending from Vine to Cedar street, to be called the
Delaware Avenue, and the same to be open and kept
open for ever, as a common and public highw:iy; and
that having laid out such street, they shall cause a re-
cord of the same to be made in the Court of Quarter
Sessions for the C'>untv of Philadelphia-
Sect. 2. That it shall be Lnvful, &c., for the
Mayor, Uc, by ordinance, &c., to lay out Water
street, in said city, anew, in such manner as that the
same shall be as nearly straight as conveniently may be,
and of a uniform, or as near as may be uniform, width,
throughout, not less than thirty-nine feet if practicable,
— and the same to open and keep open for ever, as x
common and public highway; and that having laid out
said Water street of such increased width, they cause a
record of the same to be made in the Court of Quarter
Sessions for the countv of Philadelphia.
Sect. 3. That it shall be lawful, &c., for the Mayor,
the following outline of a bill, and recommend to Coun- ^^^ jg ^^^^ ordinances, or take other measures for re
cils, the adoption of the resolution thereunto attached: | milutin"', adiustinp", and determining the eastern
An act to enable the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens of
Philadelphia, to carry into effect certain improve-
ments, and execute cert-iin ti'usts.
Whereas, by the last will and testament of Stephen
Girard, late of th: city of Phil.adelphia, deceased, the
sum of five hundred thousand dollars is bequeathed to
the Mayor, &c , of Philadelphia, in trust among other
most line to which wharves may thereafter lawfully
be consti-ucted on the river Delaware, fronting said
citv, and to cause a record of such regulated line to be
made in the Court of Quarter Sessions, — to fix and de-
cide on, or cause their ofhcers to fix and decide on the
levels of such wharves, to require the owners thereof to
pave the same, or lay them with gravel, according to
things, to apply the income thereof, "1. To lay out, re- such regulation, so as efTcctually to di-ain and pass off
gulate, curb, light and pave a pa.s.sage or street, on the | ^he water from the same, and to require all persons
east part of the city of Philadelphia, fronting the river i owning and occupving, or using docks to cleanse the
Delaware, not less than twenty-one feet wide, and to be I same, and to prescribe the form, materials, and charac-
called Delaw.are avenue, extending from South or Cc- \ tcr of workmanship of all wharves hereafter to be con-
<lar street, all along the cast part of Water street i structcd, and to require all platforms now projecting
squares, and the west side of tlie logs, which form the i„to the said river, and supported on piles, pillars, or
heads of the docks, or thereabouts; and to this intent to | piei-s, to be removed, and to prohibit the constructfen
obtain such acts of assembly, and to make purchases j ;„ future, of any sucli projecting pUitforms, and to re-
snd agreements, as will enable the Mayor, Aldermen, ( cjuire the removal and prohibit the construction in fu-
and citizens of Phihulelphia, to remove or pull down all
the buildings, fences, and obstructions which may be in
the way, and to prohibit all buildings, fences or erections
of any kind to the eastwiirdofsald avenue, to fill up the
heads of such docts as may not afford sufficient room
for the said street; to compel the owners of wharves to
keep them clean and covered completely with gravel,
or other hard m.itcrials, and to be so levelled, that wa-
ter will not rem;iin thereon after a shower of rain; to
completely clean and keep clean all the docks within
the limits of the city, fronting on the Dehiware; and to
ptiU down all platforms carried out, from the east part
of the city over the river Delaware, on piles or pillars."
"2. To pull down and remove all wooden buildings, as
well those in:ule of wood and other combustible m.ateri-
tureofall buildings, fences, and other obstructions, to
the eastward of Delaware Avenue, above mentioned,
and to declare all erections and constructions whatsoev-
er, contrary to the said ordinances, whether erected be-
fore or after the passage of the same, to be nuisances;
and generally to devise, ordain, and execute wh:itever
other things 'shall to them, the said the Mayor, &.C., be
deemed necessary or convenient, for the good arrange-
ment, security, and government of the said wharves:
Provided, that the eastern Ime of the said wharves
shall not be held to be finally determined, and the re-
cords thereof sh;dl not be made as afoi-ef ^' »"?'=^,"',';-
board of Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia sh.dl
make their certificate in writing, that such eastcrnmo.st
line is not inconsistent with the public interests; whicli
well those in:ide of wood and other combustible m.ateri- line is not inconsisiem. .. lui ^i^ y^-,..^ \ en ,.,w,.r
als, as those called brick-paned, or frame buildings fill- 1 certifi.- .e shall also be recorded in the court of «""'"
ed with bricks, that are erected within the limits of the ' Sessions; but if the said certificate shall not be p^^^"
city of Phikvdelpl.ia, and also to prohibit the erection of I bv them within three months after ^PP^"™'" ',."',„
any such building, within the siid city's limits, at any therefor, an appeal shall then he from their decision to
. •' . _ ^' . . •' , > I . . p ^ i„_ o — ^.r>.,^^ IS in other oi.se:>; ana on
Btruction of a college, and for the direction and govern- authority to any one to "<=<:t^^^^"" cas^errmost line
ment thereof according to a plan thert^in set forth; and ing out as far as the said repJa^^d <=»^«^~; ""„
certain other tnists have been created, and the execu- 1 without license from tl.c said board of ^Va^rtens, as
tionthercofenioined onthe Mayor, &c.afor«said. Now, I heretofore. . , „, , „.r..i ... fnr »li« Mrv-
for the purpo.e of enabling the Mayor, &c. aforesaid, I S.c-p. 4. That it shall be lawful, 8.C., for U.« Mii>
6S
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[FxDiKjiar
or, SiC, to pass ordinances to prohibit the construction
within the said city, or any parts thereof, of all framed
or brick-paned, or other building's, the walls whereof
are not wholly composed of incombustible materials, to
determine the thickness of which walls of buildings of
different dimensions and character, shall Iiereafter be
made in the said city, and to make all sucli other legal
provisions as they shall think expedient, for preventing
the extension of injuries fi'om fire in the said city; and
to declare all buildmgs, the walls whereof are not
wholly composed of incombustible materials, to be nui-
sances.
SrcT. 5. When any of the said ordinances shall have
been passed, or other proceedings had in relation to the
said Delaware Avenue and Water street, and the regu-
lation of the Umits thereof shall have been duly record-
ed, it shall be lawful, &c., for the ilayor, &c., to pro-
ceed fi'om time to time, to open for the public use, any
part or parts thereof; and to that end lo enter upon
such property as may be within the same; construct
wharves extending into the river within the lines of said
Delaware Avenue, and fill up all docks within the li-
mits thereof, and remove all obstructions of whatever
kind from within the limits of said Avenue and Street,
or any part or parts thereof, and level, drain, pitch, and
pave, the same as other streets in the said city. And
from and after the passing of such ordinances, and the
record of the said Avenue and Street, all buildings
thereafter erected or rebuilt on the said Avenue and
Street, sh;ill conform to the recorded limits of the same.
And the Mayor, &c., may pass ordinances declaring all
obstructions within tile same to be nuisances.
Sect 6. That it shall .at all times be lawful for the
Mayor, &c., to remove and abate any building, erection,
or obstruction whatever, which bj- this Act, or by any
Ordinance to be hereafter passed by virtue of it,
may be declared a nuisance. FimidKl, that if such
building, erection, or obstruction, shall have been in ex-
istence at tlie time of the passage of tliis act, or of such
ordinance, passed by virtue hereof, the Mavor, &c.
shall give .at least three months' notice of their intention
to remove the same, to the persons having the owner-
ship, occupation, or use thereo-f; or, in case no such
person shall be known to them, they shall affix a copy of
such notice to and upon such a builchng, &c. three
months before proceeding to remove the same.
Sect. 7. That it shall be lawful, &c. for the said
Mayor, &c. to provide for the punishment of any per-
son or persons who shall knowingly and wilfully commit
any nuisance, contrary to the inteiit and meaning of this
Act, and of the Ordinances which may be passed by vir-
tue thereof, and of any person or persons, who, having
committed any nuisance, contrary, &c., shall, after
notice, refuse or neglect to remove the same.
Sect 8. That all persons whatsoever, who shall re-
ceive damage to their propertv bv reason of anv thing
to be done by the said Mayor, &c! under this Act or the
Ordmances jjassed by virtue thereof, may, after ten
days' notice of such intention, to the said tlie'jfayor, &c.,
apply, by petition in writing, to the Court of Quarter
Sessions for the county of Philadelphia, who shall there-
upon appomt a jury of twelve freeholders, citizens of
Philadelphia, which jury shall assemble, notice having
been first given of their meeting in manner .aforesaid,
and shall be sworn to ascertain the damages &.c con-
sidering as weU advantages as disadvantages', &c! and
shaU report into Court; and the damages so report-
ed shall be pa^d by the Mayor, &c., in six months after
contrrmation of report.
Sect, 9. Rut, if the said the Mavor, &c. shall
deem It expedient that the damages should be ascertain
ed before proceeding to enter cm premises for the pur
pose of removing obstructio.'S, and before appropria
ting to public use any propQi-ty of individuals, or other
wise injuriously affecting tlie rights and interests of anv
proprietor, the Mayor, &c., may from time to time ap-
ply to the Court of Quarter Sessions forjur)-, as before
who shall be sworn as before, and report, specifying, in
such case, as well the causes for which damages, if
any, should be paid, as the amount of such damage?
and in such case, the Mayor, &C., may, within one year,
tender such amount as jviry shall report, and thereafter
proceed to enter upon, appropriate, 8cc. Pnvided, if
not tendered in one year, proceeding to be void. Fro-
vidrd further, that when a report shall so have been
made by a jury appointed on the petitii n of the Mayor,
Stc, spccif\'ing the causes wherefore damages should
be paid, if thereafter any otlier damage than that re-
ported on shall be sustained, the party may thereafter
apply for new jury. Provided, however, ihat it shall
be competent to the city to make agreements with any
owner or owners of property so to be taken or affected,
for the damages thereby to be occasioned, and such
agreements shall be instead of any of the proceedings
detailed in this or the foregoing section.
Sect. 10. And for as much, as in tlie course of time,
it may appear that powers are not vested in the said the
Mayor, &c., which may be }et required to the full exe-
cution of the will of the said Stephen Girard, and it is
the object and intent of this act, fully to confer all such
powers, be it further enacted. Sec. &.C., that the said
Mayor, &c., .shall have, and are hereby invested and
gifted with full power, r.ight and authority to exercise all
such jurisdiction, enact all such ordinances, and do and
execute all such acts, and things whatsoever as may be
necessary and convenient for the full and entire accept,
ance, execution, and prosecution of any arid all the de-
vises and bequests, trusts and provisions, contained in
the said will, or any part or parts thereof.
Resolved, that the committee on the Girard Fund,
cause, to be prep.ared a bill, embodying the provisions
set forth in the above outline, and that they cause such
bill to be forwarded to the chairman of the committee of
the House of Representatives of this state, with a respect-
ful intimation that it contains such provisions as in the
estimation of the Councils of this city, are required to
enable them to fulfil the purposes of the testator.
Mr. Lippiscutt from the s.ame committee made the
following report and resolutions, which were adopted.
Ta the Select and Commnri Councils of iht City of Phi-
ladelphia .
The committee on the Girard Fund, beg' leave fur-
ther to report:
That they have considered the matters submitted to
them as fully and deliberately as the time which has
elapsed since their appointment would permit; and they
have agreed for the present to recommend to Councils
the adoption of the following resolutions:
Further measures will be recommended in future re-
ports.
1st. Resolved by the Select and Common Councils of
the city of Philadelphia, that the M.ayor be and he is
hereby requested in tliis month of January, in behalf of
the corporation, to cause to be prepared and published,
in two or more newspapers, printed in the cit)- of Phi-
ladelphia, a concise but plain account of the state of tlie
trusts, devises and bequests to the city of Philadelphia,
bj the late Stephes Gibaiid, agreeably to the requisi-
tion of his will.
2d. Resolved, by the Select and common Councils of
the city of Philadelphia, that the M.ayor and City Trea-
surer be and they are hereby .authorised to pay to the
several persons entitled to the .annuities, charged upon
real estate in Pennsylvania, devised by the late Stephen
Girard, Esq. to the corporation of Philadelphia, out of
the rents of said real estate, the amounts due to them
respectively.
3d. Resolved, that the clerks of Councils be directed
to purchase a book, well and substantially bound, and
to cause to be recorded therein the several schedules of
property recei-ed fiom the executors of Stephen Gi-
rard, and that said book be lettered "Pook of Gi-
rard's Real Estate," and that a separate leaf or more be
applied to each separate piece of property, with an al-
1832.]
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
69
phabet, by which a reference to any particular estate
m.iy be easily made.
Mr. Johnson offered the annexed resolution, which
was agreed to.
Whereas, by a resolution of Councils, the Mayor is
is authorised to take charge of ccrt;iin real estates de-
scribed in the rent rolls, exhibited by the executors of
tjie late Stephen Girard, and to let such p:u-ts thereof
as are now unoccupied, for the term of one year:
And whereas, the applicants for the several tracts of
land arc unwilling to rent them for a less term than
from two to three years, and it is believed to be to the
interest of the corporation, that a longer term than that
specified in said resolution should be given them:
Therefore resolved, by the Select and Common Coun-
cils, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, to
let so mucli of said lands as are situate in Passyunk and
Moyamensing townships, for any term not exceeding
tliree years, and any other resolution having a bearing
oiV tliis subject to the contrary notwithstanding.
Mr. Pettit as chsurman of the committee on the
Franklin Legacy, made the following report and reso-
lution, which were agreed to.
The committee on the Franklin legacy fund, to whom
was referred the petition of Israel E. James, report:
That the amount due on tlie 1st January, 1832, (per
City Treasurer's account) by the petitioner to the cor-
poration, charging interest at five percent. wasgl78 72.
Under the circumstances set forth in his petition,
which they believe to be correctly stated, they recom-
mend the settlement of the claim upon the principles of
the following resolution:
Uesolved, by tlie Select and Common Councils, tliat
upon payment by Israel E. James of the sum of one
hundred dollars and the costs, the City Solicitor be au-
thorized to enter satisfaction of a judgment against liim
and his sureties in tlie district court, on a bond given to
secure payment of money borrowed from the Franklin
legacy fund.
The committee also recommend the adoption of the
following resolution:
Resolved, th:it the clerks of the Councils fiirnish Is-
rael E. James with a copy of the foregoing re-.olution.
COMMON COUNCIL.— Mr. Moss offered the an-
nexed resolution which was unanimously adopted, and
the committee were accordingly ushered in by the
mover.
Resolved, that the gentlemen comprising a commit-
tee on tlie p;irt of the House of Rcpresent;itives of this'
«tate, appointed for the purpose of conferring with the
city authorities on matters connected with the estate of
the late Stephen CJirard, and who are now in tlie city,
be invited to take se.ats within the bar, and that the
Clerk be directed to furniah tliem with a Q.opy of this
resolution.
Mr. Skxtox offered a petition from Mrs. Eliza Bud-
dy, praj-ini; that the hydrant pump opposite her door
m:iy be removed, which was referred to the watering
committee.
Mr. BiKEn presented three petitions for new pavinc:
one for Vine street from Schuylkill Front to Schuylkill
Eip;hth street — one for St. Joseph's avenue, running
from Schuylkill Sixth to Fifth street, between Chesnut
and Barker street, and one for Barker street; which
were referred to the pavini; committee.
Mr. BiKF.n presented a petition praying tli.it the lot
of ground owned by the city, running from Schuylkill
Front to Schuylkill Second street, frontingon the south
side of Vine street, may be appropriated for the erection
of a market house, which was referred to tlie committee
on markets.
The following letter from the Slayor, enclosing the
petition referred to, was received, and referred to the
committee on Penii square.
M.iTon's Orricz, ?
January 20, la32. J
To Ihe Presidents of ihe Sckct and Vimimnn Councils.
Gentlemen : At the request of some of the petitioners,
I transmit you the enclosed paper, in wh ch the horse
ma'rket at the corner of High and Broad streets is com-
plained of as an "old and increasing nuisance " Some
legislation prohibiting markets for the exhibition and
sale of horses, except within suitable enclosures, ap-
pears to be required in oi-der to remove the grievance
complained of.
Very respectfully, &c.
B. W. RICHARDS.
Mr. Hoon, from the committee on markets, made a
report and resolution, recommendingthat Messrs. Reeves,
& Co. be exonerated from payingrcnt for .Market street
wharf, while it was undergoing the repairs: which was
adopted.
Mr. BiKEn, from the paving committee, made the
following report and resolution, which were agreed to.
The paving commitfee, to whom was referred the
petition of the managers of tlie Pennsylvania Hospital,
report:
Whereas the legislature of Pennsylvania have before
them the petition from the managers of the Pennsvlva-
nia Hospitiil for the vacation of Blackberry alley,' be-
tween Pine .ind Lombard street, they offer the following
resolution:
Resolved, that it is inexpedient for Councils to inter-
fere in the subject.
The annexed communication from Mr. George V,'.
Smith, was received and laid on the table.
To James Page, Esq. President of Ihe Common Council.
Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1832.
On the 17th instant, tlie city councils of Lancaster
unanimously resolved to send a delegation of two per-
sons, viz: Messrs. Buchanan and Champneys to Harris-
burg, for the purpose of vncalin^ a portion of the Penn-
sylvania rail-road, from Columbia to the city of Phila-
delphia. I deem it my duty to present this' .subject to
the attention of our city councils, in order tli;it thev
may take such measures as may be necessary to prevent
the success of a project, which, if effected, will inflict a
vital injury on the prosperity of this city and of the
state. The citizens of Lancaster have been among the
earliest and most zea'ous opponents of the system of
improvements in which the commonwealth has been en-
gaged. They are now endeavouring to destroy and
vacate a number of sections of the great rail-road, on
which depends the intercourse of the eastern with the
western and northern parts of Pennsylvania, and with
the neighbouring sUites. These sections have been fi-
nished, with the exception of laying the rails, at a con-
siderable expense, with th.at excellence in the design
and the constniction, which characterize the works of
the eminent engineer to whom the plan and superin-
tendence have been entrusted. The citizens of Lancas-
ter desire to render useless all the large but judicious
expenditure on these sections which has already been
incurred in order that the main line of the rail-road m.iy
be diverted from its present course through tlicir bo-
rough, and that another line may be located and con-
structed at the expense of the state through a part of
that borouiih, which is entirely unsuitable to the pur-
pose. The proposed alteration will be attended with
enormous expense — will Icnuthen the (list;ince — will
render the profile more undulating and steep— the plan
more circuitous, and the curves more abrupt and nu-
merou.s — and consequently m:iterially impair the great
highway of the commonwealth, for the purpose of con-
ferring a trifling /oco/ advantage cin a portion of the city
of Lancaster — which can be adequately acmmnimhted
by a .short, convenient, and cheap braiieh, if the latter
be necessary. The councils of Philadelphia have evinced
great anxiety in relation to the construction of a rail-
road from the Snsquehnnna to Baltimore; the present
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
[FiBBDART
project is calculated to excite more just and serious
apprehensions than the raih-oad justmentioned. 1 would
respectfully sugKest the propriety of appointing a com-
mittee to investigate this subject, with power to adopt
such measures as may be deemed expedient in relation
thereto.
I remain, verv respectfully, your obedient servant,
"GEORGE W. SMITH.
Mr. ScLLiTAN offered the following preamble and
resolution, which were adopted by the Common Coun-
cil, but were laid on the table in Select Council, and
Messrs. Sullivan and Ryan were appointed the commit-
tee on behalf of the Common Council.
Whereas the citizens of tlie city of Lancaster have
presented a memorial to the legislature of this state,
praying that the present location of the Columbia and
Phiiadelpliia r:iil-road be changed; and whereas the
proposed chan.:e in the location would have a tendency
to retard the improvement, and increase the expense of
this highly important public work: therefore resolved.
That a joint committee of two members from eacji
council be appointed, to take into consideration the pro-
priety of remonstrating witli the lei.'islature against the
contemplated change in the present location of the Co-
lumbia and Philadelphia rail-road, and that they tike
such steps in relation thereto, as may be deemed expe-
cnt.
Mitob's Optice, ?
Philadelphia, January 27th, 1832. 5
Agreeably to a resolution of tlie Select and Common
Councils passed on the 26th inst. and in pursuance of
the following provision in tile will of the late Stephen
G'rard, which directs "that the said corporation shall
also cause to be published in the month of Januaiy, an-
nually, in two or more newspapers in the city of Phila-
delphia, a concise but plain account of the state of the
trusts, devises and bequests, herein declared and made "
Public notice is hereby given that the executors of the
late Stephen Gh-ard, have handed to the constituted au-
thorities of the city, a schedule comprising ninety -four
tenements in the city and county of Philadelphia, five of
which ai-e unfinished, and eight of which are untenant-
ed, with a rent-roll for the same, showing a present an-
nual rental of 38,917 dollars. Also a further schedule
of sundry lots of land in the county of PhUadelphia,
comprising about 608 acres, on which are sundry tene-
ments, — that charge has been taken of the same, and
provision made for the collection of the rents, and for
letting such portions thereof as are untenanted, — that
rents amounting to 4,388 36-100 dollars have been re-
ceived by the city treasurer, — and that the Select and
Common Councils are proceeding to devise measures
for the furtlier fulfilment of the ti-usts confided to them
by the testator, agreeably to the powersvested in them.
B. W. RICHARDS, Mayor.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
At a meeting of "The Controllers of the Public
Schools for the city and County of Philadelphia," held
on the lyth day of December, 1831, Tho^ias Duslap
in the chair,acommunicationwasreceivedfromRoEEnTS
^'acx, tendering his resignation as President of the
Board.
The lesignation being accepted, and an answer to
his letter unanimously adopted by the Board, it was
Resolved, I hat a copy of the communication from Mr.
Vaux, and the answer of this Board, be forwarded to
the Board of Directors of each section of the first school
district of Pennsyhania, and that the same be publish-
ed.
On motion, the Board proceeded to the election of a
President; when Thomas Dunlap was duly chosen.
From the minutes.
T. M. Pe-ctit, ."Spcretar
To the Controllers itf the Public Scliook for the Cily and
County of Philadeljihia.
You will recollect, gentlemen, that when I last enter-
ed upon the duties of a member, and accepted ag.ain
the responsibilities of President of the Hoard of Control,
my design to retire from botli these stations towards the
close of the term of my election, was publicly commu-
nicated. In accordance with the purpose then delibe-
rately formed, I now resign the trusts which you, and
your predecessors, the representatives of our fellow
citizens of the first school district of Pennsylvania, were
pleased to confer upon me, annually, from the organiza-
tion of the exisiting system of public education through
a period of nearly fourteen years.
On ceasing to assist in the administration of the laws
that so wisely provide free instruction, and for the suc-
cessful operation of which I have always felt much soli-
citude, it is a precious consolation to know tlrat the in-
stitution has dispensed, and still distributes invaluable
benefits to our youth.
Long and attentive obser\-ation of the influence of
this judicious and liberal plan, assures me that the best
interests of society are intimately connected with its
duration and expansion, to meet the future wants of the
city and county of Philadelphia.
i p.art from you, gentlemen, impressed with no ordi-
nary sentjments of regard. With some of you I have
been harmoniously devoted in the prosecution of this
interesting work almost from its commencement. The
retrospect of my intercourse with all my colleagues as
well as witli the teachers, and various other agents at-
tached to the extensive establishment confided to our
government, furnishes no ittslance of the interruption of
the kindest personal respect. T: hese are to me highly
gratifying reflections.
Finally, I beg you to accept my affectionate wishes
for your individual happiness. Abundant good must,
I am sure, continue to flow from your faithful official la-
bours,
Roberts Vacx,
Chambers of the Controllers, ^
Dec. 19, 183L $
Roberts A'aux, Esq.
Dear Sir: — The Controllers of thePablic Schools for
tlie City and County of Philndelpliia perceive with sin-
cere regret, by your letter of this date, that you adhere
to the resolution announced at the opening of the pre-
sent term, to resign your seat and that Presidency with
\vhich it has been the pride and pleasure of the Board,
during the last fourteen years, annually to invest you.
A long course of faithful, judicious and unremitting
attention to the intei-ests of the Pubhc School System
of this district, prompted by the purest motives and
sustained by unwearied zeal, entitles you to the respect-
ful gratitude of the community for which you have suc-
cessfully labored, while afrank and dignified intercourse,
and an independent discharge of your duties in tliis
Board, have conciliated and secui-ed the esteem and at-
tachment of your colleagues.
Our system of public instruction; so admirably adapt-
ed to the wants and circumstances of this portion of the
State, promises in its present matured organization eve-
ry advantage which the universal diffiislon of free edu-
cation can effect — to its permanence and faithful admin-
istration our patriotic citizens look forward with confi-
dence ,and hope, and your colleagues feel convinced
that your important participation in originating and
conducting this invaluable work will long continue
among the most gratifying reminiscences of your fife.
Tendering to you, sir, sincere assurances of their high
regard and most affection.ate esteem and respect, the
Controllers beg you to accept their cordial wishes for
your pros])eritv and happiness.
I By order of the Board of Controllers.
I T. DUNLAP, President.
Attest — T. M. Pettit, Secretary.
1832.]
COMMERCE OF LAKE ERIE.
71
Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1831.
The Teachers of the Public Schools met for the pur-
pose of making- some expression of their respect for
Roberts Val'.x, Esq. on his retiring' from the Board of
Conti'Ql. The following address to him was adopted
unanimously, and a committee appointed, consisting
of Messrs. Rhees, Bird, Cleavcnger, Coleman, Cham-
berlin, and Watson, to w.ait on him with the Address.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
signed by tlie Chairman, Secretary, and all the teach-
ers.
Resolved, That the committee be authorized to pub-
lish so much of the proceedings of this meeting, as they
may think proper, together with the reply of Mr.
SAMUEL F. WATSON, Chairman.
J. L. Rhees, Sccrcbiry.
Respected Friend — With feelings of regret we learn
that your contemplated resignation of the arduous and
responsible duties devolving on you as President of the
Board of Control of Public Schools, in the First School
District of Pa , has been carried into effect, and that we
can no longer look for your regular visitations to the
institutions \'ou were chiefly instrumental in originating,
and which have invariably, from their commencement,
received the advantage of your fostering care, and pa-
ternal advice.
With sentiments of sincere respect, strengthening
with every year's acquaintance, we hasten to make
known the grateful emotions we feel, in view of the
many instances of your friendly co-operation we have
experienced in the discharge of our import;int duties.
When discouraged by adverse or unpropitious circum-
stances, your counsel has ever been ready to instruct and
animate, and our endeavors to mete out knowledge have
been rendered more efficient by your countenance and
support. We doubt not that hundreds and thousands of
the youth who have been receiving the elements of
knowledge and morality in our public schools, will che-
rish with gratitude and affection, the many salutary
lessons they have heard from your lips, and will rise
up to honour your name, and do credit to that system
of education, of which you have been the patron and
zealous advocate, while the triumphs of Christian phi-
lanthropy continue to .attest its superiority over all the
schemes of infidelity, and all the glory of this world.
We vinite in the conviction expressed by your worthy
and highly respected colleagues, that the invaluable
work, in which yovi have been for fourteen years engag-
ed, "will long continue among the most gratifying re-
miniscences of your life." Ami we pray that God may
have you under his holy keeping, contin\ie your life
Jong, useful and happy, and give you to hear at last the
welcome sentence, "well done, good and faithful ser-
vant, enterthou into tlie jov of thy Lord."
J. L.' RHEES, ^
B. E. CHAMUERLIV, ?
JOHN M. COLEMAN, I |
SAMUEL WATSON, ( t'
JAMES M. BIRD, ?
W. S. CLEAVENGER, J "
H. W. Chadwick, I Elizabeth B. Smith,
Peter M'Gowen, | Julia A Byrne,
Hiram Ayre.s I Eliza McLeod
William C. Barton, | Ann Dolby,
W. Beechcy,
Eliz'th n. Eastburn,
Susan M. Ustick,
Louisa Bedford,
Martha C. Ilallowcll,
Maria C. Hutton,
I Eliza Batcman.
der towards the organziation, or in the subsequent con-
duct of our public education, I consider only as a small
senice due, and cheerfully contributed, to my native
city and its neighbourhood.
it affords me the purest satisfaction to believe, that
many thousands of the youth of this populous district,
in great meas\ire, owe their moral and intellectual elc-
v.ition and fitness for the business of life, to the consci-
entious discharge of your obligations to them as their
instructors, and I have no doubt that similar benefits
may be confen-ed by the employment of similar means,
upon generations to co-iie. Under this conviction, f
cannot but unfeignedly wish for the duration of a sys-
tem, wliich, with the favour of Heaven, must be fruit-
ful of so much individual welfare, and essentially con-
duce to the general good.
My retirement from the station that called me to the
frequent observation of the pupil'^,and to tlie consequent
notice of your assiduous attentions to them, will not di-
minish the concern which I have uniformly entertained
for the promotion of their best interests, by the success-
ful prosecution of your importint labours in the public
schools.
I shall always be gratified to learn, that your useful
offices are properly esteemed, duly encouraged, and
generously rewarded. No profession in my opinion is
more arduous, and responsible, and honorable than
yours, and when faithfidly pursued, none more worthy
of universal confidence and gratitude.
You will be pleased each of you to accept the assur-
ance of my cordial respect, and beheve me to remain
your friend, &c.
ROBERTS VAUX.
Philadelphia, nth mo. 26, 1831.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Public Schools
for the first section of the Fir.st School District of the
State of Pennsylvania, held January 3d, 1832.
The resignation of Rqbehts Vaux, Esq. havingbeen
received and read, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the Directors of the Public Schools
forthe First School District receive with regret the resig-
nation of Roderts Vaux their late fellowmember, and
that they recognize in his active agency in the founda-
tion of the Public Schools, and in his disinterested,
faitliful and vmremittcd attention to their interests from
their foundation to the present time, v.aluable public
services which entitle him to the thanks of the Board,
and to the regard of the community of which he is a
member.
Resolved, That tlie foregoing resolution be published
in the daily newspapers of the city, and that a copy
thereof signed by tlie President and Secretary be for-
warded to Mr. ^'aux.
Extract from the minutes,
B. W. RICHARDS, Chairman.
Arch'u Uasdall, Sec. Pro. Tem.
'I\t the Teachers of the Public Schools of the City and
Cuunly of Philadelphia.
The sentiments most kindly conveyed to me by your
address of the 23d inst. are very fully and sincerely ap-
preciated.
Any assistance it may have been in my pow»r to ren-
CoMMEncE AXD Navibation OF Lake Erie. — We
have been furnished with the annexed partial list of
vessels owned and navigated on the south shore of Lake
Erie, during tlie summer of 1831, with the tonnage of
each; together with some statistical information relating
to the business done upon the lake. The list of vessels
is evidently very incomplete, for we have the testimony
of several who have better opportunities of knowing',
that there were upon this shore 90 to 100 vessels, aver-
aging 70 tons e.ach, exclusive of steam boats. The de-
ficiencies in this list we will insert on being made ac-
quainted with them.
sruooxEBS. tons. scboo:<ibs. tons.
Austerlitz, 150 Alert, 55
Antelope, 50 Andrew, 48
America. 50 Allen Trimble, 16
.\urora, 60 Beaver, 50
72
ORPHAN SOCIETY.
[FSB8DAHT
SCHOOSEnS.
Bolivar,
Cincinnati,
Commerce,
Comet,
Commodore,
Columbus,
Conneaut Packet,
Constitution,
Commodore Perry,
Detroit,
Eclipse,
Eagle,
Erie,
Essex,
Emily,
Farmer,
Free Trader,
Gaerriere,
Good In ent.
Grampus,
Granger,
Gov. Cass,
Gen. Jackson,
Hamilton,
Independence,
J. Q. Adams,
J. Richards,
Lagrange,
Lady of the Lake,
Louisa Jenkins,
L. Judson,
Marengo,
Marshal Ney,
Minerva,
Morning Star,
Mary of Milan,
Maria Antoinette,
Mariner,
tons. scHooxERs. tons.
6J Ma-y, 46
50 Napoleon, 105
88 New Connecticut, 70
50 Nucleus, 93
80 Olive Branch, 30
60 Pilot, 54
35 President, 70
104 PhiUips, 40
25 Red Rover, 35
66 Regulator, 25
60 Savage, 30
94 Spv, 45
50 Sw'iftsure, 35
30 Sir Henrv, 90
30 St. Clair,' 35
60 T. W. Maurice, 50
30 Telegraph, 44
40 United States, 100
40 ■\Vhittlese\-, 50
30 \Vm. Teli, 60
33 Young Amaranth, 60
54 Young Lion, 80
42 Y'oung Rover, 30
27 SLOOPS.
27 Express, 30
60 Grampus, 25
50 STEAM BOATS.
100 Superior, 400
90 Henrv Clay, 300
80 Wm.'Penn, 230
18 Enterprise, 230
110 Sheldon Thompson, 250
80 Ohio, 160
60 Niagara, 155
35 Peacock, 150
45 Pioneer, 130
90 Gen. Gratiot, 150
97 Argus, 50
There are now being built on this lake five steam
boats, viz:
1 at Detroit, 300 tons.
1 ' Miami, 200 "
1 ' Huron, 450 "
1 ' Erie, 350 "
1 * do. 35 **
Of other vessels there are no w 1 1 that we have heard
of, the work of which is in progress; besides there is
little doubt that more will be built by spring, viz:
3 at Huron, of 150 tons each, 450 ;
1 ' do. 80
1 ' Miami, 130
2 ' Black River, 260
1 ' Grand River, 130
1 ' Ashtabula, 80
1 ' Sandusky, 60
1 < Portland', 50
During the past year there have been ten or twelve
vessels from the upper lakes trading upon this; and 15
from Lake Ontario, averaging 65 tons each, which came
through the Welland canal, laden with salt, and took
return cargoes of pot and pearl ashes, pork, wheat,
flour, flax seed, &c.
In 1810 there were eight or nine vessels, averaging
60 tons each, navigating the lake. In. 1820 there were
thirty vessels, averaging 50 tons each, and one small
steam boat.
Now there are over 100 vessels, of all descriptions.
The increase for 1832 will exceed 30 per cent. Esti-
mates have been made in Buffalo, that over 70,000 emi-
grants went west from that place, by water, during the
past season. A correspondent from there computes
that in 1840 there will be 30 steam boats and 250 other
vessels navigating the lake; and that 600 persons will
be leaving there daily for the unlimited west. If we
estimate from the late increase, his calculation will fall
short.
Some pains have been taken for ascertaining the
amount of merchandize taken west, and produce taken
east on the lake during the last year, but without satis-
factory success. 75,000 tons were entered at the Buf-
falo custom house. 23,467 barrels of floiu-, 200,802
bushels of wheat, 8426 barrels of pork, 1768 do. ashes,
1044 do. whiskey, and 44,049 barrels of salt, passed
through the Welland canal previous to the 30th of Sep-
tember. At least 60,000 barrels of salt from the state
of New York, must have been transported on Lake Erie
to various markets, besides large quantities that were
detained in diff'erent ports, by tlie early closing of the
navigation. Had tliat continued open as long as usual,
it is quite probable that 15 to 2 J,00o barrels more would
have gone up. We judge this from the exorbitant price
it has borne at all the principal ports above us. At
Cleaveland it has commanded four dollars and at De-
troit five dollars a barrel all winter, and ver)' little was
to be had at those prices. Not less than 70,000 barrels
of flour, 500,000 bushels of wheat, 5000 barrels of pork,
30u0 barrels of ashes, 10,000 barrels of lake fish, and
an incalculable amount of otlier products of the country,
have found their way to market by means of this lake
during 1831.
In these estimates nothing is included for the trade of
the Canada side, except the business of the Welland
canal, a great share of which went from this side.
£ric Observer.
ORPHAN SOCIETY.
The Seventeenth Anniversary Meeting of the Or-
phan Society of Philadelphia, was held at the Masonic
Hall, in Chesnut street, on Tuesday, the 3d of January.
The Rev. Mr. Holiiich performed the service of the
day, and read the following repoi'ts: —
The anniversary of an Institution which has succeed-
ed in the object for which it was founded, is a period of
rejoicing alike to those who have planned, or managed,
or contributed in any way to its advancement. This
day, then, the Orphan Society, while contemplating this
assemblage of helpless children, may rejoice that they
have adopted them — tliat they have taken them, one by
one, from scenes of want and misery, and vice, and
brought them into a sanctuary which charity has reared,
and provided with all things fitted to make them good
and useful citizens, where infancy is cherished with ma-
ternal care, and youth is trained with profitable instruc-
tion, — where the temporal blessings with which they
are sun-ounded, awaken in their young hearts gratitude
to their benefactoi-s — and their pliant minds are elevated
to a higher and holier source of obligation.
Let those who are in the habit of visiting the abodes
of poverty, where labor applied with persevering skill
can barely furnish the necessaries of life at this incle-
ment season, picture to themselves the condition of
children left by a dying parent, who was unable to pro-
vide for them future support — but we need not draw on
fancy for a sketch. A child recently admitted into the
Asylum, presents a real object to make pity weep. She
was but two months old when her mother died; — a
young aunt placed her to be nursed, paj-ing from her
small earnings the nurse's fee. The poor babe receiv-
ed scanty nourishment, and was drugged with laudanum
until it almost perished. In this condition she was
brought to the Asylum, aged eleven months — so feeble
and emaciated that had she not experienced the efficacy
of tender care and judicious treatment, bestowed by
our excellent Matron on otJiers in a similar state, we
should fear that this orphan's voice would never here
be raised in thankfulness to God — and you for its pre-
servation. The register of the institution is a volume
of such sad tales.
The fanuly consists of ninety-eight children, — eight
have been admitted— and five' bound out, — one httle
girl died in the autumn, at which period several chil-
dren were extremely ill, who have recovered.
1833.J
WEST CHESTER UAIL-ROAD.
73
Tlic routine of domestic duties which has been de-
tailed in former reports is found effective, and perseve-
red in; committees visit the asylum in rotation to ap-
prove or sug-g-est improvements, and it is but justice to
the adults of tile family to state, that neatness and or-
der pervade every department — that a plentiful board
is daily spread, and thankfully acknowledged to llim
whose table is provided for all — "Who openetli his
hand and satisfieth the desires of evei-y living tiling."
The Board have been induced to adopt a modified
plan of the Infant School System, for the younger chil-
di-en. They have recently engaged the services of a
respectable assistant Teacher, and now believe :ill the
oHices of the house are filled to their entire satisfaction.
The expenses of the family have been So, 650; which,
with necessary repairs to the Asylum, has left so small
a balance to the Treasury, that it is obvious dcpend-
ance must be had on the continued charity of those
who have raised the edifice, and whose paternal aid fur-
nishes the daily bread — tlie comfort;ible garments — and
the mental cultivation which place tliese destitute or-
phans in a condition to enjoy the privileges of happy
childoood, and prepare them to become moral, reli-
gious, and industrious members of society.
FROM JANUARY 1, 18J1, TO JANUARY 1, IS.ia.
The Orphan Society of Philadelphia, in account w
tlie rre;isurer.
Dr.— 1832, January 1.
To Purchasing Committte,
,-To Perpetual Insurance,
To Repair Ileal Estate,
To Water Kent and Taxes,
To Purchase of Stocks,
To Freedom Fees, »
To Incidental expenses,
Balance in Treasury,
Cr.— 18o2, January 1.
By Balance from 1831,
By Annual Subscriptions,
By Ijfe Subscriptions and Donations,
By Dividends on Stocks,
By Rents,
By Ground Rents and Arrears,
Bv Charity Box and Collections,
By Sale of Children's Work,
By Legacies, _ , -
By Binding Fees from From Mr. Christian,
By Fines on the Managers,
By Sale of .\rticles at the Asylum,
ith
§3,650
0!)
317
50
359
30
30
OU
1,735 00
60
0'
63
60
122
03
$6,337
33
$ 68
40
- 383
00
83
89
2,507
11
650
00
313
52
67
32
185
90
2,047 50
5
{JO
1
25 1
25
43'
E. and O. E.
Philadelphia, January, 1, 1832.
$6,337 ;
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
OF THE
WEST CHESTER RAIL-RO.VD CO.TIPANV.
The Directors of the West Chester Rail-road Compa-
ny, in obedience to the injunction of the 9lh section of
the act, authorizing the governor to incorporate said
company, submit to the stockholders the following
statement of the affairs and proceedings of the corpora-
tion, for the past ye.ar. It will be recollected, that the
preliminary survey for the West Chester rail-road was
made in the month of December, 1830. The report of
the Engineer having shown the route to be a favourable
one, application was immediately made to the legisla-
VoL. rx. 10
ture for an act of incorporation, which was passed and
approved, on the 18th day of February, 1831.
I he commissioners appointed, by the act, to receive
subscriptions of stock, proceeded as therein directed:
Books were opened, on the 22d dav of March, in the
biir<jugh of West Chester, in the ciiy of Philadelphia,
and at the Paoli; when considerably more than twice
the amount of stock authorized by the act, was subscri-
bed on the first day.
1 he books were thereupon closed, and the commis-
sioners proceeded to reduce the subscription, as direct-
ed in the second section of the act, to the authorized
amount of two thousand shares. A statement of the
proceedings, duly certified by the commissioners, was
then made to the governor, who, bv letters patent, da-
ted tlie 28th day of March, 1831, did create and erect
the stockholders into a body corporate and politic, in
deed and in law, by the name, style and title, of " The
West Chester Rail-road Company."
An election of directors was held, agreeably to the
provisions of the act, on the 25th day of April; and, on
the 3d day of May, the new board met, org-anized, and
prepared for active operations. The directoi's consider
themselves fortunate in having been enabled to obtain
the services of Major John Wilson, as engineer in chief,
and tho«e of John P. Baily, Esq. as resident engineer.
The scientific reputiition of tlie former gentleman is too
well established to require illustration here; but it may
be permitted, as an act of sheer justice to Mr. Baily, ou
this occasion, to say, that his practical skill, devoted at-
tention, and fidelity to the best interests of the com-
pany, have commanded the unqu:dified approbation of
the board.
The final location of the route of the rail-road was
commenced by Mr Baily, on the 13th day of May, and
completed on the 2Jd of the same month, m.iking a line
of exactly nine mi/ex, from the borough of West Chestet
to the junction with the Pennsylvania rail-way, on the
land of .Samuel P. Levis, in the township of Willis-
town. The present termination of die road, in the bo-
rough, is upon the land of Robert Matlack, at a very
eligible position on the summit of the dividing ridg'e,
between the triliutarles of Chester creek and the Bran-
dywine; thus leaving it in the power of the company, or
of the borough authorities, to extend branches to any
part of the town, at a future day, if it shall be found ex-
pedient to do so. It is proposed by Mr. Jlatlack to ex-
tend and open Chesnut street, eastward, to the Boot
road; and also to open a new street, at right angles
with Chesiuit sti'eet, intersecting' Chesnut and Gay
streets, so as to afi'ord free access to the end of the
rail-road, both on the western and southern side of tlic
depot. The board would do injustice to their own feel-
ings, as well as to the liberality and pubUc spirit of Mr.
Matlack, if they did not embrace the present opportuni-
ty to acknowledge the sij^nal obligations which that
gentleman h.as conferred upon the comp.any. Not only
did he set the laudable example of a prompt release, to
the company, of all claims for supposed damages, by
reason of the iiassage of the rail-road through his val-
uable farm, but, with a spirit worthy of the occasion,
he granted, free of cost, half an acre of ground, for the
use of the company, for the important purpose of a
landing, and depot at the termination of tjie railroad.
The whole line being' sUiked off, ready for contract,
it was let, in sections of about one mile each, to active
and efficient contractors, upon terms favorable to the
company, (as will appear by the annexed schedule,
marked A,) on the 26th day of May; and the work of
gTading and road formation was commenced, upon
every section, in the course of the ensuing month. In se-
veral in.stances, the contractors were actively engaged
upon their respective sections, in one week after tlic
letting.
The annexed table (marked B,) exhibits the amount
of work done upon e^ach section, on the 2d instant, to-
gether with the sums "" aid for the same, and also the
74
AVEST CHESTER UAIL-ROAD.
[fEBttUASr
amount of n'ork yet to be done, with tlie estimated cost 1
thereof, upon those seetions where the road formation
is still unfinished. From that table it will appear, that [
sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, have been reported by the cng-i-
neer, as finished; tliat sections 1 and 2 are very nearly
completed; section 3 will probably be finished in the
course of the present month; and sections 4 and 9, are
expected to be ready for laying' the rails, in all the month i
of March nest. The same table also shows tlie quanti- ^
ty of broken stone delivered on the road, up to the 2d |
inst. with the amount paid for the same, and Ukewise
the sums paid for fencing", damages on account of crops
injured, engineers' salaries, and incidental expenses.
The aggregate sum paid, amounts to §28,947 76J
Amount of per centage retained, on the
unfinished sections, and for broken
stones, 3,708 26 J
Whole expenses incurred, S32,656 03
Contracts have been entered into for all the broken
stone, sleepers, rails, iron, and other materials, requi-
red for the completion of the road, with a single Irar/c,
and an adequate number of turn-outs. The contractors
are now actively engaged in delivering the stone and
sleepers; and the directors have, as yet, no reason to
doubt the faithful pei-formance of each contrai^t in due
time, though the unusual severity of the winter has re-
tarded the deli\ery of some of the materials. The an-
nexed table, (marked C,) affords an exhibit of the
quantities, and estimated cost of the maferiiih required
to complete the road — as also an estimate of the cost of
laying the rails, fencing the route, and other incidental
expenses; from which the following result appears:
Amount of expenses alreadj' incun'ed, §32,656 03
Estimated cost of gradine, yet to be done, 5,211 92
Estimated cost of materials, laying, fenc-
ing, &c. " 45,235 43
Total estimated cost of W. C. Rail-road, §83,103 38
Add, for cars, car-house, toU-liouse, and
incidental expenses.
6,896 62
Aggregate expense of puttingthe road in
operation, $90,000 00
The Treasurer's statement, (marked D,) shows that
five instalments, (of 5 dollars each,} on each share of
the capital stock, have been called in, equal to S5U,000:
that 33,S61 dollars have been received by him, and
28,047 76i have been paid on account of the work,
leaving a balance of ,54,413 23^ in the treasury on the
2d instant. The remaining inst;ilments will be de-
manded in due season to meet the exigencies of the
service.
Jt win be observed, that the directors propose, in the
first instance, to form a single track of rail-way, with
sufficient turn-outs for the passage of cars — and that the
superstructure be of wooden rails, plated mth iron,
and laid on wooden sleepers. Many considerations,
both of economy and expediency, concurred to induce
the adoption of this plan: some of which are indicated in
the communication of the principal engineer, hereto an-
nexed (marked E.) The bed of the road, however, is
prepared for tivo tracks,- and, whenever it shall be found
necessary to renew the first one, or to have bulk con-
structed, (whether of wood, or more durable materials)
the company will not only possess the facilities of trans-
portation afforded by the first track, but may also avail
themselves of those improremenls, in the constmction of
rail-roads, which, in the mean time, wiU undoubtedly
be introduced by scientific ingenuity and experience.
The directors, at an early period, formed the resolu-
tion to have the road in operation, if possible, by the
4th day of July next; and in making a'l their contracts
for the delivery of materials, they have kept that pur-
pose steadily in view. They have yet seen no cause to
doubt the practicability of accomplishing the work by
that time, provided the rails and iron shall be furnished
according to agreement. A failure to deliver, in due
season, so heavy an article as the rails, may retard tha
completion of the road for a few weeks; bnt the board
have assurances from the contractor, that a considerable
portion is now ready, and will be forwarded, as soon a*
the navigation of the Delaware shall be open. The iron
plating, for the rails, was ordered in good time, and is
daily expected to arrive.
Thus it will appear, as the board trust and believe,
that every exertion has been used, and every kind of
forecast resorted to, consistent with a sound economy,
to expedite the final completion of the AVest Chester
rail-road: and the directors cannot but congratulate
themselves and the stockholders,on the prospect of hav-
ing a valuable improvement executed in the most eli-
gible manner — with unusual promptitude — and at a less
cost than the original estimate.
If those who have charge of the interests of the com-
monwealth, shall urge forward the work on the Penn-
sylvania rail-way, so as to form a junction with the
AVest Chester rail-road, by the time the latter is com-
pleted, and thereby furnish a continuous track to the
city of Philadelphia, there can be no doubt but the va-
lue of both improvements wdl be speedily demonstrated,
in a style that will at once gratify and surprise their
most sanguine advocates The amount of business
which would immediately be thrown upon the Pennsyl-
vania rail-way, from the AA'est Chester road, ought, in
tlie opinion of the board, to induce the most strenuous
exei-tions on the part of the officers of the state, to com-
plete the laying of the rails from the city to the intersec-
tion of the AA'est Chester rail-road.* Such an event
would not only prove an important benefit to this town
and district, but it would rmder that portion of the pub-
lic funds, which now lies worse than dormant in the bed
of the Pennsylvania rail-way, immediately and highly
productive of revenue to the state. The directors are
sanguine in the hope, that the wisdom of tlie legislature,
and the public spirit of the canal commissioners, will
cause til se obvious advantages to be secured, without
delay, to the people of this commonwealtli.
By order of the Board,
A\'M DARLINGTON, President.
Attest, AV.v. AViLbiAMSox, Secretary.
Mesl Chester, Jo «. 16, 1832.
§■
1
1
s
1
I
3
1
oco-qa^ai4»-c.:>tOH-
Sections.
Commencing
at A\'. Chester.
>
Reese & Carncross,
Hughes & ftuinn,
Bernard Elynn,
Thomas Barr,
Andrew Boyle,
Perry & Grennells,
Perry & Grennells,
Smith & Conley,
Philip Duffy.
n
3
■J
oc-looooco--tooo>oo!«.
Kxcavation
per cubic yard.
fe
OtOCOiO-^OOlOiOi?
Embankment
Do.
P%
Hard pan
Do.
s
otoco->iot«oooow
Solid rock
Do.
8
?
IOtOi010)-W)-'C.DCo2.
Detached rock
Do.
cx o> u. u,'^ o> Ot *. o> 2.
OOOO (OOUioSn
Cross drains
per foot lineal.
1,
* The board have just learnt, with great satisfaction,
that tlie canal commissioners have resolved to place the
laying of the rails, up to the AVest Chester road, under
contract, en the 15th of February.
1832.]
WEST CHESTER RAIL-ROAD.
75
s.
(0»'^C7itft.^C3ND>-*
Sections.
z
T.
-J
tB
z
&'3
°9
1
3C
(O ■-• (O 10 10 —
^ to *^ Oi ^ jO ^to *-
"0 *(0 ^0 ^ *- '^ ^^ — ^
;j. -v^ ^ ^ *- 4^ ~. ^ --I
E.vciivation,
cubic y.irds
p
W to '-' Oi Oi JX ^—
Emlxmk-
mciit, cubic
yards.
cT» r^
"--J "vo 1- 00 en ^ "cj. 03 c,j
0--I-CX:C,j-MOI0 03
*. to (^ to u. ~^ 0, —
^
3;
51
00
CO
iDIS SUgig
Cross drains
feet.
3 S
3 ^
5 s-
si
fe J; M ^ ^ - tj p
Grubbing-
trees.
"<
lisiillii
Amount
paid
IS:
ft" 0-
Ir
2 V
S '^
1
Amount
retained.
Excavation,
cubic ) ards.
B
i
1
— s -
Embankm't
cubic yards.
1
Estimated
cost of work
to be done.
fV/tok expenses incurred.
Amount paid for road formation, drains,
Rubbing, &c. $25,087 98^
Amount paid for stone delivered, viz ; 1 588
perches,
Amount paid for 250 rods of fence,r.-iils,&c.
Amount paid for damages to crops, on the
route,
Amount paid for salaries of engineers and
assistants,
Amount of incidental expenses.
Profit .and loss — counterfeit note received
by commissioners,
1193 06
537 00
50 83 J
1534 29
734 59J
10 00
Fencing yet to be done, 3,658 75
Salaries of engineers and agents, 1,500 00
Expenses to be incurred on the line of
road, §50,447 35
Add expenses already Incurred, 32,656 03
Estimated whole cost of the \V«st Chester
rail-road, §83,103 38
,\dd, for car-house, toll-house, cars, and
incidental expenses, 6,896 62
Ag-greg.ate amount of expenses, necessary
to put tlie rail-road in operation, g90,000 00
(D) TREASURER'S STATEMENT.
Thomas Willlimson, Treasurer of the AVest Chester
Rail-road Company, in account with said Company,
to January 2d, 1832, inclusive.
To amount received upon the several in- DR.
stalments ordered by the Board of Di-
rectors, including the 5th instalment,
due the 1st instant,
Cash received for maps.
C R By amount of payment, in pursuance
of orders di-awn by the Board of Direct-
Balance in treasury,
Amount of instalments ordered by the
board, and due to the above date (5th
instalment)
Received for maps, as above.
Deduct cash received,
Stockholders in arrears,
•Since the 2d inst, there have
been received by the trea-
surer, $10,740 00
In arrears, January 16, 5,905 00
Whole amount paid, • $28,947 76i
Add, per centage retained on the cost of
road formation, 3,497 72J
Do. for broken stone delivered, 210 54
Aggregate expenses.
§32,656 03
(C) Enllmale nf the materials and expenses, requi'sile to
complele the Jfesl Chester Hail-ronJ, January 2, 1832.
Broken stone, 5,949 perches, (.at different
prices,)
Wooden sleepers, 12,735, (actual cost not
ascertained) estimated at
Pine scantling (rails,) 333,000, at 125 per
M delivered.
Iron, for rails, 235 tons, at $53 per ton,
delivered.
Spikes, 10,000 lbs. at 9 1-10 cU. per lb.
delivered,
Splicing plates, 2250 lbs. at 9 cts. per lb.
Plank, for keys, 10,000 ft. at ;f20 per M.
Laying 9 miles of rail-road, $750 par mile,
Laying 18 turn-outs, including castings.
Residue of grading, yet to be done.
§5,163 68
3,820 50
8,325 00
12,455 00
910 00
202 50
200 00
6,750 00
3,250 00
5,211 92
§33,355
6
00
00
§33,361
28,947
00
76i
$4,413
23i
$50,000
6
00
00
$50,006
33,361
00
00
$16,645
00
$16,645 00
January 16, 1832.
(E) I.ETTER FHOM MAJOn WILSOy.
Philadelphia, Jan. 11, i85Q.
To the President and Directors or the West Chester Rail-road
Company:
Gentlemes. : The progress tluat has been made in
grading the road, since it was placed under contract,
and the preparaton," measures which have been token
by tlie companv, for procuring tlie whole of the mate-
rials necessary for completing the superstructure of a
single-track rail-way, leaves no doubt that the line from
West Chester to its intersection with the Stote rail-road,
will be opened for traveUing during Uic ensuing sum-
mer. . • . J
The resident engineer, Mr. Baily, havmg furnished
an estimate of the expenses yet to be incurred in the
completion of the work, it is unnecessary for me to
make anv reference to that part of the subject, but I
woidd respectfully offer to the company a few brief re-
marks on the reasons which influenced the adoption of
a rail-way formed of wood, instead of stone or other per-
manent material.
Stone suitable for sills or blocks cannot be procured
on any part of the line, between M'cst Chester and
where it unites witli the Pennsylvania Rail-way.
The great expense which must be incurred in pro-
curing and hauling from a distance such hca\7 mate-
T6
STATISTICS OF POTTSVILLE.
[Febhcabi
rials, would not only have delayed the completion of the
work, but would have enhanced the cost of its construc-
tion. The newness of the embankments, and the lenpftli
of time necessary for them to settle, is another consider-
ation why a preference has been g-iven to wood.
The number of taxable inhabitants, is Males
Females
598
5
603
The public Building's in the Borough, are
1 Roman Catholic Chapel, built in
1 Episcopal Church, (St. Lukes,) built in
1 Methodist Episcopal Church, built in
1 Friends' Meeting House, do.
On embankments which have not sufficiently consoli- siding in the borough, is
dated, the wooden rail, resting on sleepers of wood, can
be much easier repaired. On this plan, also, the road
can be finished with less expense, and at an earUer pe-
riod than with stone sills, or detached blocks, as bear-
ings. This circumstance will, in some measure, com-
pensate for the loss that will result from the decay of
the wood; and should the company deem it expedient,
at any future period, to lay a second ti'ack, sufficient
experience will have been acquired to enable them to
adopt that p'an which will be most conducive to the in-
terests of the stockholders.
I remain, gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN WILSON.
The number of persons owning real estate and not re-
167
1828
1830
1830
1830
At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the
AVest Chester Rail-road Company, held at the house of
Samson Babb, in the borough of Westchester, on Mon-
day, the 16th of January, 1832,
btnEH ALisov. Esq was appointed chairman, and
Mr. EnwAHD F. Evan's, Secretary.
The directors laid before the meeting their report,
(herewith published) of the affairs and proceedings of
the company, which was read:
Whereupon, on motion of W. H. Dillingham, Esq.
it was
Resolved, that this meeting approve of the proceed-
ings of the directors of the West Chester Rail-road
Company, as exhibited in their report this day submit-
ted; and that five hundred copies of said report be pub-
lished in pamphlet form, for the use of the stockholders.
It was then, on motion, resolved, that the chairman
and secretary of this meeting act as judges of the elec-
tion now to be held, for the purpose of electing seven
directors of the West Chester Rail-road Company, for
tlie ensuing year. At the close of the polls, the votes
being counted off, it appeared that the following per-
sons were duly elected directors, viz:
William Darlikctox, Jonathan Jones,
Joseph Hemphill, Wm. Williamson,
EiiHu CiiAiNcET, Samuel C. Jefeeiiis.
ZiBA Pile,
On motion, resolved, that the proceedings of this
meeting, includingthe Report of the Directors, be pub-
lished in the papers of the county.
(Signed) OLIVER ALISON, Chairman.
Attest, Edwaiid F. Evans, Secretary.
The Institutions of a public character, are
Post office established in the jear
Miners' Bank of Ppttsvllle, chartered in
Schools of various grades and dates.
Fire Company, established in
Two Volunteer Corps of infantry:
1st. The Pottsville Guards, formed in
2d. The National Light Infantry, formed in
Three Weekly Newspapers:
The Miners' Journal, commenced in
The Schuvlkill County Advocate, comme'd in 1831
The Schuylkill County Farmer, (German,) in 1832
Among the occupations and establishments in the bo-
rough, may be enumerated the following: —
5 Male Teachers,
STATISTICS OF POTTSVILLE.
The assessed value of the Borough, in January, 1832,
js as follows:
Real Estate, Buildings, Horses, &c. 335,078
Stocks, Bonds, Mortgages, &:c. yielding divi-
dends or interest, 234,390
569,468
492
220
70
8
7
4
6
1
5
Included in the above there is.
Dwelling houses,
Horses over 4 years.
Cows do.
Pleasure Dearborns,
Gigs,
Sulkies,
Barouches,
Buggic,
Carriages,
1823
1828
1830
1825
1831
1825
10 Blacksmith-shops,
19 Blacksmiths,
2 Wheelwrights,
2 Hatters shops,
5 Hatters,
2 Cabinet makers shops,
3 Cabinet Makers,
2 U'atch makers shops,
2 Watch Makers,
2 Tin shops,
3 Tin Smiths,
9 Plasterers,
3 Barber shops,
4 Barbers,
1 Coach maker shop.
2 Clergymen,
9 Attorneys at Law,
1 Notary,
8 Physicians,
1 Post Master,
1 Member House of Re
presentatives,
1 President of Bank,
1 Cashier do.
1 Land Surveyor,
4 Justices of the Peace,
3 Constables,
2 Editors,
7 Agents,
25 Dry Goods, Groceries, 1 Coach Maker,
Hardware, Wine, and 1 Coach Trimmer,
Liquor Stores, 3 Saddlers shops,
5 Drug, Paint, and Apo- 4 Saddlers,
thecary Stores,
35 Merchants,
5 Flour and Feed Stores,
5 Flour Merchants,
2 Shoe Stores,
27 Clerks,
17 Coal .Merchants,
25 Taverns,
4 Barkeepers,
1 U. S. Mail Contractor,
2 Confectioners,
1 Vinegar Merchant,
1 Lottery Broker,
2 Boarding Houses,
2 Lumber Merchants,
3 Collectors of Toll,
3 Oyster & Beer Houses,
11 Bakers,
9 Butchers,
7 T ailor Shops,
12 Tailors,
6 Painters and Glaziers,
52 Carpenters,
1 Grist Mill,
2 Millers,
1 Saw Mill,
1 Skin Dresser,
13 Boot and Shoemaker 79 Labourers,
Shops, 156 Single Freemen,
24 Boot and Shoemakers,
2 Boat yards,
7 Boat Builders,
1 Cedar Cooper,
2 Curriers,
2 Tobacconists,
1 Tallow Chandler,
1 Weaver,
2 Tanyards,
2 Tanners,
4 Turnei-s,
1 Whitesmith,
2 Foundries,
2 Iron masters,
5 Mouldei'S,
1 Forgemaii,
1 Collier,
4 Breweries,
8 Brewers,
9 Stone Masons,
1 Gun Smith,
1 Brick Maker,
2 Soap Boilers,
4 Boat Captains,
1 Potter,
1 Milkman,
15 Teamsters,
46 Miners,
1832.]
SELECTIONS FROM LEGISLATIVE DEBATES.
77
SELECTIONS FROM LEGISLATIA'E DEBATES.
From the Pennsylvania Reporter.
COUNTY ALDERMEN.
In SznxTE—T/iursduy,Jiin.2l.
Mr. Bm-den offered the following' resolution, viz:
Resolved, That the Committee on the .Kidiciary Sys-
tem be instructed to enquire into the expediency of au-
tliorizinp the Governor to appoint a certain, definite.
men at that time composed the senate or select council
of the city. These Aldermen were deprived of their
legislative powers, and invested by law with the powers
of Justices of the Peace, .ind the justices were resti-ict-
ed to the constitutional hmit The consequence has
been that the Aldennen bein^ limited in number, have
not the temptation to oppress for the sake of fees, and
there is no place in any country where justice is more
faithfidly administered, nor where peace and good or-
der prevail in a greater degree than in the city ot Phila-
delphia. Now the resolution I have offered proposes
and sufficient number of Aldermen, for each of the in- to extend the same benefits to the corporations of the
corporated districts in the county of Phil.idelphia, with county. The committee will, after due deliberation,
the same p
city now h
Justices of
districts in the county of Phil.idelphia, with county. The committee will, alter clue cleliseration,
owers and privileges which Aldermen of the I fix the number proper for each district, having refer-
ave, and ot repealing the civil jurisdiction of | ence to to its population and pubhc necessities. In of-
the Peace, so far as relates to the districts in fering the resolution, it must be evident I cannot be ac-
which it is proposed to appoint Aldermen.
Said resolution was read a second time, and there be-
mg some opposition to its passage,
Mr. BunntN said, it will be acknowledged by every
member of the Legislature, that with regard to every
county in the Commonwealth, the constitutional power
of appointing Justices of the Peace has been exercised
to a degree far beyond the necessities and welfare of the
people. It h;is been the practice of every Executive, i pose
about the time of retiring from the gubernatorial seat, to
appoint a number of Justices, and generally from politi-
cal motives alone. The new Governor, finding himself
opposed by the recently appointed magistrates, h.as been
compelled, from motives of self-defence, to create ano-
ther batch of Justices, and thus they have increased to
a number injurious to the interests of the community
tuated by motives of popularit}-. The "squirearchy,"
(as Mr. C. J. Ingersoll well ciUed those unworthy to be
appointed,) will be highly displeased, and should I ever
come before the people for election, will do its best to
remove me from public life. I have no motive but the
welfare of tlie community which I have the honor to
represent, and will not regret any personal sacrifice if I
can succeed in passing such a law as the resolution pi-o-
DIYORCE. ARE BLACKS, CITIZENS'
House of Rep. Ji'edttesdaj/, Dec. 14, 1831.
Mr. AValoh presented a petition from James Sisco, a
coloured man from Washington, Pa. praying for a di-
vorce. His memorial is drawn up with considerable
bility and feeling. He states his early resolution.
Had the appointments, in all instances, been confined (knowing the degraded standing of persons of his co-
to men of integrity and ability, there would be no cause ' lour in general, ) to .acquire a reputation, by a correct
of complaint; but not unfrequently persons have been deportment in all his transactions. In this determina-
recommended and appointed, altogether unqualified." j tion he went on prosperously till November, 1829, when
In the county of Philadelphia, the people have felt tinfnrtunuieli/^ he took to himself a wife. In this act he
the consequences severely; and perhaps there is nothing , h.ad care to the selection of one who he had reason to
under the color of law which causes so much oppression, ! believe had been taught to regard and observe the prin-
as the existence of such Justices as now practise. The : ciples of propriety and virtue; but, to his mortification,
poor and ignorant are the sufferers — they are made the he soon found he had been mistaken in his opinion; that
the victims, and the 'squires fatten on their earnings. In he had taken to his arms, one who proved not only in-
some few sections- there are no m.agistrates; in them the continent, but who actimlly committed larceny, and was
people are moral and peaceable, but wherever the ma- convicted and sentenced to the pcnitentiarj'. At tliis
gistrates abound, discord and immorality are encou- change of circumstances he was thunderstruck, and for
raged. Every Justice must m.ake a living, and this rehef had brought his case before the legislature, that
competition leads to practices disgraceful to the com- being the only tribuniJ competent to such purpose,
munity, and to oppressions under color of law which [ The petition was referred to the committee on the
would scarcely be credited: it seems to be tlie interests ; judiciary system,
of the magistrate to have the laws violated, instead of j —
having them respected. | The bill, an act to annul the marriage contract of
Is there any mode by which this evil can be removed' j .lames Sisco and Delilah his wife was read a tliird time.
The constitution directs that justices may be removed and on the question, shall the bill pass'
by address or impeachment. The process originates in j Mr. McCuUoh observed, that he was opposed to legis-
the House of Representatives, but this provision exi.sts lative divorces; he did not like the precedent it was a
only in the letter, and not in practiealjility. We all proceeding entirely ex-parle, one of^ which the opposite
know how unpleasant and how expensive it is to bring I p,arty,in gener.il, had no notice, and therefore he thought
up a complaint before the legislature against a justice. | they ought not to be encouraged. This was the appli-
A legislative body, on many account.?, is a very improp- j cation of a black man for divorce, and he thought if it
er tribunal of justice for tlic trial of men; it h.as other I were entertiiined'we should have enough business of
duties to perform, and it is next to impossible to remove i this kind to do. That on the southern border of the
a justice from office by the constitutional mode, no mat
ter what he has been guilty of. He may have been
convicted in a court of justice, he may have been the
leader of a riot, he may be totally unqualified tn admin-
ister justice, still we know how difficult it is to put liim
out
There is a mode of remedying the evil, in perfect con-
formity to the constitution, that is, by depriving the
Justices of all the powers given to them by the laws,
and leaving them no power but such as they m.ay exer-
cise under the constitution; tliis would soon compel
them to give up pnictice.
We have an cx.ample of the benefits attending this
mode. In the city of Philadelphia, Justices of the
Peace were formerly created, and the power to appoint
them still exists, although not exercised. The Alder-
state, the courts of quarter sessions were at even.' court
more or less employed in the trial of blacks for larceny
He thought if this bill p.assed it would hold out such en-
couragement to applications for divorce from blacks
that our tables would be covered with tliem. He ob-
scn'cd that the woman had been convicted more than a
year ago, and sentenced to one year's imprisonment,
which had now expired. That therefore she must have
returnid to the society of her huiiband; that the prece-
dent was a dangerous one, and he would vote against
the bill.
Mr. Galbraith ;isked that the petition and documents
might be read, which was done.
Mr. Waugh thought the facts set forth in the petition,
and the record evidence accompanying them, were suf-
ficient cause of divorce. Desertion was sufficient by
•78
LAW DECISIONS.
[FiBBPisr
act of assembly in court — this was the same in principle.
No gentleman', he thought, would distinguish between
black and white; the colour of the skin could not alter
the principle; if the grounds were good in any case, it
ought to be in tliis He thought the objection of the
gentleman from Franklin, (Mr. McCuUoh that it would
be an encouragement to blacks to apply for divorces,
was not sound — his opinion was, it would be a check on
them. The man sustained a good character, as was tes-
tified to by some of the most respectable men in Wash-
ington county. Ought we to refuse a divorce, sir, be-
cause tlie man is a black man' He tliought not.
Mr. Davis observed that this was a matter of more
moment than met the eye or ear. He thought the co-
lour of the man no objection; he would as leave vote to
divorce a coloured man as a white man. The real ques-
tion was of more importance. Is a coloured man a citi-
zen of Pennsylvania' and can the legislature divorce a
man who is not a citizen' Many men have doubts on
the subject; some have not. If he is not a citizen, by
passing this bill we sanction the idea that he is so.
Mr. Waui;h asked the chairaian of the judiciaiy com-
mittee for his opinion as to the citizenship of blacks.
Mr. Shannon replied, that the question had not been
decided. His own opinion was against them, and he
had formed it from the constitution. They could not be
required to do militia duty, or repel invasions; they
were not looked to as the bulwark of the nation: they
were incapacitated for appointment or election to office^
they had not the ri.i^ht of sufirage in Pennsylvania; they
were not citizens to the full extent of the word. But
still their rights of liberty and property are secured.
Divorces by the legislature are matters of favour, only,
not of right. In this case, he thought it was not expe-
dient or necessary. We are not to know how many
wives this man has. In our western country we hare
the real flat heads, who have dozens of wives, andthmk
there is no harm in it; they don't view larceny as a
crime, but consider everv thing common property.
If they don't look upon larceny as a crime, why di-
vorce them' If no moral turpitude attaches to the of-
fence in their estimation of it, if they really don't under-
stand the guilt of the offence, they have committed no
crime, and we ought not to prant a divorce. The man
may have been accessary before the fact, for the pur-
pose of enabling him to make this application.
Mr. Valentine said he was no friend to divorces, un-
less under very pecuUar and special circumstances. The
laws of Pennsylvania authorize contracts between ne-
groes, and the right to rescind the contract seepied na-
turally to follow. The marital rights were tlie same. ,
The petitioner seemed anxious to have it believed tliat !
he was a man of good raor;\l character, and he was not j
disposed to doubt it. If he possessed so good a charac- ]
tcr, his wife would be better in his care tlian in that of
any other— he knew no one who had a better right to
take care of and protect her. He would therefore vote
against the divorce, and e^ery other cUvorce, unless un-
der very special circumstances, whichhe thought did not
characterize this case. He would keep tlie probability \
of divorce at a distance, because it would have a saluta- j
ry influence upon the marriage contract, and prevent it i
from being entered into unguardedly. i
Mr. Waugh thought there was nothing substantial in
Mr. Davis's objection, and it was u-relevant whether
blacks had a riglit to vote or not, a residence was suffi-
cient for the protection of the law, citizenship was not
necessary; a residence of one year was enough. The
laws don't require them to be full citizens.
Jlr. Davis observed that he was left just where he be-
gan; he had received no more information from the
gentleman than he possessed before. By the constitu-
tion of the United States, neRroes and mulattoes are not
citizens. He viewed them as wards of the state: some
were taxed and some voted; but they never were citi-
zens.
Mr. Fuller said that the judiciary committee had re-
ported this bill on principle. If one of the parties to the
marriage contract be of good character, and the other
infamous, he had understood that a divorce would be
t:ranted. If they were not excluded from the courts,
why exclude tliem from the legislature? He did not
tliink it necessary in this case to decide the question of
citizenship; if it were so, he thought it mi.ijht be deter-
mined in favour of the blacks. In New Jersey free
blacks are citizens, and this case comes within the prin-
ciple of the wliites.
'Ihe bill was lost — ^yeas 33, nays 58.
MASTER AND APPRENTICE.
Before King, President, and his Associates, Judges of
tlie Court of Common Pleas for the city and county of
Philadelphia, January 14th, 1832.
Commonweallh ex relulione Lecture against Senneff.
This case came before the Court upon a Habeas Cor-
pus sued out on behalf of Samuel Lecture, by his father
William Lectui-e, against George Senneff the respon-
dent. By the return endorsed on the writ, it appeared
that the respondent claimed to hold said Samuel Lec-
ture, by virtue of an indenture of apprenticeship, dated
the^ — day of — , 1827, executed before Alderman Badg-
er by the said apprentice, by and with the consent of his
mother Ehzabeth Lecture, by which he put himself ap-
prentice to the respondent, to learn the trade of a house
carpenter, and to continue with him until the age of
twenty-one. It also appeared by the testimony of wit-
nesses, that the father, William Lecture, a respectable
man, was absent from the city on business when the in-
denture was executed, having previously made ample
provision for the support of his famiiy during his ab-
sence, and was not aware of its execution until his re-
turn. On its being mentioned to him, at first he was
dissatisfied, but finally said, if the boy was satisfied to
stay he was content. Subsequently, however, he be-
came dissatisfied with the place, and often threatened to
take his son away, but omitted taking legal steps to ef-
fectuate such object until the present time.
On these facts the question raised was, whether under
the act of Assembly of the 29th of September, 1770,
(Purd. Dig. 10,) the binding was valid, the father's
consent being wanting to the indenture at the time of its
execution?
Joseph M. Doran, of counsel for the relator.
Joseph A. f -lay, of counsel for the respondent.
King, President. — This case is clear of all difficulty.
Had the father immediately on his return home adopt-
ed measures to test the validity of the indenture, and
brought the matter judicially before me, I should then
have said, without hesitation, that the binding was ille-
gal for want of his consent, and would at once have or-
dered the boy to be discharged; but inasmuch as he has
neglected the adoption of those measures, and has thus
acquiesced in the apprenticeship for four years and up-
wards, I consider such conduct as equivalent to his ex-
press consent, and therefore sufficient to confirm the in-
denture. It would be monstrous, .as it certainly would
be unjust, for any man with such strong proof of con-
sent before his eyes to say that it did not virtually exist
here, and to pronounce the indenture invalid, merely for-
sooth, because the fiither was not a party tliereto when
it was executed before tlie alderman.
I am of opinion th.at the master has shown satisfactory
reasons for tlie detention of Samuel Lecture, and accor-
dingly direct that the apprentice remain in his custody.
Important decision lo Tavern-keepers and Stage
Oic-ners. '
United States, vs. Simon Lingle.
January Sessions, A. D. 1832, before his Honor Judge
Blythe and his associates, came on for ti-ial the follow-
ing prosecution:
1832.]
STATEMENT OF COAL.
79
Simon Linijie, the defendant was indicted by Bene- one-third of the capital in said Bank, for the United
zer Hale, contractor foi- carrying- the mail from Harris- 1 States, tog-ether with a sufficient bonus on the charter;
bur^ to PottsviUe, under tlie authority given to State i one-third to be subscribed for by such of the stockhold-
Courts, by the act of Congress passed in 1825. /"or I ers in the presert Bank, as may be citizens of the United
xuilfitllii (ind Itnowingli] retarding the prugrcss I'f l/ie mail i States, the other third to be taken by such citizens of the
ofl/ie (f. S/ale-i. United States, as may desire so to invest their surplus
The facts of the case as given in evidence were as fol- 1 capital,
'lows: Benezer Hale, the contractor for carrying the | "That tlicy also enquire into the expediency of pro-
mail from Harrisburg to PottsviUe, had kept one set of j hibitingthe Bank from dealing in or holding real estate
horses, at the defcndimt's, Simon Lingle, who kept a i except for the mere purposes of Banking houses and
tavern; being the first place for changing from Harris- ; houses necessary for tlie transaction of the business of
burg. Mr. Hale, had matle arrangements with another the company.
tavern-keeper, .and directed his driver that when he left I "Of prohibiting the location of any Branch in any
Mr. Linglc's, this particular morning, he should not State, without the consent of the Legislature of such
bring the horses back. Mr. Lingle, discovering that the ' State.
horses were going to be removed, locked the stible , "And also, of so forming the charter, that the Legis-
door, and would not let the set ot change horses out of, latures of the several states shall and may exercise the
the stable, until his bill of keeping was paid. In con- 1 power when they deem it expedient to do so,ofimposinga
sequence of his dctiiining the fresh horses, the stage I fiur and reasonable tax upon the capil;d employed,in any
■went no further, (the m.ail was sent on by horse by the 1 Bank or Branch of said bank, within the jurisdiction of
defendant.) This was the grounds for the above prose- i such state; and also to subject the said corporation to be
cution I/ia flonor Juilge lilfjlhe, in laying down tlie 1 sued in the District or Circuit Court in any state, where
law, clinrgrd the jury, that the holding of the horses by i they may have a Branch located, and the cause of action
virtue of the lien wh'ch tavcrn-keepei-s have on all horses
fed by them, was no oH'encc, and was not a wilful re-
tardrng Ihe passage >f l/u mail. That horses, stages. We are indebted to an obliging correspondent in
and drivers, when not uctunlly engaged in canying the Philadelphia for the following
mail from one stage to another, were stibject to the laws
of Pennsylvania; and that the act of Congress only ap- STATEMENT
plied to persons, horses and stages, when actually en- Of the quantity of foreign Coal imported into and ex-
gaged ,n carrying the ma.I. ported from the United States for each yea^ endW
Verdict for the defendants. on the 30th of September, from the year 1820, to 1831
inclusive, both taken from the annual returns of the
Secretary of the Treasury to Congress, also the bal-
ance in bushels remaining for consumption reduced into
tons of iH bushels e;ich — with the aggregate amount of
Lehigh, Schuylkill, aud Lackawanna (Anthr.acite) coal
mined and brought to market at tide water, from
the commencement of that business in the year 1820,
taken from the statement compiled and presented to
the convention of the friends of Domestic Manufactures,
held in New York, in October last:
BANK OF THE U.VlTliL) STATES.
Washington, Jun. 21, 1832:
Co!«BBissio^.4L AsALTSis. — In the Senate yesterday,
Mr. Benton asked leave to introduce the following joint
resolution.
A joint resolution declaratory of the meaning of the
charter of the Bank of the United States, on the sub-
ject of the paper currency to be issued by the Bank:
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Kepresenta-
tives of the United St;ites of America, in Congiess as-
sembled, That the paper currency, in the form of oi-ders
drawn by the Presidents of the Ofhccs of Discount
and Ueposite, on the t.ashier of the Bank of the United
States, is not authorized by any thing contained in the
charter, and that the said currency is, and is hereby de-
clared to be illeg.'U, and that the same ought to be sup-
pressed.
Mr. Benton supported the motion in a speech three
hours long, and it was opposed by Messrs. Dallas,
Buckner, Mebsler, Wilkins, Bibb, Chambers, and
Smith; and further supported by Messrs. Forsyth, Mil-
ler, Kane, Marcy, and Tyler. The question being ta-
ken, leave to inti-oducc the resolution was refused as fol-
lows;
YEAS — Messrs. Benton, Budley, Ellis, Forsyth,
Grundy, Hayne, Hill, Kane, Manjfum, .Marcy, Miller,
Moore, Tazewell, Troup, I vler. White — 16.
NAYS— Messrs. Bell, Bibb, Buckner, Chambers,
Clayton, Dalla-s, Ewing, FootjKrelinghuysen, Hendricks,
Holmes, Johnson, King, Knight, Naudain, Prentiss,
Robbins, Robinson, Seymour, Silsbee, Smith, Tipton,
Tomlinson, Webster, Wilkins— 25.
The Speaker presented the memorial of the President
and Directors of the Bank of Pennsvlvania, praying a re-
charterofthe Dank of the United SUites. On motion of
Mr. WicklifTe, it was referred to the committee of ^Vays
and Means, with the following instructions to said com-
mittee :
"To enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to
incorporate a new Banking Cornpanv, tn take effect
xnd go into operation after tlie e.xpiration of the
charter of the Bank of the United States resen-ing
) to to vo • to to to I.; to !o
y30c--^GvUi**:^jto^c
CTj (
; _ (O -.1 ^ CC yD C7,
i_ - ^- to -.» f - C7^ Ui -^ (O
-° i^ p> J^ "^ J-^ *- J^ p ~^
M to "to Co C "to 00 ^O "x -.q
<0 ^ O CO (sj (J. — DD (.^ -J
0> O O X ^ Cf, ttt C3 CO M
Bushels
Imported.
4^ *-* i-i *.. to to .
00 O, 4- 00 03 *.- ■ ~
O 00 La O o C
Oito'C'-'o^-^oc'^;?*
IOC7* — tO^N-C7^0iC7»^-
-^ ZC ^ ^ X X '^ ■_ OiO
00 to .c- to -O ~ 4». "^ V. J*.
•— — ^<^**.•^^^c:.c^^-'
tA^o-^3^H-^/l— Ml— to
Bushels
Exported.
Bushels remain-
ing forconsump
00
. «i to tc !
■ C3 t^
►-* "to 'ci "to "cn o^ ^to V oi "t-"
O-l (O r O. O i- to - to to
C7ii.tOMV»tnCOC.a'-JtO
-.< — -1 Ol *. to
J^ i^ ^ T" 3° i*^ i° i" i^ .""
<o O OO Oi'o Oib» 00 V"c> 05
tO0C^C;i>^-tO.f..toSMO^
Equal to tons of
28 bush. each.
Anthracite tons
of28 bus, each.
KO — I-. M
CJO>OC-ODO.COC3WtO
Ci-^^C— U.CjC^O>Cft»CC
*— O M 00 to 00 ^C C> L. u, t
For 1831, up to the 22d October, 140,948 tons of An-
thracite had bei-n brought to tide water. In conse-
quence of the stoppage of canal navigation by ice a
month earlier than usual, it will probably not exceed
180,000 tons. — Miners' Juumal.
80
MISCELLANEOUS.
[FsORUART
The subjoined statement of the number of fires that
occurred in this city, in the coui-se of the year 1831,
with the amount of damage and the proportion insured,
is from the list kept by the Recorder of the Pfx.xstlta-
Kii Fire Cojirisr, and read to the members, every
month, at their stated meetings. Its accuracy may be
relied on: for the Company, composed entirely of gen-
tlemen of great respectaljility, is not less remarkable
for tlie care and order with which its in-door affairs are
conducted, than for the activity, skill and courage, dis-
played by its members when c^ed out for active ser-
vice: —
Fires
1831
DAMAGE
D.
'96^
IXSUKED.
5
January,
$ 7,lu9
$ 4,396 56
9
February,
2,310
00
240 00
4
March,
10,366
00
4,396 00
9
April,
4,975
00
41'; 00
5
May,
5,195
00
3,065 00
6
June,
10,126
5b
5,120 00
1
July,
19,640
00
6,000 00
5
August,
13,320
00
7,875 00
2
September,
400
00
6
October,
10,670
00
9,400 00
4
November,
1,610
00
895 00
7
December,
21,250
00
9,750 00
63
§106,972
52
$51,747 56
Amount Insured,
.
$5
,747 56
Do. not Insured,
5.
>,224 96
Total,
$10
5,972 52
PUBLIC MEETING.
At a town meetin-.^ of the citizens of this city and coun-
ty, convened on Wednesday, 1st inst. at the county
court house, to take measures for the suitable celebra-
tion of the Centennial anniversary of the bii-th of VV'asu-
IXOTOX.
On motion of General Robert Patterson, the meeting
was organized by calhng Benj. Richards, Esq. to the
chair, and A. McCaraher and John Miles were appoint-
ed secretaries.
The following preamble and resolutions were offered
by J. R. IngersoU, Esq. which were unanimously adopted.
The citizens of PMadelphia audits vicinity, animated
by the liveliest emotions of gratitude for the great ser-
vices rendered to their country by Geo hge Washing-
ton-, for the unblemished purity of liis principles in life,
and the imperishable example afforded in his actions to
the nation and to mankind, deem it an inestimable pri-
vUeiie and a sacred duty, to contribute by every means
in their power to the diffusion of his .^lory, and the pre-
servation of his fame. They are sensible that public
honours cannot add to the brightness of a reputation
which time and its own unquestioned merits have alrea-
dy removed beyond the assaults of envy and the reach
of praise. But they feel that in paying a tribute of ho-
noui- to the father of the republic, they do honour to
themselves. For the bounties and the blessings which
they now enjoy, they acknowledge themselves indebted
more than to any other human means, to the combina-
tion of fortitude, wisdom, and valor, which marked his
conduct in war— to the dignified forbearance and en-
lightened love of countr)' which guided his councils in
peace— to the almost inspired humiUty which accompa-
nied him into retirement, and shone forth from the re-
cesses of his private life.
A hundred years have now elapsed since the birth of
this unequalled man. None of us are so aged as to
have been living when that event occurred. None are
so young as to hope to celebrate the return of another
century. Let us now rejoice in our power to record
the enthusiasm with which this generation cherishes his
virtues, and to transmit to the yet ujiborn millions of
another age, oiu- humble example of devotion to prin-
ciples which were embodied in the life, and will conti-
nue to shed their influence from the character of WASH-
INGTON. -
Resolved, That the citizens of Philadelphia and its
vicinity will celebrate, with civic honours the 22d of
February, 1832, as the centenary birth-day of George
Washington.
2. 'I hat the arrangements be referred to a committee,
with instructions to make public, at an early day, the
preparations they shall have made for carrying into full
effect the intentions of this meeting.
3. That a committee of arrangement be now appoint-
ed, consisting of 24 persons, with full power to take
order according to the spirit of these resolutions.
On motion of Walter R. Johnson, Hcsolved, that on
occasion of the approaching Anniversary of the birth
day of Washington, it be respectfully recommended to
our fellow citizens to abstain,at least during the hours set
apart for the observance of the day, from their usual
business occupations, in order that all classes of our citi-
zens may have an opportunity of testifying the deep
veneration which aU entertain for the memory of that
first of patriots and of men.
On motion Resolved, That the military of this divi-
sion, and the surviving soldiers of the Revolution, resid-
ing in the city and county, be especially invited to par-
ticipate in the proposed celebration.
The following gentlemen were appointed to act on
the committee of arrangement, the meeting having re-
solved that the chairman and secretaries should form a.
part of that committee:,
William Rawle, Benj. W. Richards,
Alexr. McCaraher, Joseph K. IngersoU,
Josiah Randall, Robert Patterson,
Walter II Johnson, Col. C. G. Childs,
Thomas M. Pettit, Henry » Gilpin,
James Page, William M.lnor, jr.
Thos. Cadvvalader, Charles S. Coxe,
Benj. Chew, Jr. John Miles,
Kenderton Smith, Jacob Frick,
George N. Baker, Isaac W. Norris,
Robert A. Parish, Thomas H Craige,
Richard Palmer, James Ronaldson.
BENJAMIN W. RICHARDS,
Chairman.
Alexander McCaraher,
John MUes,
'•'}
Secretaries.
THE REGISTER.
FEBRUARY 4, 1833.
After a considerable thaw for several days, and some
rain — the navigation was so far open on the 22d and
23d ult. as to admit of some arrivals; on the 24th it
rained, and scarcely any ice was to be seen in the river.
On the 25th there was a fall of snow to the depth of a
few inches; and some sleighs were in motion. On the
26th it was excessively cold — and by many considered
the coldest day we have had this winter — and the river
was again closed. On the morning of the 27th, at 7
o'clock, a Thermometer, at the western part of Chesnut
street, stood at 3 below 0. Since then the river re-
mained closed till Wednesday or Thursday last — ^but
now it is open and vessels arrive.
Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED-
DES, No 9 Library Street. Philadelpliia; where, and at the PUB.
LICAIION Ol'FICE, IN FKANKLIN PLACE, second duor back
of llie Post Office,(front room) subscriptioni will be thankfully re-
ceived. Price FIVE DOLLARS per an'i >2i, payable annually
by subscribers residing in or near the eity, or where there is an
agent. Other subscribers "pay iu advance.
HAZARD^S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PtlESERVATION OF EVEFIT KIND OP DSEFDL INFORMATION IIE9PECTINO THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. lX.-]VO. 6. PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY II, IS32. NO 215.
Frum ihc H.irifunl Timi-i.
LITERARY CURIOSITY.
A m.iniiscript copy of the following letter was placed
in our hands by a li-icnd, wlio found it amon^ the mis-
cellaneous contents of a sack of paper rags, collected
by a pedlar in the southern states. The style of its
penmanship is antique, but elegant. 'I he letter itself
is distinguished bv uncommon eloquence and powers of
persuasion. It appears to have been written by the
Rev. .Jacob Dlche, a minister of the Episcopal church,
.and for a -hort time chaplain to the first Continental
Congress, and it is addressed to "His E.xcellency, Gen.
Washint. TON." — It is probable this letter has been pub-
lished before, but we have no recollection of it; and,
thinking it cannot fail to interest our readers, and im
great reason to apprehend. A veiy few daj-s after tha
fatal declaration of Independency, I received a letter
from Mr. Hancock, sent by express to Germantown,
where my family were for the summer season, acquaint-
ing me that I was appointed Chaplain to the Congress,
and desired to attend at nine o'clock the next morning.
Surprised and distressed by an event I was not prepared
to expect, obliged to give an immediate answer without
an opportunity of consulting my friends, I rashly ac-
cepted the appointment. I could have but one motive
for taking this step. I thought the Churches in danger,
and hoped by this means to be instrumental in prevent-
ing those evils, I had so much cause to apprehend. I
can, however, -witli truth declare, that I then looked up-
on Independency rather as an expedient, and an hazard-
I ous one indeed, thrown out in Tennrem, in order to
press them, as it has us, with a still more exalted vene- procure some favorable terms, than as a measure that
ration for a man who rose superior to the discourage- ,^,^5 seriously to be persisted in at .all events. Mv sud-
ments of circumstances, and the reduction of false jen change of conduct will clearly evince this io have
friends, we lay it before them. been my idea of the matter Upon the return of the
n/ ■; J ; 1- n . 0,1. i-ry committee of Congress, appointed to confer with Lord
Phhdelphia, Oa. m, U77. Howe, I soon discovered their real intentions. The cUf-
Sin — If this letter should happen to find you m coun- fcrent accounts, which each member gave of his con-
cll, or in the field, before you read another .sentence, I | ference, the time they took to make up the matter for
beg you to take the first opportunity of retiring, and | the public view; a, id the amazing disagreement between
weighing well iU important contents. j the newspaper account, and tiie relation I myself had
You are perfectly acquainted with the part I have ta- I from the moirth of one of the committee, convinced,
ken in the present unhappy contest. I was indeed [ me, tliat there must have been some unfair and unge-
among the first to bear my public testimony against | nerous proce<lure. The determination to treat on no
having any recourse to threats, or even an armed oppo- other ground than that of Independency, which put it
sition. But the torrent soon became too strong for my 1 out of his Lordship's power to mention any terms at all
feeble efforts to 'resist. I wished to follow my country- was a sufficient proof to me, that Independency was the
men as far only as virtue, and the righteousness of their , idol which they had long wished to set up, and that
cause would permit me. 1 was however prevailed up- | rather than sacrifice this, they would deluge their couii-
011 among the rest of my clergical brethren, to gratify | try in blood.
the pressing desire of my fellow citizens, by preaching | ' y^am the moment I determined upon my resiirnation
a sermon to one of the city battalhons. I was pressed j —and, in the beginning of October, 17r6 sent it in
to DUblish *^*" "" ""'^ -..li.^t.»ntl,. ortr.o^,i»«rt T:^,.m \ t* . - . - . '^ . \^ . . *_ . » ^t I ll Jl. m
p personal
and a higl
as public 1
I received your thanks for my performance, in a letter,
wherein you expressed in the most delicate and obliging
terms your regard for me, and your wishes for a conti-
nuance of my friendship and approbation of your con-
duct. Farther than this 1 intended not to proceed My
sermons peaks for itself, and utterly disclaims the idea of
Independency. My sentiments were well known to my
friends; I communicated them without reserve to man
respectable Membersof Congresswhoexpresseda warm ; th-.:t was dear to you. You abandoned all those sweeU
-— account
of my conduct I thought due to the friendship you
were so obliging as to express for me, and I hope will be
sufficient to justify any seeming inconsistencies in the
part I have acted And now, my dear sir, suffer me,
in the language of truth and real affection, to address
myself to you. .\11 the world must be convinced, that
you engaged in 'he service of your country, from
motives perfectly disinterested. You risked every thine-
approbation of them. I persisted in using the public
Prayers for my Sovereign, and the royal family, to the
very la.st moment, though threatened with insults from
the violence of a party. On the declaration of Inde-
pendency, I called my vestry and solemnly put the
question to them, whether they thought it best for the
of domestic life, of which your affluent fortune gave you
an uninterrupted enjoyment. But had you, could you
have had the least idea of matters being carried to such
a dangerous extremity, as they are now' Your most
intimate friends at th.i't time, shuddered at the thought
of a separation from the mother country; and I took it
peace and wellarc of the congregations, to shut up the f„r gi-anted, that your sentiments coincided with theirs
churches, or to continue the service, without using the
petitions for the royal family. This was the sad alterna-
tive. I concluded to abide by their decision, as I could
not have time to consult my spiritual superior in Eng-
land. They deemed it most expedient, under such
critical circumstances, to keep open the churches, that
the congregations might not be dispersed, which we had
Vol. IX. n
What have been the consequences of this rash and vio-
lent measure' A degeneracy of reprcsent.ation, con-
fusion of councils, blunders without number 1 he
most respectable characters have withdrawn themselves
and are succeeded by a great majority of ill beral and
violent men Take an impartial view of the present
congress. What can you expect from them.' Your
82
LITERARY CUUIOSII Y.
[FtBACAni
feeling's must be greatly hurt by the representation
from your native province.
You have no longer a Randolph, a Bland, or a Brax-
ton. — Men, Avhose names will be ever revered, whose
demands never ruse above the first grounds on which
they set out, and whose truly generous and virtuous sen-
timents, I have frequently heard with rapture from their
own lips. O, my dear sir, what a sad contrast! Characters
now present themselves, whose minds can never mingle
■with your own. Your Harrison alone remains, and he,
disgusted with his unworthy associate. As to those of
my own province, some of them are so obscure, that
their very names have not met my ears before, and
others have only been distinguished forthe weaknessof
their understandings, apd the violence of their tempers.
One alone I except from the general charge, a man of
virtue, draggled reluctantly into their measuies, and re-
stramed by some false ideas of honor from retracting,
after having gone too far. You cannot be at a loss to
discover whose name answers to this character. From
the New England provinces can you find one. that as a
gentlemen, you could wish to associate with, unless the
soft and mild address of >L-. Hancock can atone for the
want of every other qualification, necessary forthe sta-
tion he fills' Bankrupts, attorneys, and men of desper-
ate fortune, are his colleagues. Maiyland no longer
sends a Tilghman, and a protestant Carroll. Carolina
has lost her Lynch, and the elder Middlcton has retired.
Are the dregs of a congress then still to influence a
mind like yours' These are not the men, whom you
engaged to serve. These are not the men, whom
America has chosen to represent her now. Most of
them elected by a little low faction, and the few gentle-
men that aie nmong- them, now well known to be upon
the balance, and looking up to your hand alone to re-
move the beam. It is you, sir, and you alone, that sup-
port the present congress. Of this you must be fully
sensible. Long before they left Philadelphia, their dig-
nity and consequence was gone. M'hat must they be
now since their precipitate retreat' I write with free-
dom, but without invective. I know those things to be
true; and I write to one whose own observation must
have convinced him that they are so.
After this view of congress, turn to your army. All
the world knows that its veiy existence depends upon
. you; that your death, or captivity disperses it in a mo-
ment, and that there is not a man on that side of the
question in America, capable of succeeding you. As to
the army itself, what have you to e.xpect from them'
Have they not frequently abandoned even yourself in
the hour of extremity' Have you, can you have the
least confidence in the sect of undisciplined men and
officers, many of whom have been taken from the low-
est of the people, without principle, without courage '
Take away those that surround your person, and how
very few are there, that you can ask to sit at your table'
Turn to your little Navy. Of that little, what is left'
Of the Delaware fleet, part are taken, the rest must
soon surrender. Of those in the other provinces, some
are taken, one or two at sea, and the others lying- un-
manned and unrigged in their harbours.
And now, where are your resources' Oh, my dear sir!
how s idly have you been abused by a faction void of ti'uth
and void of tenderness to you and your country ' I hey
have amused you with the hopes of a declaration of war
on the part of France. Believe me, from the best autho-
rit\-, it was a fict on from the first Eai'ly in the year
1776, a French gentleman was introduced to me, with
whom I became int.mately acquainted. His bus'ness
to all appearance, was to speculate in the mercantile
way. But I believe it v/ill be known, that in his own
country, he moved in a hi.gher sphere. He saw your
camp. He became acquainted with all your military
pi-ep ra^-oni. He w. s introduced to congress, and en-
gaged with them in a commercial contrac*. In the couise
of our intimacy he has frequently told me, that he ho-
ped the Americans would never think of Independen-
cy. He gave me his reasons. " Independency, said
he, can never be supported, unless France should de-
clare war against England. I well know the state of
her finances. Years to come will not put them in a
situation to venture upon a breach with England. At
this moment, there are two parties in the Court of Ver-
sailles, one enlisted under the Duke of Choiseul, the
other under Count Alaurepas. Choiseul has no chance
of succeeding — he is violent for war. Maurepas must
get the better — he is for economy and peace." This
was bis information, which 1 mentioned to several mem-
bers of Congress They treated it as a fable; depend-
ing entirelj' on the intelligence from Dr. Frankhn.
The truth of the matter is this: Dr. Franklin built upon
the success of Cho scul. Upon his arrival in France,
he found him out of place, his councils reprobated, and
his party dwindled to an insignificant faction. This
you may depend upon to be the true state of the court
of France. And further, by a vast number of letters,
found on board prizes taken by the King's ships, it ap-
pears, that all commerce with the merchants of France,
through whom alone the supplies have been convi yed,
will soon be at an end, the letters being full of com-
plaints of no remittances from America, and many indi-
viduals having suffered greatly on that account.
From your friends in England, you have nothing to
expect; their numbers have diminished to a cypher;
the spirit of the whole nation is in full activity against
yoQ. A few sounding names among the nobility,
though perpetually wrung in your ears, are said to be
without character, ■ without influence. Disappointed
ambition, I am told, has made them desperate; and that
they only wish to make the dehided Americans, instru-
ments of their revenge. All orders and ranks of men
in (.reat Britain are now unanimous, and determined to
risk their all in the contest. I rade and manufactures
are found to flourish, and new channels are continually
opening, that will perhaps more than supply the loss of
the old.
In a word, your harbours are blocked up, your cities
fall one after another; fortress after fortress, battle after
battle is lost. A British army, after having passed al-
most unmolested through a vast extent of country, have
possessed themselves with ease of the capital of Ame-
rica. How unequal the contest was! How fruitless the
expense of blood.
Under so many d'scouraging circumstances, can vir-
tue, can honor, can the love of your country, prompt
vou to persevere? Humanity itself (and sure I am, hu-
manity is no sti'anger to your breast) calls upon you to
desist! Your army nriist perish for want of common ne-
cessaries, or thousands of innocent families must perish
to support them. Wherever they encamp, the coun-
try must be impoverished. "Wherever they march, the
troops of Britain will pursue, and must complete the
devastation, which America herself had begun.
Perhaps it may be said, that it is "better to die, than
to be a slave." This indeed is a splendid m:x m in theo-
ry, and, perhaps, in some instances, may be found expe-
rimentally true. But where there is the least proba-
bility of an happy accommodation, surely wisdom and
liunianity call for some sacrifices to be made to prevent
inevitable destruction. You well know there is but one
invincible bar to such an accommodation. Could this
be removed, other obstacles might readily be overcome,
' I is to you, and you alone, your bleeding country looks,
and cails aloud for this sacrifice. Your arm alone has
sufficient strength to remove this bar. May heaven in-
spire you with the glorious resolution of exerting this
strength at so interesting a crisis, and thus immortal. zing
yourself as the friend and guardian of your country.
Your penetrating eye needs not more explicit lan-
guage to discern my meaning. With that prudence and
delicacy, therefore,' of which 1 know you to be possessed,
represent to congress the indispensable necessity of re-
scinding the hasty and ill-advised declaration of Inde-
pendency. Recommend, and you have an undoubted
1832.]
1HE LATE STEPHEN GIRARD, ESQ.
83
right to recommend, an immediate cessation of hostili-
ties. Let the controversy be taken up, where that de-
claration left it, and where Lord Howe certainly ex-
pected to have found it. Let men of ch ar and impar-
tial characters, in or out of con^-ess, g-entlemen liberal
in their sentiments, heretofore independent in their for-
tunes, and some such are surely to be found in Ameri-
ca, be appointed to confer with his majesty's commis-
sioners. Let them, if they please, prepare some well
digested, constitutional plan, to lay before them, as the
commencement of a negotiation. When they have
gone thus far, I am confident that the most happy con-
sequences Will ensue. Unanimity will immediately
take place through the ditferent provinces. Thou-
sands, that are now ardently wishing an 1 praying for
such a measure, will step forth and declare themselves
the zealous advocates of constitutional liberty, and mil-
lions will bless the hero, that left the field of war, to
decide this most important contest with the weapons of
wisdom and humanity.
O sir! let no false ideas of worldly honor deter you
from engaging in so glorious a task. Whatever cen-
sure may be thrown out by mean and illiberal minds.
With the most ardent prayers ■for your spiritual as well
as temporal welfare, 1 am, sir, your sincere friend and
obedient servant, J.^lOB DUCUE.
To his Excellency,
Gen. Wasuisoto."«.
THE L.\TE STEPHEN GIRARD, ESQ.
Departed this life, at Philadelphia, on Monday the
26th of December, 1831, in the 82d year of his age,
Sri-PHKM GinAnn, Esq, a citizen moi. extensively
known throughout the United States, perhaps, than
any other individual who has not appeared on the po-
lit cal theatie. It is not our design to write a b ography of
this extraordinary m.an, or to pro ouncean eulog um up-
on his merits. It is suflicient for us to s.\v, that he
held a high place in the esteem of the inhabitants of
Philadelphia — that he was charitable and humane, tem-
perate in his habits, rigid in his economy, just and up-
right in h'S dealings, and devoted to industrious pursuits
with a perse'erance and an intelligence seldom equal-
led. It is particularly in reference to his successful ac
your character will rise in the estimation of the virtuous j cumulation of property, by his commercial and banking
and noble. It will appear with lustre in the annals of
tistory, and form a glorious contrast to that of those
who have f.iught to obtain conquest and gi-atify thtii-
own ambition, by the destruction of their own species,
and the niin of Uieir country.
Be assured, that I write not this under the eve of any-
British officer, or any person connected with the British
army or ministry. The sentiments I have expressed
are the real sentiments of my heart, sucli as I have long
held, and which I should have made known to you by
letter before, had I not fully expected an opportunity
of a private conference. When you passed through
Philadelphia, on your way to AVilmington, I was con-
fined by a severe fit of the gravel to my chamber. I
have since continued so much indisposed, and times
have been so very distrcssing,thatl had neither spirits to
write aletter, nor opportunity to convey it when written.
Nor do I yet know by what means I shall get these
sheets to your hands I would fain hope that iTiave
said nothing by which your delicacy can be in the least
hurt. If 1 have, it has, I assure you, been without the
lea.st intention, and therefore your candor will lead you
, to forgive mc. But what I have said is partly from my
own knowledge, and partly from the information of
some respectable members of the former, and some of
the best officers of the latter. I would not offend the
meanest person upon eaith. What I say to you, I say
in confidence, to answer what I cannot but deem a
a most valuable purpose 1 love my country, I love
you. But to the love of ti-uth, the love of peace, and
operations, that we propose to speak of him; and in this
particular he stands altogether unrivalled, having no ,
equal, in point of wealth, in the Western Hemisphere.
ilr. Gii-ard was a native of Bourdeaux, but came to
this country above fifty years ago. He commenced
mercantile business in I'hiladelphia with a very small
capital, wliich he had saved from his earnings as a mas-
ter of a vessel. His habits of living were the most eco-
nomical; and by tlie time the pei-iod had arrived, at
which our neutral position gave the shipping of the Uni-
ted States superior advantiiges in commerce, he had ac-
cumulated a sufficiency to enable him to enter the field as
a ship owner. Taking advanUige, then, of tlie occasion
thus presented, he adopted the principles of good faith
in his navigating operations, acted most truly the part of
a neuti-al, and to avoid incun-ingthe risks which attach-
ed in those belligerent days, to vessels suspected of co-
vering enemies' property under the American flag, re-
fused to carry on board l\is ships property belonging to
any body but himself The rigid observance of this rule,
acquired for him a high reputation amongst the officers of
the British navy; and it was a rare thing for a vessel be-
longing to Mr. Girard to be detained on the high seas.
Whilst other merchants were interrupted in their voy-
ages, andh:id their vessels captured, sent in for adjudi-
cation, and sometimes condemned rightfully or wrong-
fully—the ships of Mr Girard sailed unmolested. He
was not even in the habit of making insurance on his
vessels and cargoes; and so great was his good fortune
in this particular, that he very seldom, in his long ca-
the love of my God, I hope I shall be enabled, if called i reer, lost a vessel.
to the trial, to sacrifice every other inferior love. t Soon after he expiration of the Charter of the old
If the arguments m.ade use of in this letter, should ' Bank of the United states, in 1811, Mr. Girard pur-
have so much influence, as to engage you to the glori- chased their Banking-house in Third street, and com-
ous work I have so wannly recommended, I shall ever I menced the operations of a Banker. The capital which
deem my success as the highest temporal favor, that he placed in his banking establishment was understood
providence could grant me. Your interposition and ad- [ to have been S1.2UO,000, which he not long afterwards
vice I am confident, will meet with a favorable reception, | vested in the hands of tmstees, in order that, in case of
from the authority under which you act. If it should 1 his decease, no inten'Uption should take place in the
not, you have one infallible resource still left — negotiate fulfilment of his engagements as a banker, and that no
for America at the head of your army. i derangement in the affairs of tlie commercial community
After all, it may appear presumption in an Individual should result from a sudden withdraw.al of his capital,
to address himself to you upon a subject of such mag- The management of the bank was, however, reserved
nitude, or to say what measures should best secure the , to himself; and, from its first formation to the period of
interest and welfare of a whole continent. The favor- his last illness, tlie discounts were entirely regulated by
able and friendly opinion you'have always expressed of ; himself and his cashier. Of this capital and of its accu-
me cmbohlened me to undertake it; and (which has j mulations, it is understood that not more than
greatly added to the weight of the motive) I have been i 8300,000 h.ave ever been withdrawn from the institu-
strongly impressed with a sense of duty upon this occa- tion, and that at a late period; and when we state the
sion, which left my conscience uneasy, and my heart af- fact, derived from a respectable source, that the total
flicted, till I had fully discharged it: 1 am no enlhusi- '' capital at this time is but JS4,000,OUO, it will show that
ast. Ihe case is new and singtdar to mc. I could not | Mr. G'u'ard's banking operations were sJways conducted
enjoy a moment's peace till the letter was written. within safe and pnident limits; for it is not known thit
?4
THE LATE STEPHEN GIEARD, ESQ.
[FiBKUABr
he expeiienced many heavy losses. At compound in-
terest of eight per cent, money doublesin nineyearsand
two days; and as Mr. Girard commenced his bank in
Mai-ch, 1812, his capital should have been more than
quadrupled, had his income, clear of expenses, been
equal to e^ght per cent, per annum.
But it must not be passed by, in noticing" the transac-
tions of this first private banker in the United States, as
well in regard to time as to extent of capital, that vr.
Girard was a sound theorist upon questions of banking.
He understood the matter instinctively. He knew that
banks were only serviceable to a community, by ena-
bling persons possessing capitals to anticipate them by
getting their bills receivable discounted, and not by
lending capitals; and, hence, he set his face, from the
commencement, against lending money upon perma-
nent accommodation notes, and confined himself so ex-
chisively to the discounting of real paper, that he was of-
ten enabled to lend money, whilst other banks were
calhng in. At the time of the suspension of specie
payments, which commenced in August, 1814, and
continued to .January, 1817, Mr. Girard foresaw that
the public might not have the same spirit of forbearance
towards a private individual banker, as they would to-
wards a corporation, and he accordingly took legal ad-
vice on the subject, which led him to withdraw his
notes, and to make loans and accept deposits payable
only in the notes of the incorporated banks. Had he
not done this, the probability is, that all who had claims
upon him in the form of deposits, would have drawn
out their funds in coin; and he would not only have
been driven down, in his discounts, to the amount of his
capital, but would not have been able even to get pay-
ment from those who had borrowed his coin, in any
other money than the depreciated paper of the incorpo-
rated banks.
During the whole period of his bank'ng operations,
Mr. Girard carried on foreign commerce more or less.
His operations were generally directed to long or cir-
cuitous voyages. His trade to China, the East Indies,
and other coimtries east of the Cape of Good Hope,
was at one time very extensive, as was also his trade to
the North of Europe Several foreign voyages wei-e
sometimes performed without the sh'p's returning
home; and hence it may be seen, that the labors of the
counting-house were not so multiplied as those which
are necessary to be performed w th much le.ss capital
employed in short voyages. To this circumstance,
added to very early rising, is to be ascribed the leisure
which Mr. Girard enjoyed, and which was devoted to
the cultivation of a farm a few miles from the city,
which he visited for years almost every day, and where,
perhaps, he imbibed the goMen sentiment which has
been ascribed to him, and which shows that he did not
consider that he lived alone for himself— "If I thought
I should die to-morrow, I would plant a tree to-day "
Indeed he acted uniformly upon this principle; and we
le rn, that, having lately contracted for the building of
a number of houses on the square of ground called bv
his name, situate between Market and Chesnut and
Eleventh and Twelfth streets, he made provision in his
will for their being completed, in case he should not
Lve to see it done.
When we say that Mr. Girard was an economist, we
do not say it merely in a relative sense, but in a positive
one. We recollect ourselves once calling at his count-
ing-house to see him on business, and were told by his
clerk, that he was then busily employed in the cellar,
cutting up with his own hands his winter's pork, and
could not be seen. Me entertained no company, lived
upon the most simple food, plainly cooked, engaged in
none of the scenes or indulgences of social life; and,
being a widower for some years past, without children,
h si fe was a solitary one. His chief happiness appear-
ed to be, employment. He was never idle, but was
emphatically, a man of business. He was rigid in his
bargains — took careof hissix-pences, knowing that the
pounds would take careof themselves — and would, per-
haps, hoUl out fur the change of a cent, as long as any
poor man living. I his was the result of his habits of
early life, and was, in fact, a part of that system and
method which he uniformly displayed, and which con-
stituted h m the very individual he was. There is no
evidence that he loved money. He certainly did not
accumulate property for any good it could do himself
He resembled more a steward of some great proprietor,
managing a large estate for a very moderate compensa-
tion, than the propr etor himself. He did not appear to
covet honors or fame, and was free from every display
of ostentation. His dwelling-house was under the same
roof with his counting house, in a narrow street near
the river, (Water street,) and in a neighborhood occu-
pied altogether with stores. His equipage was an old
chaise and a sober looking' farm horse, and the furniture
of his house was of the plainest sort. In personal ap-
pearance, he was as plain as the plainest citizen; and so
entirely free was he from all pride of purse, that he
looked more Lke a man worth a hundred dollars than
eight millions.
Thi"-. economical style of life, known to every body as
characterizing Mr. Girard, has inducid some persons to
entertain very erroneous views of the influence of his
mode of living upon the welfare of the community.
You would hear people saj-, "It is a pity that Mr. Gi-
rard does not make a better use of his money — he ought
to live more affluently, and, by that means, give employ-
ment to tradesmen, and other poor people. " It is very
certain, that Mr. Girard contributed very little to the
support of livery servants, footmen, coachmen, pastry-
cooks, French restaurateurs, ice-cream makers, dancing
masters, musicians, play-actors, hair-dressers, fancy
shon-keepers, iewellers, and many other callings; but
his income was not, on that account, less unexpended.
His fancy was to set in motion the industry of ship-build-
ers, riggers and sail-makers, seamen, stevedores and
draymen, and of late years, that of carpenters, bricklay-
ers, brick-makers, masons, plaisterers, panters, glaziers,
j marble masons, and all the other mechanics employed
I by h'min bu'lding houses. What portion of his capital
! and income he did not so expend, he lent to others, to
I be expended as they might see fit; and perhaps it may
! be said, that not a dollar of his immense wealth was
' suffered to lie idle. So far from his mode of expendi-
I ture operating d'sadvantageously to the working classes,
it has been, of all others, the one which was calculated
' to pro'luce the greatest good to the community. No
I part of his income has been spent unproductively — for
[ every dollar which has gone towards the support of in-
! dustrv, there is a dollar's worth, or something more to
I show for it; which would not have been the case, had
I the course been pursued which so many people deem
to be the most beneficial. Kven the little he consumed
I himself, in his support, was but the wages of a hard-
I working overseer, or manai er, engaged in seeing the
property entrusted to his stev/ardship apphed to the
most productive purposes. And cannot any one per-
ceive that the superintendence of so frugal and indus-
trious a steward, has been the means of accumulating an
immense fund in the city of Philadelphia, which could
never have existed, but owing to the cheapness with
which so large a capital was managed ' The same sum
divided into a hundred portions, could never have pro-
duced the same accumulation; .and for this simple rea-
son, that, in its management, a hundred individuals or
families woidd have had to be supported, whereas, in
this case, only one individual was to be supported, and
he too, very frugally. Had Mr. Girard been a miser
who buried his wealth, had he hidhistalent ina napkin,
then, indeed, he would have been obnoxious to the im-
putation of an tmfaithful steward. But he did not so —
he put his talent to the exch.angers, where it accumula-
ted for the benefit of the community, more than for
that of himself-, and, as far as the question of national
1835.]
PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
85
wealth is concerned, he may be called a good and faith-
ful sei vant.
If these views are correct, Mr. Girard cannot but be re-
garded as a g-reat public benefactor, nor can his death be
considered other than as a great public loss. His pro-
pertv, it is true, is left behind him, but it can never
hereafterbe so productively and economically manag-ed;
and whilst the individuals or corporations who inhcr'.t it
are gainers by his death, the community are losers The
aid which he has rendered to several works of Internal
Improvement, bv loans, and subscriptions to theirstock,
which invariably gave strength and confidence to the
companies concerned in them, would alone entitle him
to the appellation we have bestowed upon him, and we
trust that a monument to his memory may decorate
some conspicuous spot in our city, as evidence of the
public gratitude to one who has done so much service
to the country, and who has set so bright an example
for the imitation of the poor and industrious. — Banner
<iflhe CoDslituliun.
PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,
Established in Philadelphia, offers the following Premi-
ums for Esculent Vegetables and Fruits, for 1832 and
1833.
1st. For the best forced cauliflowers, not less than
three in number, to be produced on or before Wednes-
day, May 9th, 1832, a premium of five dollars.
2d. For the best early cauliflowers grown in the open
ground, not less than three in number, to be produced
on or before the second Monday of July, (9th,) 1832, a
premium of five dollars.
3d For the best late or autumnal cauliflowers, not
less than three in number, to be produced on or before
the second Monday in November, 1832, a premium of
five dollars.
4th. For the best early cabbage, not less than six
heads to be produced on or before the last Saturday in
May, (26th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
5th. For the best early peas, not less than a half peck
in quantity, to be produced on or before Saturday, 5th
May, 18o2, a premium of three dollars.
6th For the best early peas grown in Pennsylvania,
not less than a half peck, to be produced on or before
Sat\irday, lUth May, 18.i2, a premium of three dollars
7tli For the best broccoli, not less than five in num-
ber, to be produced on or before the second Monday in
November. C12th,) 1832, a premium of five dollars.
8th. For the best Melongena, (egg plant) not less
than three in number, to be produced on or before Sa-
turday, 4lh of August, 1832, a premium of three dol-
lars.
9th. For the best artichokes, not less than six in num-
ber, to be produced on or before the second Monday in
June, (11th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
10th. For the best cardoon, (cynara cardunculus) not
less than five stalks, to be produced on or before the
second Monday in October, (8th,) 1832, a premium of
five dollars.
11th. For the best celery, not less than six stalks, to
be produced on or before the second Mond.ay in Novem-
ber, (12th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
I2th. For the best taragon, not less than three fair
sized bunches, to be produced on or before the second
Monday in May, (14th,) 1832, a premium of two dol-
lars.
loth. For the best tomato, (love apple) not less than
one dozen, to be produced on or before the last Wed-
nesday in June, (27th,) 1832, a premium of three dol-
lars.
14th. For the best strawberries, not less than two
quarts, to be produced on or before Saturd.ay, 26th
May, 1832, a premium of three dollars.
15th. For the best raspberries, not less than two
(juarts, to be produced on or before the second Monday
in July, (9th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
16th. For the best gooseberries, not less than one
quart, to be produced in a ripe state during the season
of 183-', a premium of two dollars.
17th. For the best cherries, not less than two pounds,
to be produced on or before the last Saturday in June,
(jOth,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
18th. For the best apricots, not less than one dozen,
to be produced on or before the second Monday in Ju-
ly, (9lh,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
19th. For the best peai-s, not less than half a peck, to
be produced on or before the second Monday in Octo-
ber, (8th,) 18 >2, a premium of three dollar-.
2uth. For the best pears, not less than half a peck, to
be produced in a ripe state from December, 18>2, to
the second Monday in March, 1833, a premium of five
dollars.
21st. Eor the best grapes, foreign, not less than four
bunches, to be produced on or before the second Mon-
day in October, (8th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
'. 2d. For the best native grapes, not less than four
bunches, to be produced on or before the second Mon-
day in October, (8tli,) a premium of three dollars.
23d. For the best plums, not less than two dozen, to
be produced on or before the second Monday in Octo-
ber, 8th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
24th. For the best early potatoes, not less than one
peck, to be produced on or before the last Saturday in
May, (26th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
25th. For the best early apples, not less than half a
peck, to be produced on or before the second Monday
in August, (13th,) 1832, a premium of two dollars.
26th. For the best fall apples, not less than half a
peck, to be produced on or before the second Monday
in October, (8th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
27th. For the best winter apples, not less than half a
peck, to be produced on or after the second Monday in
January, (10th,) 1833, a premium of three dollars.
28th. For the best early peaches, not less than half a
peck, to be produced on or before ihe second Monday
in August, (Ijth.l 1832, a premium of three dollars.
29th. For the best late peaches, not less than half a
peck, to be produced on or alter the first Monday in
October, (8th,) 1832, a premium of three dollars.
30th. For the best early cucumbers, not less than six
in number,, to be produced on or before Wednesday,
2d May, l-i32, a premium of five dollars.
31st. For the l^est forced lettuce, not less than four
heads, to be produced on or before Wednesday, 18th
April, 1832, a premium of three dollars
32d. For the best lettuce grown in the open air, not
less than six heads, to be produced on or before Wed-
nesday, the 16th May, 1832, a premium of three dollars.
33d. For the best figs, not less than one dozen, to be
produced on or before Saturday, 29th September, 1832,
a premium of three dollars.
34th. For the best quinces, not less than a half peck,
to be produced on O' before Wednesday, 3lst October,
1832, a premium of three dollars.
35th. For the introduction of any new and valuable
seeds, fruits or plant- during the year 1832, a premium
of from two to ten dollars, at the discretion of tlic So-
ciety.
In addition to the premium, the Society's Certificate,
handsomely framed, will be awarded to each successful
competitor.
The object of the Society in offeringthe.se premiums,
is to excite a spirit of emulation among cultivators, to
improve the varieties of fruits and vepet;iblcs, and dis-
seminate a knowledge of the art of gardening. There-
fore all persons, whether members of the society or not,
are eligible as competitors, and are invited to become
such.
Fruits and vegetables m.ay be sent to the Seed Ware-
house of Messrs. D. & C. Landreth, No. 85, Chetnut
street, where the Committee will attend for examination
every Wednesday and Saturday morning, from 8 to 9
o'clock.
86
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[FEBBOAi*
It is desirable that each kind of fruif oflered for com-
petition may be as numerous as possible, reg-ard being
had to produce none b>'t of a fine quality, for instance,
the first fruit on the list for premiums is strawberries, the
two quarts of which may consist of numerous kinds,
though a single variety excelling all others offered,
would be successful. Each kind should be accompa-
nied by its name.
It isalsodesirablethatthe vegetables exhibited should
be accompanied by short observations on the mode of
cultivation, if peculiar, together with any other remarks
of utihty.
If of any article for which a premium is offered, no
specimen be submitted worthy of distinction, the Socie-
ty reserves the power to withhold tlie premium.
It is to be clearly understood, that any fruits and ve-
getables brought forward for competition are to be tlie
growth of the competitor.
Further information, if desired, can be had on appli-
cation to any member of the council.
GEORGE VAUX, President.
C. FicKEKiNG, Recording Secretary.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
Thursday, Feb. 2, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL. — The following letter addi-ess
ed to the Mayor from the Executors of Stephen Gi
rard was received.
Philadelphia, January 30, 1832.
The Mayor is respectfully informed by t^e executors
of Stephen Girard, that there is property in vessels and
merchandize afloat, valued-at $220,000, no part of which
is insured, and that in Savannah, Norfolk and Alexan-
dria; there is merchandize in store to the value of
$130,000 purchased by order of the testator, not in
sured against fire, it havlni; been the practice of the
Testator, not to insure, and as the executors are advised
by their Counsel that they are not at liberty to insure,
unless by the authority of those who are interested in the
residuary of the estate, they give this information in or-
der that thev mav be instiucted on the subject.
TIMOTHY PAXSON,
THOS. P COPE,
JOSEPH ROBKRTS.
JOHN A. BARCLAY.
Mr. Masset offered the annexed resolution which was
adopted.
Resolved, By the Select and Common Councils of the
City of Philadelphia, I hat the Councils hereby consent
and agree that the Executoi-s of S. Girard, deceased,
may insure any property belonging to his Estate, now
under the care of the executors whether in merchan-
dize, in store, afloat, or in vessels, and that so far as
the authority of the Councils is necessary to enable said
Executors to make such insurance, such authority is
hereby granted.
The annexed letter from Mr. D. S. Hassisceb, en-
closing a copy of the Bill was received.
Sir,— I have the honour to inclose a copy of a Bill, en-
titled "An act to appoint additional wardens for the
Port of Philadelphia," reported in Senate by Mr Taylor,
chairman of the committee to whom the memorial from
Spring Garden was referred.
I am, very respectfully. Sir, your most ob't serv't.
UA^"HJ S. HASSINGER.
Senate Chamber,
JNO. M. SCOTT, Esq. Pres'dt. Select Council.
AN ACT to appoint additional Wardens for the port of
Philadelphia.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enact-
ed by the authority of the same: That immediate-
ly after the passing of this act there shall be four addi-
tional assistant wardens for the port of Philadelpliia,
two of whom shall reside in the city of Philad^^lphia
west of Tenth street; one in the distr ct of Spring Gar-
den, and one in the township of Moyamensmg or Pas-
syunk; to be annually appointed by the governor, sub-
ject to all the duties and penalties, and having the same
powers and privileges as by law are now granted to the
board of wardens for the port of Philadelpliia.
The following letter from Mr. William Both was
also received.
Harrisburg, Jan. 29, 1832.
Jso M. ScoT-f, Esq.
President Select Council:
I herewith forward two copies of the bill, entitled
" An Act to incorporate the York and Maryland line
Rail Company," which bill has passed the House of Re-
presentatives. I he bill is in order for Wednesday
next in Senate. Be pleased to transmit one of the co-
pies to Common Council, for the use of that chamber.
1 am, very respectfully, yours, &c.
W.VI. BOYD.
Mr. Masset offered the annexed resolution, which
was passed by the Select Council, but rejected by the
Common Council:
Resolved, That the Mayor be, and he is hereby au-
thorized, in behalf of the city of Philadelphia, to pro-
ceed to Ilarrisburif, if his official duties permit, and at
such time as he may judge propei-, for the purpose of
promolmg and procurinj,'-, as early as practicable, the
enactment of such a law as may be requisite to carry
into execution the will of the late Stephen Girard,
agreeably to the bill which was handed to the commit-
tee in Philadelphia appointed by the House of Repre-
sentatives to confer with tlie Councils upon the subject.
COMMON COUNCIL. — Mr. Fiiitz presented the
following petition, which was referred to the Paving
Committee:
Te the Select and Common Councih of the City of Phi-
ladelphia.
The memorial of the subscribers, residents in Thir-
teenth street and its vicinity, in the township of
Moyamensing — respectfully showeth.
That the subscribers h:ive incurred an expense of
more than four thousand dollars, in paving Thirteenth
street south of Cedar street, and have made costly im-
provements there; but are now exposed to great loss
and injury in consequence of the levels and descents
that have been jjiven to the newly laid pavements and
gutters within the city, near the said place; by which
the whole refuse water in times of heavy rain is thrown
southward, so as to empty upon the tow'nship of Moya-
mensing, at the corner of Thirteenth street; where it
necessarily finds a vent along the said street upon the
property of your memorialists, in a manner that is
found to be injurious and destructive to an alarming de-
gree. The whole line of Thirteenth street is there
turned into a di-ain for the refuse water of the citj', by
which the pavement i; injured and the cellars of the
houses are filled; and the consequences to the subscri-
bers, both as it regards property and health, are very
serious.
Representations of their grievances have been made
to the Commissioners of the township of Moyamensing
without the slightest prospect of rehef,— some alleging
that it is but just that each corporation should provide
for the dischirge of its own surplus water, without
casting it upon the adjacent property; and others, the
inability of the township to incur an expense of this
kind. Under these circumstances, your memorialists
submit their distressed situation to the consideration of
your honourable bodies, with the fond hope that a re-
medy will be ordered, either bj' means of a culvert or
drain within the city, or by a covered passage for the
water southwardly to the natural water courses at no
gi-eat distance.
Your memorialists pray for an early attention to this
subject, as their property in its present state is exposed
1832.1
INFORMATION REQUESTED RELATING TO MANUFACTURES.
87
to destruction, owing to the immense body of water
which is thrown upon it from the bounds of the city.
Mr. Okie presented a petition from victuallers who
had occupied places in Market street, west of Ninth
street, which was referred to the Committee on Mar-
kets.
Mr. Okie presented the annexed petition, which was
referred to the Committee on the Girard Fund.
Tu the Select and Commnn Coiincik.
The undersigned, tenants of the late Stephen Girard,
Esq. of dwelling-s Nos. 160, 162, 162i and 164 South
Second street, which property by his will has passed to
the city of Philadelphia, respectfully represent, that
they .ire unwillin,? to continue tenants of said property
at the rents which they have within a few years paid,
and request tlie Councils m.ay reduce the same to four
hundred dollars from the 1st ultimo.
They beg leave also to slate, th.at some of them have
been tenants of the late owner for several years, and
during- the greater part of that period have paid but
the latter price. F. DUSAR,
JOHN R. LEGEE,
JOHN B. MYERS,
JAMES DAY.
Philadelphia, Feb. 1st, 1832.
INF0RM.\T10N REQUESTED RELATING TO
MANUFACTURES.
The Franklin Institute, has with commendable zeal,
undertaken to collect information respecting tlie ex-
tent and value of manufactures in this state— and for
this purpose appointed a committee of nine gentle-
men, who have issued the following' circular and que,-
ries; in a tabular form, neatly printed, and applicable
to nine distinct classes of inquiry. We have arranged
the heads of the tables (our pages not permitting us to
give the form, wliich is the same for each class,; under
tlie first class, so that any person wishing to communi-
cate, Qn any branch, will know the form in which it is
desirable for uniformity to place it. 'I he subject is of
great importance, and one which addresses itself to eve-
ry citizen, especially to every ons engaged in any branch
of manufacture; and we most cordially commend it to
general attention, trusting that tliis attempt to present
a complete statement, will be promoted by every per-
son capable of imparting the desired infoi-mation. Such
a view as this will afibrd, when completed, is a gi-eat
desideratum, and one that has never yet been fur-
nished. —
Hal! of FrtmkUn Inalltute, ?
Philadelphia, J.an 1, 1832. 5
Sir, "The Franklin Institute of the state of Pennsylva-
nia, for the promotion of the .Mechanic Arts," prompted
by a desire of furtlieriiig the objects of their association,
by obtaining information which may, through the medi-
um of their Journal, be rendered extensively useful to
the country, have appointed tiie undersigned a comm.t-
tee for the purpose of ascert;iining tlie number and con-
dition of all the manufacturini; establ.shments and me-
chanic Insitutions in this state. The recent census of
the United Suites, it is well known, is deficient in its
returns of the physical power and resources of the coun-
try, now so e-\tensively developed by the cnteipr.zc,
skill and capital of our citizens in all the import-
ant- branches of national industry. Nothing is more
eagerly desired by the public, than a particular know-
ledge of these interesting subjects, so intimately con-
nected with the objects of general science and education.
The Prankhn Institute being established witli the
view of aiding in all laudable objects of this nature, and
disclaiming entirely any bias of sectional or political
considerations, have appointed us a committee to so-
licit and collect information that may supply so import-
ant a dosider.atum. We take the liberty, therefore, re-
spectfully to invite your co-operation in an object which
cannot be accomplished in any other way than by infor-
mation voluntarily contributed by patriotic and scien-
tific citizens residing in the numerous manufacturing
and mechanic settlements throughout the state
I he earhest and moste.\act statements of the various
subjects to be detailed, are particularly desirable; and,
in order that our views may be clearly understood, we
anne.x a Schedule of interri'gutories, to which we re-
quest as specific answers as maybe obtiined, with such
statistical and general information in addition thereto,
as may seem promotive of our especial object. Care
h;is been taken to avoid making inquiries that may be
thought irrelevant, or improper on account of txpoing
interests, the publication of which would be objected to
by those concerned, .and on this account a column for
the average price of labor is omitted; but as there is no
statistical inquiry more interesting, nor one that would
probably exhibit our industrious population in a more
advant.ageous light, it is requested that such informa-
tion m.ay be given on this subject in the last column as
can with propriet}' be ascertained, designating the kinds
of labour and average rates of wages paid monthly or
per annum.
Should you find it impracticable to procure the desi-
red intelligence personally, we shall esteem it a favour
to be informed by you, as early as po-iHiik, of the names
of those persons residing in your neighbourhood, who
would be most suitable and willing' to satisfy our inqui-
ries. You will notice, by the table sent herewith, that
the information for the various classes, may be ascer-
tained by different persons, to be appointed by your-
self, in case you require any aid; and the arrangement
of the columns is such that a general and uniform result
m.ay be obtained throug'hout the state.
Your communications, addressed to William Ham-
ilton, Esq. Actuary of the Institute, will he gratefully
appreciated, and any explan.ations that may from time to
time be required, will be readily afforded by us.
We are very respectfully.
Your obedient servants,
William H. KE.iTi!to, "^
C. C. Haven, I
W. R JoHXSOS,
FREnERTCK FkaLET, |
Alex. Dallas Bache, ^Committee.
Samuel A'. Merrick, I
Thomas Fletcher,
A. S. Rot» its, I
James RosALnso?:, J
ISAAC HAYS, Cor. See.
CLASS FIRST.
Contvning details of cotton, woollen, silk, flax,
hemp, paper, and other manufactories, together with
dying, bleaching, and print works, paper hanging,
rope making, blanket, carpet, oil cloth, hosier)-, and
umbrella factories.
1. Name and Designation of ilanufactories, Work-
shops, &c.
Work Buildings, i O'^'^opi'^'l
° ? Ui.occu
lOccupied.
3. Tenaments for Families.
4. Estimatc<l value on the 1st January, 1832, of the
real estate, buildings and fixtures, belonging to the es-
tablishment.
5. Estimated value of Oie machinery, fools fire en-
gines, and other apparatus in use, except fixtures.
6. OperaUvcs. < over 14- ^ Fcmaics.
C Children imder 14 vears.
88
WILLIAMSPORT AND ELMIRA RAIL-ROAD.
[FsBltrARl-
C Number.
( F.stm'd Pow'r.
5 Number.
I Size & descr'n.
7. Institutions for theii- scientific and moral instruc-
tion.
8. Quantity and kinds of raw materials used in 1831,
designating whether forcig-n or domestic.
9. Value of such raw r Foreign.
materials in cash -J Domestic,
at the factory. (_ Uncertain.
1 0. Ki nd and quantity of goods manufactured in 1 83 1 .
11. Cash value of the goods manufactured in 1831,
estimated by the average prices in the nearest general
market.
12 Hand looms and other power,
f Steam
13. Operating Power. ^ •^"Fate"
(_ wheels.
14. Mode of gearing from the moving power, whe-
ther by belts or cog wheels.
15. Kinds and quantity of fuel used per annum, and
its cash value at the factory.
16. Estimated value of goods manufactured in fami-
lies, in 1831, independent of those specified in the pre-
cedant; columns.
17. Quantity and kinds of wool, woad, madder, tea-
sels, and other raw materials used in manufacturing
which are annually produced in the township.
18. Estimated value of the same.
19. Any other information which may be deemed
valuable, please insert at the bottom of this sheet,
CLASS SECOND.
Containing details of iron and steel manufactories,
iron ore banUs, forges, furnaces, foundries rolling
mills, tilt hammers, machine shops, establishments for
the making of steam engines, fire engines, stoves and
grates, saws, screws, wire, nails, shovels and spades,
edge tools, and cutlery in general.
CLASS THIRD.
Containing details of manufactories of copper, zinc,
brass, tin, lead, pewter, silver, gold, SiC, together with
bell and type foundi-ies, shot towers, button factories, &c.
CLASS FOURTH.
Containing details of manufactories and handicrafts
n wood, including those of ship, steam, and other boat
Diiilders, mast makers, &c.
CLASS FIFTH.
Containing details of tanneries, curriers' shops, glue,
and neats foot oil works, morocco, parchment, sad-
dle and harness manufactories, &c.
CLASS SIXTH.
Containing details of chymical laboratories, sugar re-
fineries, breweries, bakeries, distilleries, pot and pearl
asheries. soap manufactories, glass works, porcelain
and earthenware potteries, fire brick and crucible ma-
nufactories, &c.
CLASS SEVENTH.
Containing details of salt works, lime kilns, marble,
slate, and other stone quarries and work yards, together
with mines of anthracite aud other coal, lead, copper,
black lead, and other minerals, metals, &c.
CLASS EIGHTH.
Containg details of flour and grist mills, saw mills,
plaster mills, oil mills, bark mills, powder mills, to-
bacco, snuflT, and segar factories, &c.
CLASS NINTH.
Hui^cmfU, such as hat, cap, and bonnet makers.
glovers, boot and shoe makers, tailors, comb and brush
makers, blacksmiths, whitesmiths, gunsmiths, carpen-
ters, cabinet makers, chair makers, wheelwrights, car-
riage makers, printers, engravers, lithographers, book
binders, map and globe makers, mathematical, philo-
sophical, and musical instrumentmakers, coopers, stove
makers, tinplate workers, &c,
The attention of our readers is particularly invited to
the following petition from citizens of the state of New
York, to their legislature, praying for the incorporation
of a company to construct a rail road from Elmirato the
Pennsylvania state line It contains much valuable in-
formation not heretofore known in tliis quarter.
Lycoming Gaz.
From the Ehnira Rfpnlilican.
WILLIAMSPORT AND ELMIRA RAIL ROAD.
To the honourable the legislature of the state of New
York, in senate and assembly convened:
The subscribers, inhabitants of the county of Tioga,
respectfully represent, that an improved public road
from Elmira in said county, to WiUiamsport in the state
of Pennsylvania, has. for several years past, been deem-
ed by many, an object of interest and importance, and
has attracted a share of attention from our national
councils. Experience having demonstrated the emi-
nent utility of rail roads, and satisfied tlie pubhc mind
of their superiority over all other known improvements,
as well for inland transportation of heavy articles, as for
facility, speed and safety of travelling, your petitioners
are induced to apply to your honourable body to incor-
porate a company to construct a rail road on that part
of the route which lies in this state: and your petition-
ers are satisfactorily assured, that a similar application
will be made to the legislature of the state of Pennsyl-
vania, at its present session, in order to effect the con-
struction of that portion of the proposed road, which
will be located in that state.
Under a full conviction of the benefits which would
accrue from this contemplated improvement, not mere-
ly of local character, but as having intimate connexion
with the general interests and commerce of the state,
and as not unworthy of consideration, as of national
concern, your petitioners desire respectfully to sohcit
the attention of your honourable body, to some of the
advantages, which, from situation, it obviously presents.
Elmira is situated on the Chemung river, the western
branch of the Susquehanna in this state, about eight
miles from the north line of the state of Pennsylvania;
being at the southern termination of the Chemung ca-
nal, seventy miles south from Montezuma, where this
lateral branch, through the Seneca and Cayuga canal,
connects with the great Erie canal. Williamsport is
seventy-two miles nearly due soutli from Elm ra, situa-
ted on the great West Branch in the state of Pennsyl-
vania.forty miles north westerly from its confluence with
the Susquehanna, at Northumberland. Limited east-
wardly by the extensive curve of the Susquehanna, and
embraced between its above mentioned western tribu-
taries is a wide expanse of inland territory, generally
well adapted to agriculture, rapidly advancing in im-
provement and population, and abounding in many
places, with mines of coal and iron ore. This region
must be supplied with salt and plaister from this state,
brought principally through the Chemung canal; and
every improvement which facilitates the transportation
of these heavy and valuable articles will obviously in-
crease their demand, by enlarging the sphere in which
they can successfully meet competition from other
sources. On our ordinary and imperfectly wrought
roads, salt is now carried to Williamsport, and even as
far south as Bellefonte, in Centre county, more than
one hundred miles southwesterly from Elmira. Plaister
also from the same place is distributed in considerable
quantities along the intermediate country/ Iron is now
i832.]
WlLl.tAMSPORT AND ELMIHA HAIL-ROAD.
89
manuractuied at several places in this mineral region,
and various kinds of casting-s and wrought, are now
constantly transpoited from it into this state. In the
county of Lycoming, forty miles south of EIniira, di-
rec ly in the line of the proposed rail-road, ine\liausti-
ble coal mines commence, and continue, in many places,
to and along the West Rranch. Of all sources, which,
at various times, have been suggested for procuring
coal, to answer the wants, which, from failure of wood,
will soon become imperious in many of the western
parts of our state, these call fields probably afford the
best assurance of yielding, at a cheap rate, an ample and
enduring sujiply. Were the road now proposed, to be
constructed for the single purpose of conveying to our
navigable channels, this indispensable f\iel, for -our
growing villages and multiplying workshops, the day is
probably not far distant when 1} would be deemed an
undertaking, demanding earnest and united exertion for
its aeromplishment.
A slight observance of these facts must render it
sufficiently apparent, that when the Chemung canal
nhall be completed, the proposed rail-road will at once
■open and faeilit;ite aw extensive and most valuable com-
mercial intercourse, highly productive of the conve-
nience and prosperity of our citizens, subservient in its
consequences to the ge;ieral interests and welfiu-e of
the state.
Hut the pvospccts of the contemplated voad are not
limited by benefits of a commercial character alone,
however important. It has claims to consideration, of
higher bearing andliuver extent. It will form an inter-
■esting and essential link in a great chain of communica-
tion from the capital of onr national republic to our
northern frontier, connecting with other communica-
tions, to all the western parts of this state. From tlie
•city of Washmgton, by way of Baltimore, to Hanisburg,
the capita! of the state of Pennsylvania, thence to Wil-
Tiamsport, and contip.uin.g in almost a northerly course
along the proposed road, the Chemung can.al, Seneca
Lake, and the .Seneca and Cayuga canal, to tlie Krie
canal at Montezuma, is a distance of less than three
hundred and fit\v miles. From Montezuma, by a dis-
tance of about twenty miles, partly by the way of the
Erie canal, the navigable waters of Lake Ontario are
reached at Sodas Bay, the best harbour on that lake-
From \Villiams]>ort to the city of Washington, this great
line of communication will soon be complete by canals
and rail-roads.
The site of the contemplated road is unusually fa-
vourable for such a work; and in proof of this, as well
.as to introduce some just considehitions in relation to
its importance in a national point of view, your petition-
■ers would Tcspcctfully refer to the report of Dr. Wm.
Howard, civil engineer, who, pursuant to a resolution
of congress of December, 1828, examined a route for
a national road, from the city of Washington, to our
north-western frontier. The report states, " a cursory
view of the country s.itisfied us, that the best route
from Williamsport to the mouth of the Genesee river.
Sodas Bay, or Oswego, must pass through I'ost Town
or Klmira " In reference to the Post Town route, the
report slates, "from the inspection of the grad.ations, it
will be seen how roug"h and hilly is the surface over
which it passes." In relation to the F.Imira route, the
report continues, " by reference to the map and to the
table of gradation, an idea may be formed of the re-
markable line of valley, formng almost a continuous
one, in a direct line between Williamsport and F.lmira.
There is fifty -three miles of this road that does not ex-
ceed one degree; thirteen miles over one degree and
not exceeding two; and six miles over two and not ex-
ceeding three degrees." By combination and compa-
rison o(^ these different roiites, it appears that for a road
to terminate either at Sodtts Bay, Osweiro, or Sackett's
Harbour, the best route would pass by F.lmira. the head
of Seneca Lake, and Geneva
In respect to the national importance of this road, the '
Vui. IX. 12
report contains the following pertinent remarks. " The
importance of such a road as that now proposed, in a
I militar)- point of view, is so strongly marked, that it
j will not be necessary to dwell upon it, but to point it
; out. It will afford a ready communicition to the
northern frontier, from the central part of Pennsylva-
nia, from Maryland and the eastern portion of Virginia,
j giving facilities for the transportation not only of men,
j but also of many of tlie supplies and munitions of war,
j which are the productions of those three states. During
, the last war, the route by Painted Post was found ne-
cessary for this purpose and extensively used: and not-
withstanding the badness of the roads, suppUes of all
kinds were carried at an expense, which, it is satisfacto-
rily ertimated, wovUd have been sufficient, in a single
campaign, to have defrayed the cost of the work."
"As the means of transmitting intelligence with rapid-
ity, the work is also of great importance in military
operations, forming as it docs, the nearest channel be-
tween the northern frontiers and the seat of govern-
ment,"
The committee on roads and cj^nids, in the House of
Representatives in con.gress, to whom tlie reports and
surveys in relation to this northern route were refen'cd,
state in their report on that subject, that by the con-
struction of this road, two important locations for mili-
taiT depots would be establislicd, one at Harrisburg and
one at Elmira. Their report also states, ** it is purposed
to extend a navigable canal with a view to unite the
Chemung river with the head of Seneca lake, which is
already connected witii the grand canal of New York.
Elmira will possess three essential properties of a mili-
tary depot; it will be sufficiently removed from danger
to preserve it from sudden attack, while it will be equal-
ly convenient to the sources of its necessarj- supplies,
and to the probable theatre of their future application,
in any war which may occur with the only enemy the
United States are likely to have to encounter on the
land."
Although it has not been deemed the just policy of
the general government to undert.ike the construction
of this road, yet the information obtained from survey,
and the views entertained in relation to its great utility
and importance, are not the less applicable. Whether
the cost of its consU-uction be defrayed by the funds of
the government, or of a joint stock company, its utihty
to the public will be much the s.ame. It can be regard-
ed as no doubtful evidence of the increasing importance
of this route in the public estimation, that by a recent
order of the post office department, the mails at the
city of Washington and Baltimore, destined for western
New York, are now directed by way of Harrisburg and
Williamsport, and, on the range of this contemplated
road, to Elmira. Forming, indeed, as this road evident-
ly must, in an improved state, the most favourable, as
well as the most direct route and eligible line of com-
munication between the city of Wa-shington, Baltimore
and the greater part of tlie southern portion of our
Union, and all the western parts of this state and our
Canadian frontier, your petitioners are persuaded that it
would soon become the thoroughfare for immense tra-
vel, augmenting the revenue to be derived from the
road; and th.at it would greatly increase the public ac-
commodation; expedite the transmission of mails, facili-
tate the intercourse, strengthen the ties and promote
social feeling, between the inliabitants of different and
distant sections of our common country.
S.atisfied that the proposed work may be undertaken
without hazard, th.at capital may be invested in it with
safety and sure profit to individuals, and with conse-
quences highly beneficial to the public, and that from
its obvious commercial utility and national importance,
it is, in the view of your petitioners, an improvement
justly demanded from the enlightened and enterprising
spirit of our age and people; your petitioners respect-
fully pray your honourable body to incorporate a com-
pany under the name of "Tob I'.r.vin* Axn Wiiii*M«
90
REPORT OF THE WATERING COMMITTEE.
[FXBHCART
PORT R.iiL Ro ID Compact," with a capital of 575,000;
authorizing said company to construct that portion of
said road to be located between the villag-e of Elmira
and the north line of the state of Pennsylvania, with
such powers and privileges as, by your honourable body
shall be deemed just and reasonable, and as in duty
bound they will pray.
January, 18j2.
A5"!rcAL hepoht of the
WATERING COMMITTEE.
Tu Ihe Select and Common Council of the City of Phila-
del/ihia.
The Watering Committee respectfiilly present, here-
with, detailed statements of the accounts, for the year
1831, of the works under their care; together with an
estimate for the year 1832. They also \sy- before
Councils such explanations, as, they trust, will enable
them and their constituents to understand the present
state of the entire water establishment.
In order that the accounts of 18 j1, may be more dis-
tinctly comprehended, it may be useful to refer to those
of 1830.
In 1830, the receipts from all sources
amounted to §60,036 82
And the payments were —
For Water Works, 535,660 84
To Sinking Fund, 14,000 00
To -I as Fund, 15,900 00
$65,560 84-
So that there was placed to the credit of
the Tax Fund, more than the income
waj-ranted, 5,524 02
The receipts for 1831, consisted of —
This sum obtained on loan, S 36,200 00
Water Rents from City, ^43,534 14
Northern l.iberties,12,054 62
Southwark, 5,948 67
Spring Garden, 5,229 29
66,766 72
And that the nature of the
expendilurem3.y be understood
this statement is presented:
Expenses of, or attending, dis-
tribution, g 5,073 02
Expenses at I'air Mount Works, 6,157 27
Wheel and Pump, 4 699 62
Iron Pipes, . 34,693 80
Expenses attending the appli-
cation of the water power, 1,500 30
Expended in constructing Re-
servoir No. 4, 6,692 31
Incidental expenses, 982 00
Salaries: —
Frederick Graff, §2,000 CO
Samuel W. Rush, 1,000 00
Samuel Currev, 211 25
3,211 25
$ 102,966 72
8 65,560 84
The accounts for 1831 show, as they ought to do, a
balance in favour of the works, and not as in 1830,
against them.
The receipt.^ for 1831, were —
From Water revenue,_ $ 66,765 72
From loan imder ordinance of April 14,
1831, 36,200 CO
The payments for 1831, were—
Balance due Citv Treasurer, on accounts
of 1830, ' S 5,524 02
For purposes of Water Works, 63,009 57
To Sinking Fund, 14,000 00
To 'I as Fund, per ordinance of
May 16, 1831, 5,830 80
§102,966 72
8,364 39
Leavin.g a balance for Water purposes of
1832, $ 14,602 33
So that, to meet all the estimated de-
mands for 1832, there wiU be wanted
but 30,862 67
$45,465 00
From all which it must be apparent, that, in case the
water revenue for 1832 shall equal that of 1831, of
which there can be no doubt, there will be a balance in
favour of the Works, for the year 1832, of 535,904 05,
equal, it is hoped, to all the needful expenditure for
1833; and thus the whole water revenue of 1833, may
be applied to the extin.guishment of debt, and the same
process be thereafter continued.
That the proi;re3sive increase of water revenue, and
the relative sources thereof, may be perceived, the
Committee present such a statement, at present, as was
made in the last report, namely:
Of this balance, there were applied —
To pay balance of 1830, due
City Treasury, S 5,524 02
To Sinking Fund, 14,000 00
To Tax Fund, 5,830 80
63,009 57
$39,957 15
Leavinc: as heretofore stated, for water
purposes for 1832,
539,957 15
Estimnlefor 1831. — On reference to the Report made
to Councils on the 8th of February, 1831, it will be seen,
that the amount of the estimate for that year was,
$ 70,665 87
Of this there was expended the
sum of §63,009 57
There remains in Treasury, to fi-
nish wheel and pump, 7,800 38
70,809 95
Showing an excess beyond estimate of $144 08: It is,
however, to be observed, that the balance would have
been in favour of the works, or estimate, if demands
had not arisen, of which no anticipation could have
been formed, such as
Forreceiving the Boston Guards, S442 58
For laying 888 feet of Iron Pipe? in streets or-
dered to be paved, excess, 888 CO
For laving 242 feet of Iron Pipes, excess, 242 00
For excess of cost of 20,747 pounds of lead, 311 20
Sl,883 78
Estimate for 1S32. — The sum estimated to be neces-
sary for the year 1832, for the objects detailed in the
annexed estimate, is §45,465 00. On reference to
former estimates, the moderation of the present will be
understood; for, it will be seen, that, in the present es-
timate for 1832, there are included items to the amount
of 523,565 00, for objects not embraced in former esti-
mates, but for which provision was made by loans; con-
sequently, the sum asked for 1832, for purposes embra-
ced informer estimates, is only §-1,900 00.
Iron Pipes. — The remainder of the iron pipes, which
were contracted for in 1830, were laid down during the
year 1831; the extent of pipes estimated in the report
of 1831, was 11,500 feet, but 11,742 feet have been
laid, or 242 feet more than calculated upon.
Inconsequence of extending the iron pipes in Locust
1832.]
REPORT OF THK WATERING COMMITTEE.
91
street, from Tliirteenth to Broad street, and in Juniper
from Spruce to Walnut street, 3,888 feet of iron pipes
have been laid in streets ordered to be paved, being'
888 feet more th.in"the extent estimated. The whole
extent of the iron pipes laid in 1831, was 15,63U feet,
nearly three miles, m;ikinj,' the whole extent laid in the
City nearly 44 miles.
(Vojrieii Pip(s. — There were laid in 1S31, in repairs
to wooden pipes, 1,131 feet, beings 281 feet more than
in 1830; from which it must be obvious, that although
the extent of wooden pipes is annually diminished, by
the introduction of iron pipes in their stead, the public
streets cannot be kept in order until all the wooden
pipes shall have been removed.
'J'/te Dunt. — As some inquiry has been instituted in
Councils in relation to the I'air Mount Uam, it gives the
Committee pleasure to be able to state, that its condi-
tion is sound and safe; the planking and all the other
repairs, deemed necessary to render the dam perfectly
secure, h.ave been completed, with the single exception
of depositing an additional quantity of rubble stone
backing, and that will be done as soon as the state of
the weather shall permit; the cost for this object is em-
braced in the estimate.
Hexerviiir No. 4 — For this part of the works, f 650
yards of clay have been delivered: 5995 yards of earth
have also been added to the embankments, and such
other work has been done as to render this reservoir
substantial, as far as it has been formed. In their last
report, the Committee recommended, that one section
of this reservoir shoukl be completed in 1832; finding,
however, that the reservoirs now in use are amply sutH-
cient for the supply of water to the city and distri' ts,
they deem that undertaking unnecessary at present.
Your Committee, having examined the embankments
of this reservoir, since they were formed, are of opinion,
that safety embankments w.U be necessary at some
points, where the present embankments .are too high.
As these additional supports will add greatly to the so-
lidity of the general structure, they are included in the
annexed estimate.
PV/trel niid I'timp. — These new appendages have not
been completed at as early a d.ay as was expected; this
is owing to the difficulty of procuring suitable m;iteri-
als, and to the delay caused by making defective cast-
ings, which were condemned. The new wheel and
pump uill, in all probability, be in operation early in
the ensuing spring, long before their atlcUtional aid will
be needful for public purposes. There has been ex-
pended for this object, the sum of S4699 62, and the
sum of ^7K00 38 is on hand for its completion.
Garden l'l,i nl /■",;;> Mo'inl. — The wall for securing
the bank of the Schuylkill, south of the engine build-
ing, has been finished, coped with stone, and fenced in
a substantial manner. A great increase in the height
and thickness of this wall became necc-iary, in conse-
quence of the difficulty of finding rock bottom for a
part of the foundation; the expense attendant, as well
as the cost of filling up the low ground, east of the wall,
and of forming a garden plot there, exhausted the sum
estimated for those objects. For the completion of this
part of the premises, under care of the Committee, in-
cluding sodding, planting trees, forming gravel walks,
and erecting a fbunt.ain, the sum embraced in the esti-
mate will be requisite; and your Committee cannot
doubt that it will be readily appropriated; heretofore, the
ground between the bridge and the works has presented
a s;id contrast with the adjacent scenei'y; in future the
entire property of the city will present uniformity in
ta.ste as well as utility.
Main nn the old Canal Bank. — The 20 inch iron main,
laid in 1820, was carried along the old canal bank,
from John street to Schuylkill Second street, under an
impression, that at a future day it would be opened as
a public street, and that the main would not be disturb-
ed; recently, however, the Columbia rail-road has been
located north of the line of the old canal; and, besides,
it is contemplated to grade the north and south streets,
passing over the Une of the old canal, so as to adapt
them to tile level of Callowhill street and the rail-road;
i becomes necessary, in consequence, to remove the
main from its presejit position; to this end, application
has been made to the Canal Commissioners of Pennsyl-
vania, for permi-sion to lay down the main for an ex-
tent of about 2200 feet, under and along the southern
side of the slate rail-ro.ad. Your Committee are happy
to be able to state, that the Canal Commissioners have
given a favourable answer, but as no precise time can
now be fixed for removing the main, the cost is notem-
braced in the present estimate.
'J7ie old Sltam-Enghie. — Councils have heretofore
authorized the Committee to offer these engines for
sale, and they have been accordingly advertised — no
offer, however, has been made; in the meantime,
these ;irticles are daily depreci.ating, nay, they are not
now of much more value, beyond th.at of old iron. In
no event could a part of them be at all used, and, were
the remainder repaired, it must be at much cost, with-
out any ability to answer public purposes; your Commit-
tee, therefore, are in favour of an early and absolute sale.
I'he District.-!. — Contracts have been entered into
with the newly incorporated part of Spring Garden,
and with the Township of Moyamensing, for supplying
those districts with water; with the former the contract
has been formed, and the necesarj' instrument for the
latter is in preparation. The disti-ict of Kensington
has also applied to enter into a contract .for a supply
of water from the city fount, and your Committee have
at all times been desirous to conclude an engagement,
on the terms assented to by all the other districts, that
is, to deliver the water at the city boundary. In the
case of the Kensington district, however, a d fficulty ex-
ists, such as did not arise in any former instance; the
soil of all the other districts is bounded by the city soil,
and therefore, as soon as the city delivered water at the
boundary line, the adjoining distr'.ct at once attached
its pipes; between the city and Kensington, hov.'ever,
the district of the Northern Libci-ties intervenes, and the
city has no right to carry through the soil of that dis-
trict, pipes for supplying Kensington, so th.at the assent
of the district of the Northern Liberties is necessary to
enable her neighbour to partake of the contemplated
benefit. It is to be regretted that no agreement be-
tween the di-itricts has been made; citizens, separated by
lines almost imaginary, and who prosper or pine as they
severally thrive or suffer, have, after all, a common in-
terest, and should seek to promote the comfort and con-
venience of each other; the city cannot control either;
all that it can do is to act towards all with perfect im-
partiaUty.
/Jiimar;ri>. — Of the appropriation for payment of da-
mages, the sum of $'9 87 remains, no part having bo^u
called for since last report.
T/ie incrfnsi: nf IValer Henh in 1831, was
In the city, $2,767 25
Northern Liberties, 2,114 75
Southwark, 699 50
Spring Garden, 1,208 50
— ?6,79 ) 00
The Committee bclicrc, that they have thus given
all the information needfid to a correct conception Of
the subject. In closing their report, they beg leave to
call the attention of Councils, and of their fellow-citi-
zens generally, to the interesting and lucid statistical
history oftlie SVater >V<)rks, for the Uust thirty -twoycars,
that is, from the perioil of their first introduction, which
is appended to this report. This useful »nd curious
document has b-cn prepared, with equal care ftnd la-
bour, by the respectable gentleman, whom it has been
th ■ good fortune of the city so long Jo have, as their
skilfiil and assiduous superintendent: it is a document,
n"tonlv v.aluable to ourselves at present, but calcu'ated
to be so, to those who shall succeed us, and even to in-
quirers after useful inform.ation, wherever may be their
home. Respectfully submitted, Jan. 12, 1832.
W. J. DUANE, Chairman.
92
HEPORT OF THE WATERING COMNIITI'EE.
[Fkbroirt
.1 GT-nzmzV! r.w of t he leading particulars of theWATEn !
M'onKS, from tlieir commencement, March, 1799, to <
December 31, 1831. i
Cost of first Steam Engine I
Wovks,commenced Mar- j
1799, and for the sup-
port of the same up to
1803 included, $295,352 09 j
NO. 1.
1804. For the support i
of eng'ines, distribution, |
&c. connected with the
AVorks,
1805. do.
1806. do. and for the pur-
chase of the lease of N.
J. Roosevelt, amounting
to ?15,886,
1807. do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
34,213 06
41,168 17
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
18J3.
1814.
57,623 C5
26,164 93
24,529 62
29,467 13
26,9.,6 48
29,702 26
27,946 85
30,359 58
33,865 69
657,398 91
NO. 2.
1815. Steam works at Fair
Mount begun Aug. 1812,
and started Sept.7, 1815, 183,289 62
1816. For the support of
the Works, and pay-
ments of balances due
for Works, 51,219 63
1817. do. do. 51,389 26
1818. do. do. for support
of Works, 34,771 33
NO. 3.
1819. For the support of
steam engines at Fair
Mount, and on account
of water-power works
beg-un April 19, 1819,
for iron main, iron pipes.
Sec,
1820. do. do.
1821. do. do.
1822. do. started water-
power works, 1st July,
1822,
1823. For working water-
power works, building
reservoir, and for pay-
ment of debts,
1824. do. and for laying
iron pipes do..
320,669 84
1825.
do.
do.
1826.
do.
do.
1827.
do.
do.
1828.
do.
do.
1829.
do.
do.
1830.
do.
do.
1831.
do.
do.
119,063 68
149,700 75
115,746 36
106,517 82
69,268 54
82,208 94
44,307 37
73,517 40
80,749 92
64,15:J 64
81,180 06
35,660 84
63,009 57
Cost of the Works from
March 1799, to 3Ut De-
cember, 1831,
No. 1.
Cost without support of en-
gines, working do. and
1,085,081 89
2,063,150 64
No. 2.
Do., buildings,
engines, re-
servoirs, &c.
with work-
ing engines, S200,700 51
Add two first
purchases of
ground, 33,334 00
■ 234,034 51
distribution.
295,352 09
No. 3.
Cost of the
Works, in-
cluding pur-
chase of wa-
ter-powerat
the falls, g432,496 89
Add purchase
of additional
ground, 83,500 00
And for extra
water-power
purchased of
Navigation
Company, 26,000 00
541,996 89
Cost of ground purchased at Fair Mount, sum paid for
damages for ground overflowed by the dam, for ex-
tra water-power, &c.
1812. For the first ground
purchased at Fair Mount, 16,667 00
1815. For 2d purchase do. 15,667 00
1822. For the inlet to the
fore-bay, ground on the
margin of the river, 4,000 00
1824. For extra ground for
reservoir No. 4, 12,000 00
1828. For the residue of
ground betweenCoates's
sti-eet and the Upper
Ferry ro.id, and between
Fair Mount street and
the Schuylkill, 67,500 00
For the purchase of the
water-power,from White
and Gillingham,
For the purchase of the ex-
tra water-power, from
the Schuylkill Navigation
Company,
Amount of damages paid
for overflowing ground,
&c. by the dam.
For the dam, locks, canal,
fore-bav, and raising the
dam 18" inches, 160,904 77
For mill buildings, three
water wheels, breast-
works, &c:, 78,370 43
For pumps, Nos. 1, 2, and
3, and other fixtures, 12,373 43
For wheel, pump, and as-
cending main. No. 4, 12,589 42
On account, December 31,
1831, for wheel and
pump, No. 5, 4,699 62
For reservoir No. 1, con-
taining 3,917,659 gallons, 29,135 58
For do. No. 2, containing
3,296,434 gallons, 10,202 87
For do. No. 3, containing
2,707,295 gallons, 24,«21 70
— 116,834 00
150,000 00
26,000 00
25,958 41
268,937 67
1833.]
UEPOKT OF THK WATERING COMNUTTEE.
93
For account of No. 4,
wliich will contain
10,00 ,000 gallons when
finished,
For Iron main No. 1 ,
do. No. 2,
For iron pipes, and materi-
als, laid in the city from
1820, to 31st December,
1831,
Cost of the above items.
And for other purposes,
working engines, distri-
bution, sal.irics, inciden-
tals. Sec,
Being the actual cost and
expenses, including all
the works, from March
1799, to 31st December,
la^i.
20,069 01
83,929 16
131,617 48
335,046 82
1,138,323 54
2,063,150 64
Abstract of the number of feet of Iron Mains and Iron
Pipes laid in the city, from the commencement, Oct,
1819, to December'31, 1831.
Fetl.
Laid in 1819 and 1820, main No. 1, of
22 inch pipes, 2,661
Do. of 20 inch pipes, 6,909
Together, 9,570
1821. Laid sundn" pipes in the citv, 8,475
1822. do. 16,035 ■
1823. do. 14,993
1824. do. 20,500
1825. do. 11,394
18:6. do. 27,496
1827. do. 41,044
1828. do. 23,285
1829. Laid iron main No. 2, of 20
inch pipes, 9,216
Do. of 16 inch pipes, 936
10,152
1829. Laid additional pipes in the citv, 6,716
1830. do. ■ 26,675
1831. do. 15,630
Together, 231,965
The mains Nos. 1 and 2 required 19,722 feet, average
$6 63 per foot.
Pipes laid in the city, 212,243 feet, average gl 58
per foot.
Together, 231,965 feet, being nearly 44 miles.
The main No. 1, laid in 1819
and 1820, cost per foot,
«7 42, $72,947 23
Do. No. 2, laid in 1829, do.
$5 78, 58,670 25
1831. do.
Together, cost.
Account of Water Itcnts
year 1802 included,
1802. Water rents rcceiv
1820. The pipes laid in the
citv cost,
1821. ■ do.
1822. do.
1823. do.
1824. do.
1825. do.
1826. do.
1827. do.
1828. do.
1829. do.
1830. Do. part of which to
be paid for in 1831,
131,617 48
16,940 79
11,843 U
33,287 08
25.672 60
38,475 75
25,739 09
49,016 70
44,197 24
39,416 75
3,741 09
12,022 82
34,693 80
. 335,046 82
466,664 30
received in the city from the
up to December 31, 18,31 .
■ed, S5,.7 00
1803. do. 961 00
1804. do. \,^00 00
1805. do. 3,260 00
1806. do. 5,050 00
1807. do. 4,987 17
1808. do. 6,207 01
1809. do. 9,105 00
1810. do. 10,931 50
1811. do. 12,163 00
1812. do. 15,629 00
1813. do. 16,638 00
1814. do. 17,883 00
1815. do. 18,499 50
1816. do. 19,974 50
1817. do. 19,922 00
1818. do. 21,120 50
1819. do. 21,998 50
1820. do. 23,016 50
1821. do. 24,584 50
1822. do. 25,485 50
1823. do. 26,191 05
1824. do. 27,292 55
1825. do. ' 29,160 50
1826. do. 30,326 75
1827. do. 32,521 50
1828. do. 35,791 50
1829. do. 37,881 50
1830. do. 40,915 00
1831. do. 43,682 25
Together, 583,515 75
Statement of account of Water Rents of the City and
Districts.
City rents from 1802, to De-
b'er 31st, 1831, both includ-
ed, $583,515 78
Spring Garden District, from
1826, to 31st December,
1831, both inclusive, §17,602 04
South wark, do. do. "20,903 00
Northern Liberties, do. do. 45,309 75
81,813 79
§665,329 57
WATER RENTS OF THE DISTRICTS.
District or Spniso Girbit.
1826 and 1827, $ 916 50
1828, 2,071 00
1829,
1830,
1831,
17,602 04
Contract signed for a supph' of water, to old <listrict,
26th April, 1826.
Ditto, 10th October, 1831, for ditto, for new district.
DisTnicT
or
S00TU\
rtRK.
1826 and 1827,
$ 724 75
1828,
2,555 75
1829,
5,019 00
1830,
5,951 50
1331,
6,651 00
20,902 00
Contract signed for a supply of water, 1st .Tune, 1826.
94
REPORT OF THE WATERING COMMITTEE.
[FSBRlTAttr
District of Northern Liberties.
1826 and 1827, $ 1,540 75
1828, 5,751 50
1829, 10,352 75
• 1830, 11,775 00
1831, 13,889 75
4-3,309 75
Contract signed for a supply of water, 6th June, 1826.
ACCOUNT OF IRON PIPES LAID IN THE
DISTRICTS.
District of Spriito Gardek.
1826,
1827,
1828,
1829,
1830,
1831,
Feet.
Fire
Flu^s
5,554
8,448
1,296
24
6,981
11
5,151
10
3,726
8
31,156
District op Southwahk,
1826,
3,394
1827,
12,039
1828,
10,799
58
1829,
6,052
U
1830,
2,726
5
1831,
2,978
7
57,988
81
isTRicT OF Northern
Liberties. '
1826,
3,882
1827,
22,202
1828,
12,2 ,9
75
1829,
9,793
19
1830,
6,023
25
1831,
1,551
4
55,690 123
The Commissioners and inhabitants of the township
of Moyamensing, closed contract for a supply of Schuyl-
kill Water, 6th January, 1832.
From the Water Rent charges to the Disti-icts, a de-
duction of 6 per cent, is allowed for collection [and
losses.
Memorandum of the various parts of the Works, &c.
1799. March, Mr. Latrobe commenced the first Water
Works, by steam power.
1812. August 1, commenced the steam-power works at
Fair Mount.
1815. Sept. 7, supplied the City fromlhe steam works
at Fair Mount.
1819. April 8, CouncUs agreed to build the water-pow-
er works at Fair Mount.
April 19, commenced building the dam at Fair
Mount works,
1821. April 28, laid the cornerstone of mill buildings
at Fair Mount.
June 25, put in the last crib of the dam at Fair
Mount.
July 23, the water flowed over the dam at F.iir
Mount.
1822. Feb. 21, the great ice freshet, which raised 8
feet 1 1 inches above the combing of the dam at
Fair Mount.
July 1, began to supply the City witli water
from water wheel and pump No. 1.
Sept. 14, do. do. No. 2.
Oct. 25, stopped the steam works at Fair Mount.
1822. Dec. 24, started wheel and pump No. 3.
1827. Nov. 10, started wheel and pump No. 4.
1832. started wheel and pump No. 5.
The dam at Fair >Iount is 6 feet 6 inches above high
tide in the Schuylkill.
The mill buildings are 238 feet front, by 56 feet
deep.
The water is raised from the dam into the Resen'oirs,.
96 feet perpendicular height.
Pump No. 1, raises per 24
hours, into the Reservoir,
when not impeded by tlic
tides, 1,313,280 gallons of water.
Puirps Nos. 2 and 3, do. do.
each, 1,346,400, together, 2,692,800 do.
Pump No. 4, l,615,6a0 do.
5,621,760 gallons.
From which deduct one-
fourth for impediments
by the tides and freshets, 1,405,440
Leaves the four pumps com-
petent to supply, per 24
hours.
4,216,320 gallons.'
The average quantity of water required to supply the
City and Districts, per 24 hours, duiingthe year 1831,
was about 2,000,000 gallons. In the summer months,
when the streets were washed by means of the fire plugs,
upwards of 3,000,000 gallons of water were consumed
daily. FREDERICK GRAFF,
Superintendent of the IVater VVurks.
STATEMENT,
Showing the increase of Water Rents in the City and
Djsti-icts, for the year 1832.
Amount of increase, viz: —
Spring Garden, §1,208 50
Southwark, 699 50
Northern Liberties, 2, 1 14 75
4,052 75
City, 2,767 25
Amount of increase.
6,790 00
An account, showing the amount of Water Rents due
the City, by the Incorporated District of Spring Gar-
den, for the year 1832, with an account of the num-
ber of Dwellings, &c., supplied with the Schuylkill
Water, to the 31st ofDecember, 1831.
4 Horses,
at « 1 5a
6 00
1 Horse, &c..
3 00
3 00
21 Tenements,
3 75
78 75
58 Baths,
4 50
261 00
1 Porter cellar.
5 2i
5 25
21 Dwellings,
6 00
126 00
676 Dwellings, Stc,
7 50
5,070 OO
1 Slaughter-house, &c..
10 50
10 50
4 Dwellings, &c..
11 25
45 00
5 DweUings, &c..
12 00
60 00
4 Factories, Soap, &c..
15 00
60 00
2 'I'averns, &c..
22 50
45 00
1 Dwelling. &c..
24 00
24 00
2 Factories, &c..
30 00
60 00
1 Court, &c..
48 50
48 50
2 Courts,
37 50
75 00
1 Steam mill,
40 00
40 00
1 Tannery,
57 00
57 00
1 DweUing, &c..
75 00
75 00
1 Steam mill.
30 75
30 75
6,180 75
1832.]
REPORT OF THE WATERING COMMITTEE.
95
An account, showing' the amount of Water Rents due
tile City, by the Incorporated District of Southwark,
for the year 1832, with an account of the number of
Dwellings, kc, supplied with the Schuylkill water,
to the 31st of December, 1831.
1 Horse,
at J 1
50
1 50
3 Bake houses, &c..
3
00
9 00
40 Tavern and licensed houses,
3
75
150 00
16 Baths,
4
50
72 00
1 Commissioners' Hall,
5
00
5 00
12 Dwelling's with cisterns,
6
00
72 00
747 Dwellings,
7
50
5,602 50
1 Dwelling, &c.,
9
00
9 00
1 School-house, &c.,
10
00
10 00
13 Dwellings, &c..
11
25
146 25
3 Hatteries, &c..
12
00
36 00
1 Dwelling, tavern, &c ,
12
75
12 75
8 Hatteries, &c.,
15
00
120 00
1 Soap factory.
18
00
18 Ou
1 Steam engine.
20
00
20 00
3 Sugar reKneries, &c..
22
50
67 50
1 Livery stable.
25
00
25 00
1 Distillery,
27
00
27 00
1 Court, sic.
30
00
30 00
1 Court,
37
50
37 50
1 Brewery,
45
00
45 00
1 brewery.
60 00
60 00
1 Navy yard.
75 00
75 00
6,651 00
An Account, showing' the amount of Water Rents due
the city, by the Incorporated District of the Northern
Liberties, for the year 1832, also the number of
dwellings, &c., supplied tlierein, with the Schuylkill
■water, to the 31st of December, 1831.
6 Stables, he.
4 00
24 00
3055 Dwellings, &c..
5 00
15,275 00
6 Dwellings, &c..
6 00
36 00
115 Dwellings in the county, &c
. 7 50
862 50
91 Hatteries, &c..
8 00
728 00
5 Dwellings, &c..
9 00
45 00
55 Dyers, 8:c.,
10 no
550 00
2 Dwellings. &c..
11 25
22 50
2 Soap boilers, &c.,
12 00
24 00
3 Dwellings, &c..
12 50
37 50
15 Distilleries, &c ,
15 00
225 00
3 Hatteries, &c..
16 00
48 00
1 Court,
:8 00
18 00
9 Taverns,
20 00
180 00
1 Court,
22 50
22 50
6 Sugar houses, &c..
25 00
150 00
1 Steam engine,
27 50
27 50
4 Stables, &c.,
30 00
120 00
2 Mansion houses, &.C.,
34 00
68 00
1 Morocco factory.
35 00
35 00
1 Steam engine.
36 00
36 00
3 Baths, &c..
40 00
120 00
1 Marble yard. Sec,
11 00
11 00
3 Hospitals, Sec,
50 00
150 00
2 Manufactories, Sic,
75 00
150 00
1 Deaf and Dumb Institution,
60 00
60 00
1 Alms house.
100 00
100 00
1 Bath house.
400 00
400 00
1 Court, 8i.c.,
33 00
3.5 00
1 Bath,
4 50
4 50
1 Dwelling, 8i.c.,
13 00
13 00
g21,393 25
7 Horses,
at §1
50
$10 50
14 Wash pavements, &c.
3
00
42 OU
68 Tenements, &c..
3
75
255 00
83 Baths,
4
50
373 SO
2 Stands for horses, &c.
5 00
10 00
72 Dwellings, Sec,
6
00
432 00
1360 Dwellings, &c ,
7
50
10,200 00
1 Stable,
8
00
8 00
5 Dwellings, Sec ,
9
00
45 00
5 Factories, Sec,
10
00
50 00
28 Dwellings, &c..
11
25
."15 00
20 Curriers, hatters, &c.
12
00
240 00
31 Curriers,moroccofact'
ries,Sec.l5
00
465 00
1 Court,
18
00
18 00
6 Taverns with stables.
18
75
112 50
1 Brewery, Sec,
19
50
19 50
2 Soap factories. Sec ,
20
00
40 00
2 Taverns with stables.
21
00
42 00
15 Taverns with st.ables.
22
50
337 50
5 Morocco factories, Sec
25
00
125 00
9 Soap factories.
30
00
270 00
1 Brewery,
33
00
33 00
6 Stables, with taverns.
33
75
202 50
1 Morocco factoi-y.
37
50
57 50
2 Tanneries,
52
50
105 00
1 Brewery,
75 00
75 00
1 Dwelling, Sec,
12
75
12 75
1 Stable,
13
50
13 50
$13,889 75
Dwellings, Manufactories, and Institutions, supplied
with tile Schuylkill water, in the Southern Distinct of
tlie city, to the olst of December, 1831.
11 Horses, Sec,
8t gl 00
14 00
38 Wash pavements. Sec,
2 00
76 00
39 Tenements, Sec,
2 50
97 50
542 Baths,
3 00
1,626 00
1 Tavern,
3 75
3 75
Dwellings, Manufactories, and Institutions, supplied
with the Schuylkill water, in the Northern District of
the city, to the olst of December, 1831.
20 Horses,
27 Wash pavements. Sec,
63 Tenements, Sec,
450 Baths,
2 Taverns,
1 Tavern, Sec,
24 Baths,
2904 Dwellings,
3 Dwellings, Sec,
2 Dwellings, Sec,
181 Dwellings, Sec,
82 Printing offices, Sec. Sec.
9 Dwellings, Sec,
65 Dyers, Sec,
12 Soap boilers,
5 Dwellings, Sec.
35 Distilleries, Sec,
4 Hatteries, Sec,
1 Stable,
1 Court, Sec,
2 Taverns, Sec,
20 Courts, Sec,
11 Sugar houses. Sec. Sec,
1 Tavern, Sec,
8 Stables, Sec,
1 Court,
5 Baths, Sec. Sec,
2 Courts, Sec., making,
1 Brewery, Sec Sec,
2 Courts, Sec Sec,
3 Stables, Sec,
2 Breweries,
1 Manufactory,
1 B.ath.
1 Distillery,
1 Sugar house,
3 Morocco factories,
$1 00
20 CO
2 00
54 00
2 50
157 50
3 00
1,350 00
3 75
7 50
13 00
13 00
4 50
108 00
5 00
14,520 00
6 00
18 00
6 50
13 00
7 50
1,357 50
8 00
656 00
9 00
81 00
10 00
650 00
12 00
144 00
12 50
62 50
15 00
525 00
16 00
64 00
17 00
17 00
17 50
17 SO
18 00
36 00
20 00
400 00
25 00
275 00
29 50
29 50
30 00
240 00
33 00
33 00
40 00
200 00
73 50
73 50
44 00
44 00
45 00
90 CO
50 00
ISO 00
75 00
ISO 00
112 50
112 50
80 00
80 00
100 00
100 00
335 00
335 00
55 00
105 00
$22,289 00
96
MISCELLANEOUS.
[FlBHCAllt
PiTTSBCBo, Jan. 25.
River— 10 feet above low-water mark, and free from
ice — several arrivab and departures of steamers since
our last. — '
MONONGAHELA BRIDGE DESTROYED.
On Saturday last, about 9 o'clock, A. M. the first
pier of the MonoiiEfahela Bridge g^ve waj', and precipi-
tated the superstructure, comprising a space of two
arches, into the river. Fortunately, thoug'h hundreds
cross this bridge every Saturday morning, going to and
returning from Market, no lives were lost. There
were on that part of the bridge which fell down, a man
and a boy attending a returning coal wagon, belonging
to Mr. .lacob Reltzhoover, and another boy. They, of
course, descended with the falling mass, but were ex-
tricated from the ruins without sustaining the least in-
jury! Four out of the five liorses attached to the wa- I
gon were saved. i
The bridge was erected in 1818, at a cost of $140,000; j
of course this accident will be a serious matter to the I
stockhDldei's. It has not yet been determined, we learn, i
whether to repair the bridge or build a new one. 4//e- !
gheny Democrat.
From ihe Wj-ominj Herald.
BREAKING UP OF THE SUSQUEHANNA.
Destruction of PiiorEiiTT. — On the morning of
Friday last, the ice broke up in the Susquehanna, at
and above this place, wliilst, unfortunately, from the
Nanticoke Dam up to within a few miles of here, it re-
mained solid and immoveable. The consequence was,
the progress of the ice from above was arrested by the
ice below; and the channel of the river becoming in a
measure obstructed, the waterrose with rapidity — over-
flowed the banks — and inundated the greater portion of
the Kingston, Plymouth, Wilkesbarre and Hanover
Flats; doing them serious injury, besides sweeping off
bridges, fences, a large quantity of lumber, &c.
Sometime in the evening, the ice in the Nanticoke
Pool gave way and passed over the dam — when that
beautiful structure, the " Wilkesbarre Bridge," receiv-
ed extentive injviry, from the immense body of ice
which had lodged above it during the day, and which
now rushed down with irresistible power. About one-
thii-d of the first pier (which stands in the main current
of the river) was carried away, and the upper side of
the bridge at that pKace has settled a little. Prompt
measures have been taken, however, to support it where
it is — and unless we should have another ice freshet the
present season, as formidable as the one we are noticintr,
we apprehend it will sustain no further damage. The
ice-breaker attached to the middle pier was also carried
away, and the pier itself somewhat injured.
At the time the water was highest, it ran into one or
two shops on Bank Stieet, in this borough, — and was a
number of feet deep on the lower floor of several dwell-
ings on the opposite side of the river; — their occupants,
however, hud taken the precaution to cross over to the
boro>igh, with their families and live stock, ere the
flood had attiined so gi-eat a height.
We have heard of several "hair-breadth escapes,"
but are happy to say tliat no lives were lost. Three
men who were crossing the Kingston Flats, were com-
pletely surrounded by the flood before they were aware
of their danger, and were compelled to climb the near-
est trees for safety, — where they remained till eight
o'clock at night, it being impossible for assistance to
reach them sooner.
Among the bridges that were destroyed or seriously
damaged, are the two on the main road leading from
this place to Kingston.
Some portions of the low lands are covered with ice,
and the roads in some places are almost impassable.
We learn that the Nanticoke Dam received but little
injury.
FRESHET.
There was a partial breaking up of the ice on French
creek, by the freshet of last week, and we regret to
learn that several valuable bridges and dams, have
been entirely swept off, and others materially damaged.
One half of the toll bridge at Franklin, and the dams at
the iron works of Messrs. M'Calmont and Hays, have
been carried off. The bridge at Magoflin's Falls, near
Dickson's mill has shared the same fate — the one at Be-
mus's mill has been injured, and is expected to go with
the next rise of the water. 'I he various damages sus-
tained, may be estimated at little short of S'20, 000,
These serious losses should, and doubtless will, awa-
ken individual and public attention to increased precau-
tion, in the selection of sites, and to the adoption of eve-
ry .practicable means of securing the bridges which
may hereafter be erected, against disasters from the
same cause. French creek is somewhat remarkable
for its alternate stretches of pools and rapids. Past ob-
servation has lead us to the conclusion, that tlie safest
position for the erection of a bridge on this stream, is
first, in a pool — and secondly, as near as practicable, at
the head, but never, if it can be avoided, at the foot of
a rapid. Every ordinary obser\-er must have noticed
that the ice invariably gives way first on the rapids, and
is precipitated on that of the pool next below, where,
if the power of the ice is sufficient, it is held, and if not
forced forward by the increased power of the current,
it is gradually weakened and dissipated by tlie influence
of the sun and the .atmosphere, and then usually passes
off witli greatly diminished power of doing injury.
Hence it follows that the foot of a i-apid especially
where it is long, should never be selected, in our north-
ern region, as a safe po-ition. The bridge at the "Dead
Water," and those wliich have been erected at "Ma-
goffin's Falls," are strongly illustrative of the coiTect-
ness of this position. The former stood more than 17
years, with no other supports than wooden posts, alto-
gether free from injun' by ice — whereas two well con-
structed bridges, erected at the latter point, with sub-
stantial stone abutments and a pier, have been destroyed
by the ice within a very short time. It may be safely
assumed that nothing but the fortunate interposition
and resistance presented by the ice on Bemus's dam, in
arresting' the masses from above, prevented the de-
struction Last week, of all the bridges over French creek
in the vicinity of this place. Deeming it a matter of im-
portance, we have thrown out these brief and hasty re-
flections, with the view of attracting the attention of
those, who from their more enlarged observation and
experience, are more competent to advise on the sub-
ject. — Crawford Messenger — January 28.
Beavei!, (Penn) February 3, 1832.
The Mohawk. — Aobut two weeks since, the new
steamboat, Mohawk, was launched from tlie ship yard
of Messrs. Phillips and Graham, opposite this place.
She will carry near seven hundred tons, and is the lar.u'est
boat on the western waters. She is intended for the
Mississippi trade. Last week she was towed to Pitts-
burg by two steamboats to receive her engine. It is
stated that the cost of this bo.at will be rising $30,000.
On Sunday last, snow fell to the depth of 6 or 8
inches, and for the last three days our town has been
enlivened by visits from the citizens of Marietta, Lan-
caster, and other neighboring towns; wh'de our own
inhabitants, ever watching for enjoyment, have not left
unimproved the pleasing and enticing path to mirth —
Columbia Spy. — Feb. 2.
Printtd every S.ITURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED.
DES, No. 9 Library SUeet. Pbibdelpliia; where, and at the PUB-
LICATION 01 FICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, jecond door back
of ihe Pi,ii omce,(rroMt rooml subscription! will be thankfnily re-
ceircd. Price FIVE DOLLARS per aniiKi, payable annually
by subscribers rcsidin:? in or near the city, or where there is an
agent. Other subscribrri pay in advanc-.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DETOTKD TO THE PIlESEttVATION OF EVERT KIND OP USEFUt INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL.. IX.-NO. 7. PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 18, 1832. ]VO 216
EASTEKN DIVISION.
Report of John B.iniiER, Slperixtesdest.
7'o the Canal Commissioners:
Gentlemen- — In accoi-duncc witli the request of yom-
board, contained in the communication of the secretary
of the 22d October ult., the following^ report of the
works committed to my care on tlie eastern division of
the Pennsylvania canal, is respectfully submitted.
That part of the eastern division extending- from the
outlet lock on Duncan's Island to tlie mouth of Swatara
river, lutvinij been placed under the special charge of
a supervisor, and no new work necessary to be con-
structed during the past year, my attention has been,
for the most part, withdrawn fi-om it. My own obser-
vation of it, however, allows me to say, that it has been
in navigable use, with little or no interruption, since the
period of making my Last report, and the opinion then
expressed of its aftbrding a navigation as permanent
and effective as any similar work in tlie state, has been
entirely confirmed.
By a resolution of the board of 28th December 1830,
I was instructed to enter into contract with some suita-
ble pei-son for the immediate repair of the bridge at
Duncan's Island, under the direction and superintend-
ence of an engineer appointed for that purpose. This
was done on the 12th of Febrii.'u'y following, and the
contract submitted for yourapi)roval in March last. An
estimate, amounting to >^1,020, for work done and va-
lue of m.atcrials delivered under the contract, was re-
turned to me in June last, which the accounting officer
at Ilarrisburg has d clincd to settle, imder the impres-
sion, that, as a supervisor had been appointed on that
part of the division, the payment of tiiis estimate did
not properly come witliin tlie province of tlic superin-
tendent. In consequence of which, it was handed over
to Mr. M'Alister for adjustment, and, as I have since
learned, yet remains unsettled. It will be proper for
the board, therefore, under these circumstances to pre-
scribe the manner by which this estimate will become
payable. For the jiarticular condition of tliis bridge at
this time, and for other information relative to this part
of the division, I beg leave to refer you to the report of
Jlr. Warfoi-d, princip.al engineer on the division.
The following abstract will show the amount of mo-
neys drawn ifom the treasury and disbursed on this
portion of the line:
O. H. Dibble, balance due and per cent-
age retained on section No. 1, g2,610 10
■\V. W. Pcnnell, for the construction of
four small bridges, 100 00
Byrne and Frovcst, balance on Stoney
creek aqueduct, paid by resolution of
the boai'd, 273 90
Peter Miller, balance on fencing, paid by
direction of the board, 290 00
Evans, Moore 8c Co. ? balance on con-
Bitner, Byers St Co. S struction of diim
at Duncan's Island, 10,463 10
Damages paid, 3,H29 00
Engineering expenses, &.c., 1,970 06
$19,535 16
COLUMBIA LINE.
On the ten miles .authorized to be placed under con-
ti-act in March, 1828, the whole of the work which was
in progress at the time of my last report has been com-
pleted, and, with but two exceptions, settled agreeably
to the requisitions of the contracts. Five per cent, of
the cost of stone work of the several locks, amounting
to i?l,S64, authorized by the contracts to be witlihel'd
until the work sliall have been " proven b\- water to be
well and faithfully executed, and every pa'rt done com-
pletely and perfectly," has been retained from the final
estimates. The injur}- sustained by seveial of the wall
sections, and by the cu'vert on section No. 35, from the
high freshet in the spring, has been repaired. The
puddling on sections Nos. 35 and 36, is progressing ra-
pidly, and when tlie contract shall have been finished
there is not a doubt but these sections will be perfectly
tight. Of the remaining work on this ten miles, not
under contract in November Last, the whole is beinff
executed, and will be completed earlv in the spring.
The ascertained cost of the syphon culvert at H.al'de-
man's saw-mill, when completed, incIucUng tlie neces-
sary expense of continuing the trunk of the aqueduct
and platform of tlie bridge connected with it, will be
j found considerably to exceed the origin:d estimate in
, amount. This is attributable to the variation of the
. plan— the original estimate being intended to cover the
I expense of a wooden culvert. To secure to Mr. Halde-
! men the entire and unintciTupted use of the valuable
I water-power which he has, at great expense, tliere
j created, and wholly to destroy all apprehensions of even
the remotest obstruction to the navigation of the canal
I at this point, a structure combining g-reater strength and
j durability was deemed necessary. 1 hat, now beine
constructed, is about 60 feet in length, eleven feet six
I inches in width, .and five feet tliree inches in depth, and
I built of rubble masonry lined with cut stone — the' face
being laid in cement and backed with good lime .and
sand mort.ar, with timber top and. bottom, secured bv
u-on rods. Wooden tiunks convey tlie water to and
from the culvert. In excellence of materials, skill and
faithfulness of execution, and durability of plan of con-
struction, tliis work will vie with any mechanical work
in the state. It is now nearly completed.
The estimated amount, .as'contained in the report of
the engineer, which will be requu-ed to complete the
work under contract, including a waste-wier, six water-
ways, and a foot bridge on section No. 9, is ^23,7 18 02.
.\dd to this, amounts due and per cenUige retained!
§2,460 46; making the sum to be yet expended on this
part of the line, S2fi, 178 48.
The whole amount drawn from the treasury and paid
on the ten miles to the 25th Nov. 1831, is S?' 6,375 71
three hundred dollars of which is from tlie damage and
repair fund, and hxis been applied to the payment of an
offer of glOO, made by tlie board to Evan Green, for
damages sustained by him, and of S'OO, an amount au-
thorized to be paid to Israel Cooper, by contract, for
the remov.iI of a building on section No. 36: of the
above sum of $76,375 71— S21,171 52 have been p:ud
on balances and retained per centafpe due upon work
done prior to the 21 st December, 1830, and remainccj
unpaid for want of funds. It has not been deemed ne-
ccssarj' to detail in my tabuhr statement to whom th«
99
PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
[FlBItniBT
money has been pa'.d. The account has been settled at
the auditing depai-tment.
By uuth(5rity of the second section of tlie act of 21st
March lust, the remainder of the work on this hne, be-
intf erg'iit miles and seventy-one hundredths in length,
\vj3 allotted for execution on the 18th of May last, and
CDUtracts imiBed.ately entered into for tlie prompt and
vigorous proie.cut.on of the same, \V;th the view of the
ent.re completion of the whole hne before the first of
December, )8ol. However vain and improbable this
measure might have been generally considered, from the
magnitude of some part of the work, the advanced state of
the season and consequent shortness of time allotted for
its execution, together with tlie unexampled amount of
work offered to conti-actors in this and the neighbouring
states, yet am I strengthened in the belief that this de-
sirable issue wovdd hive been effected, had not other
unexpected and insuperable obstacles intervened. One
of the most prominent featui-es on tliis line is the lai-ge
aqueduct over the Swatara river, having a superstruc-
ture of three hundred feet in length, supported by
four piers and two abutments. Connected with this,
and resting upon the same piers, is a travelling bridge,
twenty feet in width. " The whole work, when finished,
wiU contain more than tlyee thousand fire hundred
perches of masonry. The contractors entered upon
tlieir labours witli a promptitude and energy which
gave earnest expectation of the accomplishment of
this work within the period specified. The difficulty
and even impossibility in procuring the necessary tim-
ber in season, the alteration in the plan after a part of
the wtirk had been done, the continued and unusual
high waters during tlie summer which prevented the
foundaliois of tlie piers from being laid, and the se-
vere sickness which prevailed among the workmen
employed upon it during the latter part of the sum-
mer and through the autumnal months, completely
paralyzed their utmost efforts, and disappointed the
confident hopes of 'success entertained in the com-
mencement of tlie work. The abutments are nearly
completed, the foundations of two piers have been
laid, and much of the framing of the superstructure is
done. The foundations of the other piers will be laid
during the winter, and aU the materials prepared to
make an efficient spring attack, and with unqualified
confidence I assert that the water may be passed
through in June next.
The pit of lock No. 6, has been excavated, and the
foundation will be put down immediately. A great
part of the materials for this lock are upon the ground,
and the remainders will be delivered during the winter,
so that this work can be completed in six weeks after
the weather in the spring w'iU admit of masonry being
done. So much of the stone work of lock No. 7 lias
been laid, that it can be completed in two weeks after
the mild weather opens. The contractors for building
the outlet locks at Columbia, are steadily progressing
with their work, and give assurance that the fulfilment
of their contract will be made before the first of July
next. No del.i)' to the navigation will result from the
incompletion of these locks, contemporary with the
completion of the oUier woi-k. The masonry of most of
the road and flu-m bridges is done, and the rest (the
whole being built of dry rubble work) can be put up
through the winter. Six sections have been conrpieted,
and seven others can be finished in two or three weeks.
The very wet season, and great sickliness of the line,
with the scarcity of labourers, have severely resulted to
the disadvantage of contractors, and retarded their op-
erations. A ftdl and active force will be engaged
henceforth, and the completion of every section ensu-
red before the first of April next. Section No. 12, on
which no estimate has yet been made, and sections Nos.
9, 11 and 15, which were deserted by the oi-iginal con-
Iractcrs, are now in the hands of steady and enterpri-
sing men, who will prosecute them to completion within
the shortest pfftcticable period.
The amount expended on this part of the line is as
follows:
Paid on Sections, $22,312 44
" Mechanical work, 12,831 00
" Fencing, 295 00
" Engineering, SiC. 2,053 54
$37,491 98
Amount from damage and repair fund, ex-
pended in the payment of damage con-
tracts, 137 50
Whole amount expended on the line, S37,628 98
The estimated amount which will be required to com-
plete tlie eight miles and 71 hundredths, agreeably to
the report of tlie engineer, will be, on work con-
tracted for:
On Sections, $21,887 29
Per centage retained, 3,911 62
25,798 91
Mechanical work, 55,131 25
Per centage retained, 2,315 17
57,446 42
883,245 33
To this add contingencies, and amount of
work estimated, not under contract, 14,983 25
§98,228 58
Abstract of moneys paid during the present year, up
to the 25th November, upon the 10 mUes of canal of the
old part of the line, as per table A, to wit:
On Sections, $19,563 91
Locks, 5,899 01
Aqueducts, 14,875 06
Bridges and waste-wier, 2,042 17
Lock houses, 358 00
Fencing, 363 81
Miscellaneous, 9,974 04
Engineering, 2,128 19
$55,204 19
In addition to the above disbursements,
the further sum of 521,171 52 was paid
upon balances and retained per cen-
tage upon final estimates of the former
year, 21,171 52
$76,375 71
List of damage cases settled on offers of the board
made and accepted, from the 25th Nov. 1830, to the
25th Nov. 1831, by John Barber, superintendent of
eastern division, Pennsylvania canal:
John Wanner, $150
Matthias Flaurs' heii-s, 120
Christian Kaufman, 50
Evan Green, 100
List of damage cases settled upon award of apprais-
ers appointed in conformity with the sixth section of the
act of 6th April, 1830:
Robert Clark, -^ $2100
James Forster, 143
Christiana Eagle, 158
P. Wenrich's heirs, 120
Mich'l. Kapp's heirs, 156
Hise & Lauman, SS
John Lindemuth, 181
Jacob Updegi'ove, 233
For more detailed information you are referred to
the tabular statements, and to the report of the engi-
neer attached hereto.
AH which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN BARBER,
Superintendent.
Canal Office, Eastern Division, 5
Nov. 25, 18.'<1. 5
1832.)
PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
93
Repoht of a. B. WAnronn, Exoixekb.
Eastern Division Penn'a. Canal,?
Nov. 24, 1831. 5
To Jobs B.inBKH, Esa.
Sitperlnl.enJcnl Eustnn Divim'nn Penn'n. Canal.
Srn — Tliat part of the eastern division of the Penn-
sylvania c.inul, exten-.lingfrom Clark's ferry to M'dJle-
towii, has been, since it came under my direction, and
as I have been credibly informed, w.as, from the 2-'il of
March to th.it period, in navigable order. But few re-
pairs are required on this part of the division, except at
the bridge across the Susquch.anna river at Clark's fer-
ry, which will require extensive repairs to render it a
substantial and permanent work. It is believed, Iiow-
ever, that by the repairs now in prog;ress, it will be
straightened and strengthened to such an extent, that it
will answer the intended purpose for a considcr.ible
time, at an expenditure not exceeding three thousand
five hundred dollars. The work upon the remainder
of the division, and particularly tliat part which w.as
placed under contract tlie present year, has not pro-
cessed with as much rapidity as was desirable; and
less has been done than was confidently anticipated in
the early p.art of the season. Many causes have com-
bined to retard the progress of the work. Tlie scarcity
of laborers, together with a very sickly season, by rea-
son of which the effective force of what men could be
procured was diminished, has had, in no small degree,
a retarding influence upon the works. An unusually-
wet season, and consequent high water, has been the
means of limiting the efforts of some contractors, and
has in some degree operated to the disadvantage of all.
Section No. 1, has been reported completed Sections
7, 16, 17, 18 and 19, have been completed since the
last estimate. Sections 4, 5, 8, 20, 21, C, B and A;
may be completed in three weeks. The remainder of
the sections, together with the bridges, culverts, waste-
weirs and water-ways, will be completed early in the
spring; and the locks, aqueduct, and every other part of
the work connected with the eastern division, may be
so far c 'mpleted that the water may be admitted in
June next, '('hat part of the eastern division, wh'ch
was placed under contract in pursuance of the act of the
2Ist of March last, is 8 71.100 m les in length, and the
works connected with it of the following dimensions:
The aqueduct across the Swatani is 300 feet long and
18 feet wide. Locks No, 6 and 7, are each 8 feet lift,
and 90 by 17 feet in the chamber. The outlet locks at
Columbia are each 10 feet lift, and 100 by 17^ feet jn
the chamber. The road bridges are 20 feet wide, and
48 feet in length, except the one at Walnut street in
Marietta, which will be in length 76 feet. The farm
bridges are 12 feet wide, and 48 feet long, except those
on sections 10, 12, and C, which are 50 feet long. The
towing path bridge at .Middletown is 57 feet long and 10
feet wide. Culvert on section 13, 4 feet span; waste-
wiers 60 feet long, and water-ways 8 feet wide. This
part of the division is estimated to cost §1 33,804 52, :i3
will appear in detail by referring to the accompanying es-
timate. This amount exceeds the cost, as reported by
Mr. Gay, $18,763 46; but if the cost of the outlet locks
at Cohimbia be deducted, which appears not to have
been contemplated in that report, it will be found to
fall within his estimate. The .amount of work estima-
ted to have been done, on the 15th inst. was $41,992 03,
which left the value of the work remaining to be done,
$91,812 49; to which, if there is added $23,718 0?, the
amount estimated to complete the work authorized pi-i-
or to the 21st of March last, it will make $115,530 50,
the total amount required to complete the eastern divi-
sion, and is believed to be sufficiently large to meet
every exigency.
Included in the estimated cost of the aqueduct over
the Swatara, is $7200 for altering the plan, after the
works were put under contract. This was done from
the belief that the work, if executed agreeably to the
plan then proposed, would be insufficient to sustain the
necessary >> eiglit of water, and with a view to give it
that stability v.-hch the structure reqtiired.
All which is respeclfullv submitted.
A. B. WAUFOltD, Engineer.
ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF WORK.
F.slimated cost of that part of the eastern divis'on of/
the PennsvUania c.inal, authorized by the act of 2l3t
March, 1831.
Sec/Ions.
No. 1. — Daniel Dougherty, contractor, glOTI 44
No. 2. — Peacock and Miller, contnictors, 1020 52
No. 3. — Peacock and M, Her, contractors, 1556 6 J
No. 4. — Bernard Fitzsimmons, contractor, 1715 52
No. 5. — ,Iohn Darning, continictor. 1719 44
No. 6. — Neal and Hughes, contractors, 877 77
No. 7.— .lohn Ivc-Uev, contractor, 1923 SO
No. 8. — Lathrop, Wjlber & I rcat, contractors, 626 SI
No. 9. — Jeremiah Kirk, contractor, 1615 48
No. 10.— John C. Lessig, contractor, 993 20
No. 11. — John Mtu-ry, contractor, 1377 61
No. 12. — James Eagan, contractor, 1417 25
No. 13. — Lathrop, ivilber St Trrat, contractors, 1558 05
No. 14. — M'Lean ;ind H.arkins, contractors, 2728 95
No. 15. — Edward MiUigan, contractor, includ-
ing work estimated to Edward
Fabrigue, contractor, 24^2
No. 16 John and Felix MuiTy, contractors, 2070
No. 17. — lohn and Felix Murry, contractors, 1087
No. 18. — Eagan, Dougherty & Hojjkins, con
tractors.
No. 19. — George Blattenberger, contractor.
No. 20. — John Dougherty, contractor.
No. 21. — Michael Hurke, contractor,
C. — Jeremiah Kirk, contractor,
B. — Patrick Carson, contractor,
A — Herman Sutton, contractor.
Lock No. 7 — Ehle and Hod.ge contractors,
No 6 — Ehle and Hodge, contractors.
Outlet Lock at Columbia — Guilford, M'Cul-
lough & Anderson, contractors, 20,0^3
Culvert on Section 13 — Not under contract, 456
Aqueduct at Swatara.— John and Nathaniel
Evans, contractors, 19,770
Road Bridge, No. 1. — A- P. and C. Provest,
contractors,
No. 2. — A. P. and C. Provest,
contractors.
No. 3. — Harris and Fleury,con-
tMCtors,
No. 4. — Contract forfeited.
Extra Bridge at Marietta. — Samuel Hopkins
& Co., contractors.
Road Bridge, No. 6, — Boyer and Jenkins,con-
tractors,
No.7. — Boyer and Jcnkins.con-
ti-actors.
Farm Bridge, No. 1.— .\. P. and C. Provest,
contractors.
No. 2. — Harris and Fleury.con-
tractors.
No. 4.— Kauffelt, Herr Si Co.,
contractors.
No, 5.— Kauffelt, Herr & Co.,
constractors.
Farm Bridge on Section No. 10.— Rich.ard
and Thomas English, contractors.
Farm Bridge, No. 6.— Kauffelt, Herr St Co.,
contractors.
Farm Bridge on Section 12. — Foreman and
M'Ne.al, contractors.
Farm Bridge. No. 7.— ^Vilbc^andTreat,con-
?047
3378
1831
6849
1947
3.99
2785
6839
66-7
492
574
659
629
1284
898
626
705
517
563
510
No. 8..
tractors,
-Wilber and Treat, con-
tractors,
517
543
1002
500
100
REPORT ON AGRICULTURE, kc.
[FEBSUAIir
Farm Bridg'c, No. 9. — Richard and Thomas
English, contractors, 741 00
No. 10. — Richard and Thomas
English, contractors, 671 90
No. 11. — Richard and Thomas
English, contractors, 529 30
No. 12. — John Cameron, con-
tractor, 506 50
No. 13. — John Cameron, con-
tractor, 1261 00
Farm Bridge on Section C. — Breneman and
Crawford, conti-actors, 567 85
Towing Path Bridge at Middletowi, 1001 75
Two waste-wiers, not under contract, at S375, 750 00
Twow.ater-ways, not under eonti'act, at S500, 1000 00
Houses at Locks No. 6 and 7. — Jones and
Balsley, contractors, _ 347 00
Houses at outlet Lock. — Not under conti-act, 400 00
5020 rods fence, at §1 20, 6024 00
Removing- on Sections 3 and 4. — S.aml. Hop-
kins, contractor, 275 00
Removing Building on Section No. 2. — Saml.
Zink, contractor, - 12 50
Removing Building on Section No. 15. — Ed-
ward Fabrigues, contractor, 50 00
Removing Building on Section 17. — John
AVhite, contractor, 125 00
Removing Building' on Section 19. — Jno. B.
Haldeman, contractor, 100 00
Removing Building- at Swatara. — John Storm,
conti-actor, 70 00
Removing Building on Section C. — Daniel
May, contractor, 75 00
Contingencies, 6700 00
$133,804 52
41,992 03
Total cost.
Amount of work estimated to have been
done, November 15th, 1831,
Amount required to finish the work, $91,812 49
Estimated cost of completing tliat part of the eastern
division of the Pennsylvania canal, authorized pre-
vious to the 21st of March, 1831.
Puddling Section No. 35. — Robt. W. Hous-
ton & Co., contractors, $4937 25
Puddling Section No. 36. — Robt. W. Hous-
ton & Co., contractors, 7141 91
Lock No. 1, 1000 00
Road Bridge, No. 5. — Boyer and Jenkins,
contractors, 5C8 36
Road Bridge on Section No. 36. — Samuel
Hopkins, contractor, 425 00
Foot Bridge, 200 00
Culvert at Haldeman's Mill Alexander
Provest &, Co., 2337 50
Houses at Locks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8.— Jones
and Balsley, contractors, 1662 00
One waste-wier, 350 00
Six water-ways, $500 e.ach, 3000 00
Contingencies, 2156 00
Amount required to complete the works, $23,718 02
REPORT ON AGRICULTURE, &c. TO THE
LEGISLATURE.
Mr. Drumheller, from the committee on agriculture
and domestic maimfactui-es made the following report,
viz:
The committee on amculture and domestic manufac-
tures, to whom was referred so much of the Governoi-'s
message, as relates to tlie culture of the vine and the
Mulberry tree, together with the subject of encouraging
the formation of societies for the promotion of agricul-
tm-e, and also, so much as relates to manufactures,
REPORT:
That they approach the subject with a deep sense of
its importance, and aware of the necessity of caution
and cii-cumspection, in regard to any measure which
may e.xercise an extensive and lasting influence on
tlie st.ate of society, and the social relations of life, it is
with diffidence we ofl'er the following suggestions. No
community can become numerous, intelligent, prosper-
ous, or happy, without plentiful supplies of the neces-
saries and comforts of life, and these can onl}rbe fur-
nished where agriculture and manufictures are in a
flourisliing condition. Hence, the prosperity of these
sources of national wealth, is a necessary preliminary to
all other improvements in the condition of the body of
the people. It is therefore among the most imperative
duties of the government, to foster and encourage them,
by the judicious application of such means as the con-
stitution has placed at its disposal. The extensive sys-
tem of internal improvement in which we are now en-
gaged, has for its primary object the increase of pro-
ductive power; and it will readily be conceded, that it
is the most effectual means of accomphshing the end in
view. But while we are appropriating so many millions
in this way, it may be worth while to consider, if tliere
be not other means of promoting the same object, at
least deserving of attention. It is certainly necessary
tliat our farmers should have facilities of getting their
products to market, before their power of production
can be fully called into exercise, but it is n6t less neces-
sary, that thej- should possess the knowledge requisite
to direct their labor in the most profitable way. Your
committee have no doubt that the raising of silk, and of
the grape, if extensively introduced, would be sources
of profit to many of our citizens, and an important ad-
vantage to the community at large. That species of the
mulberry on which the silk worm is fed in Europe and
Asia, is so well adapted to our clim;Ue, that it has be-
come naturalized in some parts of our state, and is to
be found growing without care or cultivation, in hedge
rows and waste places. It is easily propag.ated, either
by seed or by cuttings of the branches, so that nothing
is wanting but information and a little attention to its
cultivation, to multiply it to any desirable extent. We
have also a native species of mulberry, wliich is known
to answer the purpose for feechng silk worms, whether
as well or better than the foreign, is perhaps not yet de-
termined. Several species of the grape are also natives
of the country, and some varieties of the wine grape of
Europe have been cultivated in some places to advan-
tage, whilst others have been found too tender to stand
the severe winters of this climate, and the question iis
yet undecided, whether foreign or native varieties of tliis
dehcious fruit are best adapted to general cultivation.
There are doubtless many other articles now imported,
wliich may be produced in our own country. Madder
will grow luxuriantly in tliis state,and it is highly proba-
ble tliat the Olive tree and the Tea plant would both
thrive well in some of the southern states. In tliese
cases,andevery other in which articles are not produced,
where it might be adv.antageously done, it is evident
that want of knowledge is the principal reason for the
deficiency. Any measure, therefore, which would dif-
fuse among Xhe inhabitants of our state, an increase of
useful and practical knowledge, .and promote a spirit of
inquiry and enterprise, will cause agi-iculture and man-
ufactures to improve, and promote general prosperity
and happiness.
Societies for the improvement of agricultui-e and man-
ufactures, appear well calculated to excite emulation,
and tlius assist in perfecting the skill of the agricultural-
ists and manufactm-ers. They are, therefore, useful;
and where the citizens feel interest enough in them, to
devote a portion of their time and attention in promo-
ting their object, tliey are deserving of high commen-
d.ation. But your committee do not perceive, that any
1832.]
NORTHERN DISPENSARY.
101
considerable benefit would result from encouraging
such associations by appropriations of money from tiic
Tre;isuary, and it is feared that much of what might be
thus obtained,would be wasted on oljjccts of little utility.
Schools or academics in which agriculture and the
mechanic arts shall be taught in the most improved
metliods, in connection with literary and scientific in-
struction, the students attending a portion of their time,
to tile pursuits of literature and science, and another to
manual hibor, appear admirably adapteilto promote our
object. In such institutions, the labor of the pupils will
give strength and vigor to their constitutions, they will
learn the most approved methods of prosecuting what-
ever branch of busiEicss tliey may choose to follow,
and they will natui-.dly acquire habits of industry, that
cannot fail to be highly useful in after life. At the
s,ame time, they will have the opportunity of acquiring
an ample store of knowledge, and the regular prosecu-
tion of their studies, will discipline and improve their
mental powers. This combination of intelligence, vi-
gor of body, activity of mind, and habitual industry,
forms a character wliich is well calcidated for exten-
sive usefulness in everj' situation in life, and is pre-em-
inently calculated to promote the well being of society,
by increasing the power of production in allljranches
of business. Such establishments may readily be made
the means of diftusing a practical knowledge of all use-
ful discoveries and improvements, and by the combina-
tion of science, mechanical skill and practical know-
ledge, which this system of education cannot fail to pro-
duce, many discoveries will doubtless be made that oth-
erwise would escape notice.
We arc not recommending a Utopian scheme, or ad-
vocating an untried principle. Schools have been es-
tablished upon this plan, and so fiir as they have been
tried, it is believed they have given an earnest of use-
fulness that will justify veiy sanguine espectitions.
The most conspicuous among tliese, and that wliich
has been the longest in operation of any that is known
to )our committee, is that of Kmanuel Fellcnburg, at
Hofwyl, in Switzci-land. It was established more than
twenty years since, an^l is still in successful operation;
and from the concurrent reports of many travellers who
have visited it, the experiment has conclusively demon-
strated the great superiority of the system over every
otlier that has been made known to the public. Se-
veral establishments have also been commenced in this
country on similar principles, that give flattering indica-
tions; but there arc none th.at li.ave been long enough in
operation, to show, by their fruits, the extent of the ad-
vantages they are calculated to confer.
It is a source of much satisfiction to reflect, that while
the system we recommend will give an education much
better adapted to form useful citi.!ens, than can be ob-
tained at our best institution* on tlie present plan; it
will also be much less expensive. The agTicultur.il
school at Hofwyl, is the property of a private individ-
ual, and we know not whether the Labor of the scholars
is suflicieiit to remunerate him for the expense of their
education. It is known, however, tliat they are fed,
clothed and instnictcd without any p;iy or profit, ex-
cept what is derived from their labor, and we infer tliat
the loss, if any, cannot be very considerable, otlierwisc
tlie school would be discontinued. At the Oneidn in-
stitute, in the state of New York, according to tlie re-
port of the managers of that institution, the students
work three hours in the d.ay, and this is found sufficient
to pay for their boarding and lodging; and some of supe-
rior skill, have paid all their expenses. — There i.s,
therefore, little doubt, that young men from fifteen to
twenty years of age, by working four or five hours in
each day, could pay all the necessary expenses of tlicir
education and maintenance: so that a liberal and valua-
ble education might be placed within reach of cverj-
child of the republic, with but little burthen upon the
community. We are aware it is not the province of this
committee to digest and propose a plan for citabli-ihing
such institutions; but we would earnestly recommend
them as proper objects of legislative encouragement.
And as the consider.ition of the propriety of establishing
a general system of education, has been referred to an-
other committee, we respectfully propose the following
resolution, viz :
Resolved, that tlie committee on education be in-
structed to enquire into the cxpecUency of making pro-
vision, by law, for the establishment of a competent
number of academies or schools, in which agricultural
and mechanical employment shall be combined with
Uterary and scientific instruction.
The resolvition attached to the foregoing report, was
again read, considered and adopted.
NORTHERN DISPENSARY.
Remaining under care last year.
Admitted since that time.
Of whom the number recovered is.
Relieved,
Died,
Remaining under care.
The receipts and expenditures have been as follows:
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury last yeai-.
Interest on Mortgages,
Interest on the Kensington Loan,
Income on Wills' Legacy,
Contributions,
§380 90
42 00
190 00
270 00
328 00
$1,210 90
EXPENDITURES.
Medicines,
Leeching, Cupping and Bleeding,
Medical Works,
Stationary and Printing,
Apothecary'sSalary,
Balance in the Treasurj',
Collecting Contributions and distributing An-
nual Report,
1165 91
182 90
3 00
12 30
80 00
734 32
32^47
$1,210 90
In presenting the annual report of tlie Nortlicrn Dis-
pensary, for the year 1831, tlie managers U-ust th.at their
fellow citizens may be renewcdly induced to patron-
ize an institution so peculiarly deserving of their fos-
tering care. To the truly benevolent heart there can-
not be a more ex(iuisite reward than that arising from
the consideration, tli;it it has ministered to the deserv-
ing poor, whilst sufFering under tlie deprivations and
pains of tlie sick bed. However surrounded by other
comforts, what is life if health is taken from us' Con-
sider tlie poor man and his dependent family! When
disease overUikes him, the few comforts his wages have
I enabled him to dispense to his beloved partner and tcn-
I der oflspring, .are at once taken away, and poverty in
j prospect, is seen to add redoubled force to e\ cry panp.
j If he h.as sa> ed a little fmm his hard earnings, it' may all
I be sunk in medicine and attendance. Just atOiisjunc-
I tiu-e, a contributor to tlic Dispen».arv mav soothe his
h.arasscd feelings, by the a.'isurance that the phvsician
I and medicines sh.aU be supplied without expense. Hi«
102
PHILADELPHIA BAR.
[FiBKCABT
mental fears are thus allayed, and his physical malady
rendered more controlable It is needless to say more
to our fellow citizens on the subject of this cliaritable
institution; we feel assvu-ed tliey will not suffer it to
lans^uish.
i'o establish it upon a permanent basis, the managers
are satished a more central situation is required; and
since they have extended its benefits to the dstr.ct of
Penn township, they are desa-ous to find a suitable scite
for the erection of a building-, which shall comprise
within its walls the necessary conveniences. They
most ardently hope that when application shall be made
to their fellow citizens of the Northern Liberties and
Penn township, for aid— in prociu-ing- tlie same, they
will show that liberality for which they have always
' been distinguished. It'will be observed tliat the num-
ber of patients has been less than last year, in conse-
quence of exemption from epidcmxs.
Contributions and donations will be thankfully re-
ceived by our Treasurer, John C. Browne, No 334
North Front street; at tlie Dispensary, No 371 North
Front street, S. E. corner of Green street, or by either
of the managers.
By order of the Board of Managers.
GEORGE BOYD, President.
Joseph S. Rilet, Secretary.
PhUadelphia, Dec. 29, 1831.
Uesolved. That the owners and masters of vessels in
port be requested to display their flags at the mast-head
during the day.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to aiTange
a proceision, and that they respectfully request the par-
ticipation therein of the society of the Cincinnati, of the
surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution and of
the late war, and of the officers of the army and navy
of the United States.
Resolved, That the committee respectfully request
the Major General to issue ordei-s for a parade of the
military of the division, so that they may co-operate in
this celebration, and to invite the volunteers of the
neighbouring states and cities.
Resohed, That the conimittee respectfully request
the participation in the procession of the judges of
the courts, the mayor and corporate officers of the city
and county, the literary, scientific and benevolent socie-
ties, the firemen of the city and county, the members
of the difl'erent trades, professions and public institu-
tioirs, and such other societies, public bodies and citizens
as will unite with them.
Resolved, That the details of the arrangements be
made known at the earliest practicable period.
Resolved, That application be made to the Select
and Common Councils of the city and the adjoining
districts, for appropriations to aid in defraying the ex-
penses of the celebration.
Resolved, That the following persons be a committee
with full pow.er to carry into effect the objects of the
preceding resolutions, viz.
Henry I). Gilpin,
C. G.'Childs,
Benjamin Chew, jr.
James Page,
John Miles,
~J03pphR Ingcrsoll,
Thomas M. Pettit,
Alex. M'Caraher,
and
Walter R. Johnson.
CENTENNARY CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH
OF WASHINGTON.
The following gentlemen having been appointed a
general committee, by a pubhc meeting of the citizens
of the city and county of Pliiladelphia, assemlded to
make arrangements for a suitable celebration of the
centennary 'birth-day of GEORGE WASHINGTON,
on the 22d of February, 1B32, viz— William Rawle,
Alex. M'Caraher, J.siah Randall, Walter R. Johnson,
Thomas M. Pettit, James Page, Thomas ("ad walader, ^
Benj. Chew, jr , Kenderton Smith, George N. Baker, i niemory of that man who was their pride when living,
Robert A. Pan-ish, Richard Palmer, Benj W. Rxhards, | ^nd whose name is inseparably blended with the hber-
Joseph R. IngersoU, Robert Patterson, Col. C.G Childs,
Henry D. Gdpin, William Milnor, Jr., Clisales S. Coxe,
John Miles, Jacob Frick, Isaac W. Norris, I homas H.
Craige, James Ronaldson— a meetin.g of the .general
committee was held at the Mayor's office, on Monday
the 6th of February. The subject having been taken
Resolved, That the general committee express their
anxious desire, that all their fellow citizens may cordial-
ly and efficiently unite in a celebration, which is intend-
ed to commemorate their grateful feelings towards the
tv, the glory, and the happiness of their common coun-
try. ROBERl A. PARRlSH, Chairman.
AViLLiAM MiLson, Jr. Secretary.
into full consideration, the following resolutions were
adopted:
Resolved, That tlie celebration of the approachmg
anniversary sliall embrace the following general arrange-
ments —
1. That the day be ushered in by the rmgmg of beUs
at sunrise, and that this ceremony be repeated at noon
and sunset
TESTIMONIALS OF RESPECT,
At a meeting of the members of the Bar of Philadel-
phia, held at the Law Library, on the 20th of Decem-
ber, 1831, Charles Chauncey, Esq., Chairman, T, I.
Wharton, Secretary,. —
iMr. Sergeant proposed the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the i5ar is desirous to express their
respect and regard for their venerable associate WIL-
2. That the citizens be earnestly requested, as far LIAM RAWLE, Esq., and preserve a likeness of one
as practicable, to suspend business during the day, in who has contributed so much to do honour to the pro-
order to give more effect to the celebration,and to ena- '"-—:—
ble all classes to unite in it.
3. That during the day national salutes be fired from
the Navy Yard and by the volunteers.
4. That all vessels' in port shall be decprated with
their flags.
5. That there be a grand civic and military procession
during the day.
Resolved, That appfication be made to the proper
authorities to have the bells of the different public edi-
fices rung during the day.
Resolved, That application be made to the Com-
mandant at the Navy Yard, respectfully requesting that
a salute of one hundred heavy guns may be fired during
the dav.
Resolved. That application be made to the Major
General of the Division respectfully requesting him to
issue orders to have corresponding salutes fired during
the dav.
fession.
Resolved, That a committee be now appointed to
signify to Mr. Rawle the wishes of the Bar in this re-
spect, and to engage a suitable artist for the purpose.
The following committee were then appointed:
Mr. Sergeant,
Chauncey,
J. R. IngersoU,
T. J. Wharton,
W. M. Meredith.
CHARLES CHAUNCEY, Chaii-man.
T. J. Wn.iiiTON-, Secretary.
In consequence of the foregoing resolution, the
committee addressed a letter to Mr. Rawle, a copy of
which is subjoined, together with Mr. Rawle's reply:
Deah Sir, — The members of the Bar of Philadel-
phia, "desirous to express their respect and regard for
1832.]
PHILADELPHIA BAR.
103
their venerable associate, Willum RtwLi:, Esq., and
to presence a likcnesi of one who has contributed so
much to do honour to the profession," have .ippointed
us a committee to request that you will do them the fa-
vour to sit for a portr.iit, tii be painted by an eminent
artist, and fixed in such place as the B.ir may d rcct.
\\ e have great pleasure in performing- the duty thus
assigned to us To be the orjjan of an expression of
regard and respect, so well deserved, is indeed pecu-
liarly gratifying.
On belialf of the Bar, therefore, we request that you
will be good enough to name an early day for the pur-
pose expressed in their resolution.
We are, very truly and respectfully, your friends and
servants,
JOHN SERGEANT,
CHARLES CHAUNCEY,
.1. R. INGEUSOLL,
T. J. AVHARTON,
\V. M. MEREDITH.
To AViiLiiM Rawle, Esq.
December 21, 1831.
ANSWER.
Gestlemes-, — It is chfficult for me to find language
adequate to express tlie sense I feel of a compliment so
unexpected, so unmerited, as that which, through you,
I have received from my professional brethren.
To be thus honoured is a distinction so highly flatter-
ing as to preclude the hesitation of a moment in com-
plying with the request, and it only remains for you to
designate the artist to be employed.
[ have the honour to be with the greatest respect,
your affectionate and obedient servant;
W. RAAVLE.
To John Sergeant, Charles Chauncey, Joseph R. In-
gersoll, Thomas I. Wharton, Wilhara M. Meredith,
Bequires.
We understand, that Mr. Inman, the artist employed,
has most successfully accomplished the object desired
by tlie Bar.
At a meeting of the members of the Bar at Philadel-
phia, held at the Law Library on the 20th of Decem-
ber 1831, Charles Chauncey, Chaimian, T. I. Wharton,
Secretary.
On motionof Mr. Wheeler, seconded by Mr. Sergeant,
it was unanimously
Resolved, that the members of this Bar entertain a
grateful sense of their obligations to Mr. David Cald-
■wELi, late Clerk of the Circuit and District Courts of
the United States, for his uniform kindness and atten-
tion to tlicm, and are desirous of beaiing testimony to
the remarkable correctness and integrity with which
the duties of his office have been discharged.
Resolved, that a piece of plate be presented to Mr.
Caldwell, in the name of the B.ar of Philadelphia, as a
memorial of their frientlship and respect for him.
The following gentlemen were appointed a commit-
tee to carry.the resolution into effect.
Mr. Sergeant,
Wheeler,
J. R. Ingersoll,
Jas. <:. BidiUe,
AV. M. Meredith.
CH. CHAUNCEY, Chairman.
T. I. Whahtcv, Secretary.
The following is the correspondence which followed,
between the committee and .Mr. Caldwell: —
Dear Sin: — We have been appointed by the B.ar, at
a meeting held on the 20th inst. to communicate to you
a resolution they have unanimously adopted, and also
to carry into effect the intentions expressed by their
vote. Of this resolution we now enclose a copy.
It would aflford us unmingled pleasure to be thus in-
strumental in conveying to you a tribute of affection
and resptct, so sincerely offered and so justly merited,
were it not unavoidjibly accompanied with the painful
feeling that our intercourse with you as an officer is now
to cease.— During the lon.g period of your service, we
have experienced the most unwcaiying kindness, joined
with the strictest integrity and accuracy, in the perform-
ance of your duties, so that the attachment founded up.
on your affectionate solicitude at all times to assist and to
serve us, was exalted and strengthened by the firm
conviction that every trust belonging to your office w.as
faithfully, accurately and conscientiously fulfilled. We
still remember the proud satisfaction with which, as
members of the Bar of Pennsylvania, we heartl, upon a
memorable occasion, the office of Clerk of the Penn-
sylvania District held up at Washington as an example
of official piu-ity and exactness.
Under the influence of these recollections, our best
wishes go with you into your retirement, mingled with
our regrets at parting with one so much respected and
esteemed.
J. SERGEANT,
C. WHEELER,
J. R. I^'GERSOLL,
J. C. BIDDLE,
W. M. MEREDITH.
To Messrs. Sergeant, Wheeler, J. R. Ingersoll, J. C.
Biddle and W. M. Meredith, committee.
Gestle-mex — I want words to express the deep sen-
sibility with which I have this day received the resolu-
tions of the Bar of Philadelphia, passed on the twentieth
inst;int; and I shall not attempt it. I will onlv sav, and
I do it with pride and pleasure, that the harmony of an
official intercourse of more than forty years with that
B;\r, and the fithers of many of its present members,
has not been interrupted in a single instance, by any
act or expression of unkindness or disrespect — and that
this new testimony of courtesy and kindness, received
with gratitude as it was offered with urbanity, will be
cherished through my few remaining years, as a most
gi-atifying, yet too partial reward for the services to
which it refers.
Accept, gentlemen, for yourselves, individually, and
for the very distinguished and greatly respected body
whom you represent, my ardent wishes for your con-
tinued prosperity here and for yoiu- future happiness.
D. CALDWELI-
Philadelphia, 23d Dec. 1831.
The Bar of PhiLadelphia have presented to David
Caldwell, Esq., a silver pitcher and stand, of the v.aluc
of one hundred and fifky dollars. The articles are from
the manufactory of Mr. Thomas Fletcher, Chesnut
street; the pitcher is a beautiful piece of workmanship,
worthy of that gentleman's high reputation as an artist.
Every one who has any direct knowledge, or has heard
of Mr. Caldwell, must acknowledge that this tribute of
esteem is well merited We annex a copy of tlie just
inscription on the pitcher.
" PnESEi^TEn DT THE Bab or PniLADELpniA to
DAVID CALDWELL, ESQ.
Late Clerk of the United States' Courts for the Penn-
sylvania District, in testimony of their great re-
spect and regard, and of their sense of the uni-
form courtesy, kindness and fidelity,
which eminently characterized his
conduct as an officer and a gen-
tleman, in their intercourse
with him. Januarv,
183?."
104
CANAL TOLLS— BREAKING UP OF THE SUSQUEHANNA.
fFaBinTAitr
TABLE OF THEJRATES OF TOLL ON THE
DELAWARE AND HUDSON CANAL.
The first column shows the Rates, where the Rules
and Regulations are compUed with: the second, the le-
gal Tolls.
ARTICLES, CTs. CTS.
Gypsum, per ton per mile, 1 1-2 4
Salt, . . 2 1-2 4
Flour, meal, g'rain, salted provisions, pot
and pearl ashes, '24
Cement, ' 3 1-2 4
Ground tanner's bark, 2 4
UngTOund do. do. 1 1-2 4
Molasses, sugars, and liquors, 3 4
Hay in bundles pressed, 1 4
Merchandize, ' 3 4
Timber in Boats— Hemlock — per 100
cubic feet, per mile, 1 4
but not to exceed 75
cents, for any dis-
ance on canal.
" Pine — per 100 cubic
feet, per mile, 1 1-2 4
but not to exceed $1
for any distance on
canal.
« Oak — per 100 cubic
feet, per mile, 2 4
but not to exceed
§1,50 for any dis-
tance on canal.
" JIaple, Cherry, and
Whitcwood, per IflO
cubic feet per mile, 3 4
but not to exceed $3
for any distance on
canal.
" in Rafts — Hemlock — per 100
cubic feet, per mile, 2 4
" Pine, 3 4
" Oak, 4 4
«« Maple, Cherry, and
White wood, 4 4
Boards, Planks, and Scaniling in Boats.
Hemlock, per 1000 feet board measure
per mile, 1 ^
but not to exceed 75 cents on
anv distance of the canal.
Pine, per lO'OO feet board measure, per
mile, 11-2 4
but not to exceed SI for any
distance on canal.
Oak, per 1000 feet board measure, per
mile, 2 4
but not to exceed $1,50 for any
distance on canal.
Maple, Cherry, and Whitewood, per
lOOO' feet board measure, per
mile, 3 4
but not to exceed §3 for any
distance on canal.
Boards, Planks, or Scanlling in Rafts.
Hemlock, per 1000 feet board measure,
per mile, 2 4
Pine, 3 4
Oak, 4. 4
Maple, Cherry, and Whitewood, 4 4
Staves and heading in boats, per ton
per mile, 1 1-2 4
in rafts, 2 4
Shinries^in boats, per 1000 per mile,
Pine, 4 10 8 10
Hemlock, 3 10 8 10
Shingles in rafts— Pine, 3 10 8 10
Hemlock, 8 10 8 10
Slanufactures of wood, per ton per
mile, 2 1-2 4
Iron Castings, 3 4
Common brick and Stone Lime, Iron
Ore and Sand, 1 4
Fii-e brick, Fii-e Stone and Coal, 1 1-2 4
Marble and Mill Stones, and all manu-
factured Stone, 3 4
Posts and Rails, and Lath in boats, 1 1-2 4
do. do. in rafts, 3 4
Hoop poles, 1 1-2 4
do. do. split or shaved, 2 4
Cotton in bales or bags, 3 4
Iron up the canal, 3 4
Do. down the canal, 2 4
Cord wood in boats, from 1 to 10 miles
per cord, per mile, 4 4
11 miles, 45 44
and for every addi-
tional mile, one
cent per cord, un-
til the toll amounts
to 50 cents — and a
half cent per cord
per mile, for eve-
ry additional mile
above 18 miles,un-
- til tlie toll amounts
to 60 cents per
cord, and for every
five miles thereaf-
ter, one cent per
cord.
Articles not enumerated going from
tide water, 3 4'
Towards tide water, 2 4
Pleasure boats, on the capacity of the
boat, 4 4
Milage on boats loaded or empty, to-
wards tide water, two cents
per mile — from tide water,
four cents per mile on the
boat. Dundaff Republican-
CoLOMBii, 'IhuTsday, Feb. 9, 1832.
BnEAKiXG UP OF THF ScsarEHAifSA. — ^Tbc raius of
the 3d and 4th inst. caused the Susquehanna so to swell,
that about 6 o'clock on the evening of the latter day,
^Saturday,) the ice commenced moving with a great
crash. The rapidity with which the water rose, soon
created fears for the bridge and the property at stake
along the river bank. Immediate measures were taken
for the removal of the flour, whiskey, &c. in danger,
which were successful; and w'e believe every thing
moveable, that was liable to destruction, was placed in
safety, with the exception of tlie lumber. Great crowds
were' attracted to the bridge in the eai-ly part of the
evening, and from the constant noise made by the ice
pressing against it, more resembling a discharge of mus-
ketry than any thing we can liken it to; the opinion pre-
vailed that the whole of the bridge from the Wrights-
^•ille side to the big island, was being swept a%vay. At
this period the most painfiil anxiety was manifest; the
darkness of the night was a barrier to tlie sight, whUe it
was unsafe to enter the bridge for the purpose of grati-
fjdng curiosity. About 11 o'clock, the ice had stopped
nmning, being damned below, and a number of persons
fi-om Wrightsville came over and reported that no part
of the bridge had gone, except the lower side of a span
in about the centre, and that the sound which had crea-
ted so much uneasmess, was caused by the ripping ofF
of some of the weather-boarding . This allayed a great
1832.]
i05
deal of fear, and confidence ag-ain prevailed in the sta-
bility of til is noble structure.
At 12 o'clock, however, tlie ice made another push,
and at a quarter past, 5 spah or 540 feet of the bridg-e
were taken from the piers with a crasli that went to the
heart of every listener. Sliortly after the ice ag-ain jam-
med and stopped, and so continued until about half
past 10 on Sunday morning, when it moved ai\d took
with it 2 span or 210 feet of the bridg-e near the Wrights-
ville side.
Before we go further, it will be necessary to state, as
explanatory of the unusual height of the water at this
place, that at the breaking up of the river three weeks
since, the ice was unable to farce its passag^e through
the narrow places below — consequently all that had
come down for the distance of more than 200 miles,
had crowded into a spiice of about 12 miles in length,
forming a dam in some places 6J feet above low water
mark, and extending to the bottom. The difliculty of the
water findin.^ its way through sucli a mass of ice, may
easily be im.ag-ined. It is said that four miles down, it
never started during all the time it was running here.
Aside from this cause, there was not water enough
in the river to occasion any injury or excite an}' alarm
On Tuesday was tlie greatest rise. On that d.iy,
about 11 o'clock in the morning-, the ice m.ade another
shove; at this time tlie water rose two feet higher tlian
it had previously been— 9 span or about 1000 feet of
the bridge were carried' away near the Wrightsville
shore; many of the board piles in tlic lumber yards on
this side were upset; and the two shore-houses of
Mr. C. Haldeman were considerably injured. At 1
o'clock the river had become clear of ice opposite this
place, and it continues so at this time, having fallen to
nearly its natural height. Above the bridge there is
some ice, and below us the dam remains unbroken.
Two stables belonging to Mr. T. Winnemore were
taken ofi"; the frame work of the saw-mill just above the '
bridge, erecting by Messrs. Forrey, M'Kissick and ,' which had been formed since the late freshet, took its
Hcise, was borne away; the saw-mill owned by Jlr. Ja- j departure for the Chesapeake Bay. The river was ex-
mail over. They went on the bridge till they came to
the opening-, thence on the ice till tliey again reached
the bridge. They succeeded in takiny it to Wrights-
ville in safety; on returning, however, they were in
great danger; the iie st;irte<i while tliey were on it, and
it was with some difficulty th.at they reached the bridg-e.
The feelings of the spectators who were witnesses to
this from the shore, may be imag-ined, but cannot bo
described.
The water on Tuesd;iy was about 19 feet above low
water mark, and 30 inches higher than it was at the
break in January, 1813. Its height was about the same
as in 1784. Tradition speaks of a high floodin 1740,whicli
far exceeded that of '84 — and inferring that no interme-
diate flood was higher than that of the latter year, it fol-
lows that the water reached a greater altitude on the 7th
inst.tlian it had done for 92 years. — Culumbia Spy.
At Marietta, the river was very high, and at one time
considerable lumber and whiskey were afloat; we learni
however, tliat it will pretty much be saved, 'l he build-
ing occupied by Rees Hippie, as a dwelling, formerly a
still-house, was swept from its foundation. From Sunday-
morning till Wednesday, the turnpike between Marietta
and this place was imp;issable, and travellers had to tsikc
the old road. In the public house, kept by Col. Kelly,
called the half-way house, the water w:is 15 inches on
the first floor on Tuesday forenoon. — lb.
It is feared that our neighbours of AVashington, three
miles below, have suffered severely. All Front street
was inund.ated, and store-houses, stables, Sec. were
thrown into confusion. We have not heard partic-
ulars. — fo.
WiiLiAWSponT, Feb. 8.
On Saturday evening last, the ice in the West Branch
cob Strickler, and improved by Mr. T. Collins, was
moved off by the force of the ice, and the store-house
belonging to .Mr. Strickler, was also taken from its
fovnidation.
The whole length of the bridge at this place, was
5690 feet; about one-third of it is gone, and the remain-
der is mora or less injured in different places. It was
commenced in 1812, and made p-.issable in the fall of
1814; and we learn that this is the first injury it ever
sustained from the ice. The cost was about $232,000.
We have not understood what course the directors h
ceedingly high, and it passed off smoothly, doing but
little injury as we have yet learned. An incident, how-
ever, occurred, which is we think without a parallel in
the liistory of ice freshets upon the Susquehanna. About
dark, on Saturday evening, Mr. Joseph Bailey, of the
island opposite Jersey Shore, in endeavouring to secure
a flat boat, which lay near the lower end of the island,
exposed to the loose ice, ventured into it, and at that
moment a large quantity of ice came in contact with the
boat, broke the rope by which it w:ls fastened, and
drove it past the point of the island. The river being
concluded to adopt, but their well known enterprise j entirely covered with floating ice, his lamentable cries
and ability lead to the belief that the most efficient for assistance were in vain — no human powercotdd res-
measures will be resorted to, for promptly repairing the cue him from his perilous situation. About midnight,
injury siist.ained. several citizens of Jersey Fhore arrived at this borough
The damage done to thisbuilding is not to be regarded 1 and gave the alarm. A light Was placed upon the bank
merely in a local point of view — the loss is a p\iblic one. j of the river to attract his attention, and in a few minutes
The great southern and eastern mails were carried on \ he passed by, without the least (jossibihty of saving-
this route, and four stages, two from Phihadelphia, and him. lie informed us that he was almost perishing
two from U.altimore, passed over the bridge dailv. with cold and fatigue, and that he was not able to escape
There is reason to believe, that the injury sustained ' from the ice with which he at first started. All hope of
by the public works is very light — one side of the east | saving him except at the bridget was now abandoned —
end of the bridge at the head of tlie canal basin, was and an express sent on to Milton to make preparations,
undcrminedand the wood work is in areclining situation; | He passed over the r«cfj^ror/n(/ rapids, and thr lugh the
the small bridge over Shawnee run was raised from its
foundation, but otherwise is not much damaged. The
outer wall of the canal between this and Marietta, with-
stood the pressure in a manner which speaks volumes
in its favor. In otir next, we shall be able to be more
particular.
The early stage from Baltimore had just reached this
end of the bridge on Saturday evening, as the ice com-
menced moving. The passengers in the late stage pa.ss-
ed the night in Wrightsville. Both stages from Phila-
delphia arrived here too late to cross the bridge with
•afcty. On Sunday Hiorning, Col. Jefferies, ageat for j friends daring his absence, partii
the stage owners, employed two men to take the great companion, »nd aged mother' 1
Vol. DC. 14
breach of the Muncy d:im before day light! and arrived
at Milton about nine o'clock in the morning, after a voy-
age of near fifty miles. The spirited citizens of .Milton,
whose conduct upon this occ;i.sion is deserving ofths
highest praise, had every means prepared to save tlio
life of a fellow being, w+iich ingenuity could invent, and
it is with unbounded pleasure we state that they were
successful. He was drawn up by a rope suspended
from the bridge, amid the shouts of the assembled mul-
titude.
Who can imagine the feelings of his relations and
cularly of bis bosom
Ten thousand deaths
106
DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT ON TOWN LOTS.
[FiBncfAKT
would have been more tolerable, than the ag'onizing-
state of uncertainty which involved his fate. Tongue
cannot describe the feeling's which were excited in our
own borough, where none were bound to him by the en-
dearing ties of conjugal affection or maternal love. —
Lycoming Gazette.
Lewistowit, Feb. 9.
Owing to the weather moderating and heavy i-ains,
last week, the Juniata-rose two feet higher than it had
previovisly been this winter. On Saturday the ice mo-
ved off without doing any serious injury to the public
works. This is the second ice flood we have had this
winter, and from the little d.",mage done to the canal,
we infer that its banks are becoming too firm to suffer
much injury from common causes. — Eagle.
KiTTANNixG, Jan. 25.
TuE Ice Flood. — We are sorry to learn that the
Bridge across Redbank creek, on the Olean road, and
the Bridge across the mouth of Crooked creek, at Judge
Ross's mill, were entirely swept away last week, by tlie
sudden rising of the creeks and the breaking up of the
immense body of ice on them. — M'e also learn, that
much damage has been done by the flood, in earning
away mill dams, fences, &c. in different sections of the
county.
DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT.
TAX ON TOWN LOTS,
Given by Justice Kennedy.
OPINION.
TT V »«Joi II J _j>.ir • rWi'i' of errortothe
Hugh M Clelland, pl'tff. in error. ,. r „
° .„ ) court oi common
1 pleas of Venango
Alex'r. M'Calmont, def. in error.
V.county.
This was an action of ejectment in which the plaintiff
in error claimed to recover the possession of a lot of
ground situate in the town of Franklin, in Venango
county, which had been vacant or unseated, and during
that time had been assessed with taxes, and they not
having been paid, was sold as unseated lands are direct-
ed to be under the lav.-3 of the state. The defendant,
at the sale became the purchaser of the lot in question,
paid the purchase money, and obtained a deed of con-
veyance for it from the treasurer of the county.
A case was agreed on and stated by the parties, for
the opinion of the court below, subject to a writ of er-
ror to be sued out by either. From the case stated, it
appeared th.it the plaintiff was the owner of the lot be-
fore and at the time of the sale; that prior to that time
it had never been enclosed or improved, or settled on in
any way — that it had been duly assessed with taxes
which remained unpaid, and that it was sold as unseated
lands are directed to be sold by the laws of the state,
for taxes due and in aiTear upon them, and that the de-
fendant became the purchaser as is stated above.
The only question made and urged, was, whether an
unimproved and unseated town lot of ground could be
lawfully assessed with taxes and sold as unseated lands
are directed to be sold for the non-payment of taxes as-
sessedupon them.
The court below, decided that it could, and gave
judgment for the defendant.
Unless such property be taxable, it follows as a mat-
ter of course, that no sale could be lawfully made of it
for taxes: It therefore becomes necessary to enquire
first, whether it be the subject of taxation l^y law or not.
By the 8th section of the act of Assembly of the 11th
of April 1799, entitled, "an act to raise and collect
county rates and levies," all lands held by patent, war-
rant, location or improvement! housesand lots of ground,
iind ground rents; all grist-mills, saw-miJls, fulling-mills.
slitting-mills, rolling-mills, hemp-mills, oil-mills, snuff-
mills, paper-mills and powder-mills: aU furnaces for-
ges, bloomeries, distilleries, sugar-houses, malt-houses,
breweries, tan yards, and ferries, &c." are made taxa-
ble, and for that purpose the assessors are required to
make out an account of the same; after which they are
to call to their aid the assistant assebsors, and with them
to value all these things according to the best of their
knowledge, for what they may tlunk they would bona
flde sell f IT in ready money. The terms employed in
this section of this act are sufficiently comprehensive
and explicit to embrace unseated and unimproved town
lots, or any other lots of ground. The terms " a// /anA, "
are amply sufficient to designate and include whatever
will in law come properly under the denomination of
" land," which in law is a term of very comprehensive
signification. And although the legislature liave gone
on further to enumerate specifically, " houses and lots
of ground, ground rents, all grist-mills. Sic." yet I do
not think it was done with a view to exclude any thing
that came in properly under the denomination of
" lands," tlie term before used, but rather consider it
done for the purpose of amplifying and enlarging the
fist of taxable articles, than of Umiting and restricting it.
The various articles of property made taxable by this
act, are to be valued according to what they, in the es-
timation of the assessors, would sell for bona fide in
ready money, and not according to their annual value.-
which shows that the legislature intended that proper-
ty which might be of no annual value, such for instance,
as unimpro^•ed and unseated lands, whether consisting
of whole surveys or tracts, or of lots or town lots, should
be valued and assessed as well as that which was pro-
ductive of annual profit. For if tliis had not been their
intention, would not the annual value or profit of real
estate have been a more equitable and reasonable
standard, by which to have ascertained the amount of
the taxes to be paid by the owners' It would seem to
have been the design of the legislature to assess and
tax all properly, from which money could be raised by
a sale of it. Unseated town lots may be sold, and mo-
ney sometimes raised in this way upon them more rea-
dily than by a sale of improved lots, where some regard
is to be had to the cost of them. Besides, as an article
of property, they are often not only more saleable but
more valuable than the most of the unseated tracts of
Ir.nd in the same county; which are admitted to be the
legitimate subjects of taxation, and are expressly made
so by the act of Assembly of the 3d of April 18u4. The
act of the 28th of March, 1814, which has been refer-
red to and relied on by the counsel for the plaintiff in
error, to show that vacant or unseated lots or pieces of
ground cannot be sold for taxes, is framed and predi-
cated upon the very basis of the lots therein referred to,
having been regularly, that is, lawfully assessed, but
the owners could not be found to pay them, or when
found, denied their ownership. All this appears in the
preamble of the act. It cannot be supposed that the
legislature had any tender feeling of regard for, or dis-
position to indulge the owners of vacant or unseated
town lots beyond what tliey have expressed for the
owners of unseated lands generallj', in directing to be
assessed with taxes, and if these are not paid within
due time, then by directing a sale to be made of the
lands themselves. The policy of the state has ever been
to encourage the improvement and settlement of all the
lands within its territory, lots, I would say, as well as
tracts. For it is precisely the same thing to the state,
whether a tract of land remained whole, and entire,
and unsettled, or be cut up and divided into lots, con-
taining each the one-eighth of an acre, and all remain
unimproved and unseated. Nothing is added to her
wealth or her strength, hi the latter case more than in
the former. AVhy should she forbear taxing town lots,
as such an exception would rather encourage the non-
settlement of them, and be contrary to her uniform po-
licy ' It would also be repugnant to the principles of
1832.]
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
107
•quality and justice. The state is bound to protect
every one of its citizens in the enjoyment of those
riglits which he has to property within its territory, as
Well as of tlioie that belong' to his person. In return
for this protection, he is hound again to contriliute to
the support of the st;ite, which is to be done in part by
payiujf the taxes tliat are assessed. Ag.iin, it is
just and equal, that in proportion as the properly
is more or less valuable, in the right to the enjoy-
ment of which he claims to be secured by the state, lie
should in the same proportion pay to the support of the
expenses of the stiite' If so, he ougfht to pay taxes as-
sessed upon unimproved town lots as well as upon any
other species of property — otherwise one man may hold
property worth fifty thousand dollars in the stiite, con-
sisting' of unimproved and unseated town lots, and pay
no taxes, while anotlier, holding unimproved and un-
seated lands consisting of what are commonly called
traclH of land wortlmot more than twenty thousand dol-
lars, lias to pay annually one hundred, or from tluit sum
to two hundred dollars, which would be most unjust
and unequal. No reason why town lots should not be
assessed, has been attempted to be given; and indeed,
it is difficult to conceive any, while on the contrary,
justice, as well as sound policy requires that they
should.
If then, they m.ay be lawfully assessed, as I think
they may, that is, I consider that tlie legislature has di-
rected them to be assessed, as often as anv other real
estate in the same county is to be, so it certainly will be
thought stran!<e, if the legislature have provided no ef-
ficient mode for the collection of such taxes; yet if un-
improved, vacant and unseated town lots cannot be
sold for taxes due and in arrear upon them, most cer-
tain it is that the legislature have omitted or failed to
provide such a remedy. It was found impossible Xo
collect the taxes due upon unseated tracts of land, by
any other mode than a sale of them. Hence that was
provided. If the owners of unseated /n/c^? of land, ne-
glected paying the taxes upon them, and it therefore
became necessary to authorize a sale of them, what
reason can be imagined, why the same neglect would
not happen in the case of imseated or unimproved town
lots' Every one of any experience in this matter
knows, that the difficulty of getting the taxes paid in
those cases is the same, and tliat without an .authority to
sell in both cases, it is utterly impracticable to collect
or obtain the taxes due upon such property. It cannot
be presumed for a moment, that this was not as well
known to the legislature, as any other part of the com-
munity. Neither can it be believed that they intended
taxes to be assessed upon these town lots, without any
design that they should be collected. If there can be
no other mode by which they can be collected, it
will be a strong reason for believing that the Icijis-
lature intended and designed it, if there be any thing to
be found in their acts in tliis behalf, that will bcnr such
a construction.
It has been contended by the counsel for the pLaintiff
in error, tliat no part of any of the acts of Assembly
authorizing the sale of unseated lands for taxes, are
the words " tul" or "piece of ground" or "town lot"
used or expressly mentioned. That as often as the le-
gislature have undertaken to describe what kind of un-
seated lands they intended should be sold for t.axcs,
they have uniformly spoken of them as 'tracts' which
do not give us the idea or include a town lot. To all
this it may be answered that they have almost invariably
throughout all the acts in directing the sale of unseated
lands for taxes, used the terms "unseated hinds." The
second section of the act of the 3d of .\pril, 1804, ex-
pressly directs, that "all unseated landa within this com-
monwcalth, held by individuals, companies or bodies
corporate cither by improveaient, warrant, patent or
otherwise, shall for the purpose of raising country rates'
and levies be valued and assessed in the same manner as
other property," and in a subiequeitt part of the same
section, provides and autliorlses a sale of tlicm, calling
them again "unsealed lands." ami not i-eferring to them
by the term '■•trad ur Irae's." Indeed 1 cajuiot discov-
er where, in any otheract on this'subject tlie term "tract
or tracts," has been used seemingly for the purpose of
dstinguishing tliem or that species 6i unseated lands
from unimproved and unseated town lots or any other
unseated lots of ground; and certainly in no part of any
of the acts is it used for the purpose of showjng that
town lots unseated were not to be sold for taxes as un-
seated lands. I think it very clear thit the legislature
has not made any distinction between a lot of ground
and a tract of land, whether seated or unseated; all are
to be taxed, aiul if the taxes are not paid upon the un-
seated, they are to be sold. A distinction between an
unseated tract and town lot docs not appear to me to
be attempted or aimed at in any place.
The great argument of the counsel for the plaintiff
in error is, tli.at the term ' 'town lut" is not used in desig ,
natingthe real estate that shall be sold for the non-pay-
ment of taxes. But the terms "alt un.teated landu"
necessarily embrace lots, town lots and tracts, without
distinction; and directs that all shall be sold for taxes
unpaid; so that the counsel for the plaintiff in ei-ror
ought to have gone further and have shown th.at town
lots were expressly exempted after the use of terms
which most explicitly embraced them. The act of the
23th March 1814 is said to be a legislative declaration
of what the law is on this subject, and that they must
have thought that there was no act authorising the sale
of unimproved and unseated town-lots or they would
not have passed that act, which had no other object in
view than to authorize the sale of such lots in the coun-
ty and city of Philadelphia. This act seems to have
been passed upon a special application as clearly ap-
pears from its preamble; and most likely was passed to
satisfv the doubts or notions of the applicants. It is
not probable tliat it was passed after any particular in-
\'estigation of the subject by the legislature. For I
cannot but think that if they had examined the matter
carcfulh', they would have been satisfied tliat the then
existing laws authorized a sale of such property for
taxes due upon it; or if not, they would have immedi-
ately- passed a general act upon the subject, authorizing'
it throughout the state. Acts of the legislature have
been passed sometimes, merely declarative of what the
l;iw was before. 1 his is done sometimes upon the sug-
gestion of those who may doubt about what the law is
on the subject; or may be mistaken altogether in re-
spect to it. I know that vacant and unseated town lots
in some counties of the state have long since been as-
sessed for taxes and sold as unseated lands; and I can
perceive no reason why it should not be so, since tliey
are obviouslv embraced in the general terms of the .act
of 1804 on this subject which directs Mo/ o// unsealed
landi sltdll be /oxcrf, and if these taxes are not paid in
due time, that they shall be sold.
The judgment of the court below is ri&ht, and must
be affii'med. — Venango Democrat.
PKOCEEDINGS OF COfNCILS.
Thursday, Feb. 2, 1832.
COMMON COUNCIL.— Mr. Rtas presented a pe-
tition fi'om Thomas Lancaster & Son, praying for a re-
newal of the lease for Spruce street wharf, which was
rcferrM to the committee on the Drawbridge lot. ^
Mr. Patterson presented the following remonstrance
against the erection of a market house in High street,
which was referred to tlic Special committee appointed
on that subject.
Te the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phi-
ladelphia.
Your memorialists, inhabitants and owners of pro-
perty in the Western section of Philadelphia, reipect-
408
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[FiBBFAar
fully represent. That they have seen with regret a pe-
tition presented by sundry individuals, praying for the
establishment of a Market House in High street, be-
tween Thii'teenth and Juniper sti'eets. They would re-
spectfully suggest to Councils, that a large and increas-
ing country business is transacted within the aforesaid
limits, which would be totally destroyed by such an ar-
rangement, as it would then be impossible to load and
discharge the large wagons that are used as a means of
conveyance for bulky goods. That this trade must be
lost to the city by the attraction presented by the North-
ern districts for the facihties of trade, or at least divert-
ed to some other section, which would be unjust to many
of your memorlahsts. That a market house erected as 1
prayed for, would be a serious Impediment to the trans- 1
portation of goods to and from the lower part of the ci-
ty, thereby producing great detention and embarrass-
ment to all who transact business in Market street. It
is known to most of our citizens, that the great superior-
ty of our markets is attributable to their concentration;
tiiat marketSjlike capital, when too much disseminated,
do not fulfil to the utmost, the objects for which they
■were established: — and, as an illustration of this fact,
vour memorialists would call to the remembrance of
Councils, that a market house was established some ten
years ago, in the immediate vicinity of this site th.at is
now prayed for by your petitioners — that it was scarce-
ly ever occupied or attended, and that about three years
since, by the order of your honourable bodies, it was re-
moved as not benefiting the community for which it was
intended. In conclusion, your memorialists beg leave
to question the necessity of creating any additional mar-
ket house at this time, as the side walks as far west as
Centre Square are occupied as marketplaces by those
who supply the markets, who furnish our citizens with
every marketable article excepting fish, that can be
purchased any where else within the city.
Should Councils, however, in their wisdom, deter-
mine to establish additional buildings for markets, \-our
memorialists would be doing themselves and their fel-
low citizens great injustice not to urge upon Councils,
the propriety of continuing the line of markets from
Eighth street west as they may be required, instead of
leaving a large space of 4 squares unoccupied — which
would be the case were the prayer of your petitioners
granted; or if that is not deemed expedient, to locate a
market on one of the corners of Penn Square. And
your memorialists will ever pray.
Mr. Sexto:? presented the annexed letter from Mr.
Jacob S. Wain, which was referred to the Paving Com-
mittee.
Te the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phi-
ladelphia.
Gentlemen: I beg leave to draw your attention to
the situation of Locust street, near tlie river Schuylkill.
Locust St. at this place was originally considerably be-
low the City regulation, and in consequence the earth
taken out of other streets was thrown there, no doubt
with a view of raising the street to Its proper level — but
being loose earth and nothing to hold it in its proper
place, it washed .almost immediately into the river, fill-
ing up the dock and injuring- the property of the sub-
scriber — this state of things continued until Mr.
Cooper, tlie present City Commissioner first came
into office, who, seeing the injury it was doing, plac-
ed a wall as a guard on the river side, to catch the
washings of the sand, and mud — but this filling up al-
most as soon as bmlt, tlie earth and water for these two
years past has every rain poured over it, deposing the
sediment into the river, the docks on which it has
filled up at least three feet and greatly injuring the river
itself.
As a fresh quantity of loose earth has lately been
thrown into this street near Front street, (not by the
Commissioners) which the winter rains will carry the
same course, — I have thought proper to give you this
information, and to j^request your honoi-able bodies may
take such order thereon as you in your wisdom may
deem best.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.
J. S. AVALN.
Mr. 'Wetheiiii.l presented the following petition,
which was referred to the Committee on maikets.
To the Honorable the Selert and Common Councils of the
City of Philadelphia, sitting.
This petition humbly represents, that your petitioners
free colored citizens of the city of Philadelphia have
hitherto exercised their trade as porters and carriers,
with benefit to the public and advantage to themselves;
that under a provision of your honorable body, they
have enjoyed as a stand, tlie east side ol Sixth Street,
below Market street, on the west side of the building
occupied as the Schuylkill I'ank. But that they did not
approach the building nearer tlian the curb stone, their
barrows standing in the street. That by reason of the
great thoroughfare near which they were stationed, Mar-
ket St. being a street of great business and activity,
they have hitherto been able by strict attention and in-
dustr}' in their calling to jjrocure a comfortable subsist-
ence, but that their successful exertions have recently
been most seriously interrupted. The officers of the
Schuylkill Bank having made an aplicationto the City
Commissioners, by whom your petitioners have been
directed to remove from their former position to Minor
street. Your petitioners in obedience to the order of the
Commissioners have removed, but have also stated to
them their objections as herein set forth, but have been
by the Commissioners referred to your honorable bodies
for relief.
To induce jour favourable consideration, your peti-
tionei-s beg leave to suggest to your honorable bodies,
that Jllnor street is a small and rarely frequented
street, in no wise to be compared to Sixth near .Market,
as a place for the successful prosecution of their calling,
and demand for their labour; that their former stand
having been on the side and not in front of the bank,
and there being no entrance to the Bank, except at the
front'in ilarket sti'cet, they could not in any way have
interfered with the ingress and egress of persons hav-
ing business at the banking house, and that the present
season belugas is known to your honors one of great
severity and Inclemency, and the price of fuel being so
high as to make it though an indispensable yet an al-
most intolerable charge upon your petitioners, by reason
of which they are the more painfully rendered' unable
to contend with any diminution of their resources from
their trade. And that they hope your honours by these
considerations may be induced to grant them relief, by
permitting them under your authority to return to their
former station. And your petitioners as in duty bound
will ever pray.
Mr. •Fritz as Chairman of the committee on Fire
Companies, made the following report and resolution,
which after considerable debate were carried. The
yeas and nays were called for: and the yeas were
Messrs. Coryell, Fearon, Fritz, Hood, Lehman Moss,
Okie, Oldenburgh, Page, P.atterson, Ryan, Sexton,
Sullivan, Wetherill— 14— Nay Mr. Bakei-^1.
The Committee on Fire Companies to whom was re-
ferred the petition of sundry citizens, praying for an
appropriation of three hundred dollars for the purpose
of erect ing .an alarm bell, in the north-western section
of the city, beg leave to report, that they have examin-
ed the prayers of the petitioners and consider it expedi-
ent to grant the same, and offer the following resolution:
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, That
the Mayor be, and is hereby authorized to draw his war-
rant in favour of the Fire Committee, for three hundred
dollars to be expended under their direction, and charge
the same to appropriation. No. 21.
February 9tli, 1832.
1 he following communication was received from the
1832.]
IIAKMONY SOCIETY AT ECONOMT.
109
Committee appointed at a Town Meeting of the citizens,
relative to the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary
of the Birtli of Washing-ton.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. j
Sir: The committee of arrangement appointed by the
citizens of tlie city and county of Philadeljjhia, respect-
fully request from the Select and Common Councils of
tlie city an appropriation to aid in defraying- the ex-
penses of the celebration.
Bv order and on behalf of the Committee.
H. D. GILPIN, Chairman.
Feb. 7, 1832.
James Pag-e, Esq.
President of the Common Coimcil.
Mr. Okie offered the annexed resolution which was
adopted, and Messrs. Hood, Fritz, Coryell and Sexton
were appointed the Committee on behalf of tlie Common
Council.
Resolved, That a joint committee of four members
from each Council, be appointed, whose dutv it shall be,
in conjunction with the committee appointed by the
citizens at a late town meeting", to make the necessary
arrangements forthecelebration of the centennarj' anni-
versary of the birth of the illustrious Washington; and
that tlie Mayor be authorized to draw his warrant on the
city Treasurer in their favour, for any sum not exceed-
ing 2000 dollars, which may be necessary to defray the
expenses incurred by them, and, that the same be charg-
ed to .appropriation. No. 21.
Mr. Lr.n>f IN offered the following preamble and reso-
lution, which after some debate were laid on the table
for the present.
M'hereas the real and personal property of the late
Stephen Girard, Esq. having been bequeathed to the
City of Philadelphia in trust, for certain uses, the prin-
cipal of which is for the purpose of educating and sup-
porting "White Male Orphan Children:" And whereas
the city (after erecting a college) has authority only to
use the income of said estate; which income may in a
great measure be destroyed, by omitting the prudent
precaution of insurance: — Therefore in order to pre-
serve the same from unnecessary risk, and to carry in-
to effect the views of the liberal testator— Resolved, by
the Select and Common Councils of the city of Phila-
delphia, that the Mayor be, and he is hereby authorized
and directed to have a//said e.statc insured, th.atmay in j
any w.ay be liable to loss or damage by fire or other casu- 1
alty. And that in the performance of said -duty he be
requested to distribute the insurance among the several
offices of the citv, &c.
The SELECT COUNCIL did not form a quorum.
HARMONY SOCIETY" .VT ECONOMY.
EcosoMT. — We have not heretofore, (says the Pitts-
burgh, Gazette, referred to the schism which exists in
this society, still entertaining the hope tliat some ar-
rangement, s.atisfactory to all parties, might be m.ade.
From the following advertisement it may be inferred
that the prospect of a satisfactor)- adjustment of difficul-
ties is by no means encouraging.
TO THE AMElilCAN PUBLIC.
The undersigned. Members of the Harmony Socie-
ty, at Economy, in the county of Be.avcr, Pennsylvania,
<leem it their duty thus publicly to make known that
all the authority or power which has heretofore been
given, granted to, or exerciscdbv GEORGE RAPP, or
by his .adopted son, FREDEIfICK RAPP, has ceased
and determined, ami has been revoked; and th.at their,
or either of their acts, under such authority, in all trans-
actions entered into by said George or Frederick Rapp,
are without the knowledge, assent, or agreement of the
undersigned, whose interests, as members of the Socie-
ty, arc cqiia'ly involved, and as much entitled to protec-
tion as those of any other portion of the community.
All other Banks,and Corporations,andIndividuiUs,who
have heretofore transacted business with the said George
and Frederick Rapp, .is the agents, or on behalf of the
society, will take notice that all such connection between
the undersigned and said George and Frederick Rapp,
has ceased, and the ftinds of the society can no longer
be resorted to for the satisfaction of debts which may
have been, or shall be tiius contracted by said Rapps.
Februan- 1, 1832.
William Schmid, Christiana Konig,
Israel Bentel, Henricka Zundel,
Adam Schule, Fredericka Aigner,
John Geo. Wagner, Agatho Wolfcr,
Matthew Klein, Katharina Schmidt,
Anthony Knapper, Katharina Staiger,
Jacob Wagner, Katharina Zundel,
Michael Forstner, Sirena Leucht,
Christian Schmid, Salome Authrieth,
Jacob Durr, Sara Forstner,
Penotus Zundell, EUzabeth Frank, "
August Schmid, Tryphemae Vogt,
George Reiff, Margaret Schmidt,
JohnTrompeter, Margaret Zundel,
J.acob Zundel, Fredericka Fruh,
Christopher Hohr, Maria Schmidt,
August Schmid, Magdalena Schmidt,
Reimond Gann, Magdiilena Yogt,
J.acob Welhaf, Frederika Schmidt,
George Ad.am Jung, Mariah Fruh,
Jacob Klingenstein, Wilhelmina ISendel,
John Bauer, Elizabeth Stahl,
Jacob Krail, Christiana Schnaufer,
Frederick Fischer, Dcbora Laupple,
John Luz, Thecla Weissert,
Conrad Bockle, EUzabeth Zangcr,
Henry Zelimann, Ehzabcth Fauth,
George Forstner, Katharina Gerhard,
Jacob Stroheker, Jacobina Fauth,
Jacob Konig, Juliana Martin,
Andrew Widmayer, Christiana Schmid,
Jacob Vaihinger, Leade Schule,
Reinhald Frank, Margaret Fritscher,
Jacob Deim, Barbara Fauth,
Jacob Stabl, Juliana Zeigler,
David Konig, Julia Zeigler,
George Boger, Judith Palmbach,
Samuel Schreiber, Christiana Gerhai-dt,
Nahum Staiger, Barbara Laubscher,
George Heinle, Lora Wolfer,
George Vogt, Maria Wolfer,
Jacob Kurx, Katharina Bockle,
Christoph Martin, Louise Bockle,
Adam Keller, Jacob Bockle,
George Adam Fischer, Jeremi,as Bentel,
Christian Martin, Christina Fauth,
George Schaal, Christiana Fauth,
Jacob Schafcr, Johanna Fischer,
Conrad Knodel, Christian Fischer,
Henry G,ayer, Henry Fischer,
Christian Antrieth, Phobcn Fischer,
Matthew Schvile, Angelic Knapper,
Henry Laubscher, Mathilda Witlomeyer,
Adam Marguardt, Caroline Weinburg,
Tobi;is Schmid, Ullic Weinburg,
Christoph KJUinger, William Weinberg,
Jacob Strelt, Joseph Weinburg,
John Hurz, Elizabeth Lais,
Arnold Bentel, Loui.sa Lai.'s,
David Wagner, Jacobina Lais,
Lewis Epple, George Fischer,
George Fischer, Katharine Fischer,
Carl Hopfinger, Matthew Fischer,
Martin Erb, Hosca Fischer,
Michael Fegert, Mclchoir Fischer,
George Weisscrt, Barbara Martin,
Yost Gerhard, Margaret Barbara Martin,
Andrew Fauth, Wilhclmine Schmidt,
Michael Baumann, Frederika Kant
110
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
[FiBBDAnT
Jacob Sander,
George Schnaufer,
Philippe Beiitel,
Simon Wag-ner,
Christoph Yost,
Christoph Lichtenberger,
John Schnmfer,
Matthew Fauth,
Jacob Maienknecht,
Frederick Welter,
Conrad Ganii,
Jacob Marquardt,
T. Hubert Delhas,
Christianna Klein,
Maria Forstner,
Katharina Kurz,
WUhelmina Krauss,
Rengina Bentel,
Margarette Jung,
Sara Stahl,
Dorothy Klein,
Ernestine Bockle,
Jacobina Klein,
Magdalena Ehniaa,
Maria Forstner,
Wilhelmina Fischer,
Barbara KiUinger,
Anna Katharine Fischer,
Katharina Laubscher,
Catharina Schmidt,
Ma.ig't Barbara Martin,
Kredericka Schmid,
Katharina Erb,
Eva I'ruh,
Verona Weinberg,
Margaret Martin,
Barbara Fischer,
Jacobina Schmid,
Wilhelmina Durwachter,
Fredericka Schmid,
Eugena Bauer,
Margaret Trantwein,
Kegma Schafer,
Salome Ei-b,
William Erb,
Lewis Erb,
Frederik Zeltmann,
Jeremias Stag,
Peter Stag,
Will am Stag,
Margaret Kraus,
Elizabeth Fruh,
Caroline Erb,
Marzellus Heinle,
Jacobina Fauth,
Elizabeth, Fauth,
George Ziegler,
Franz Ziegler,
Leonard Siegler,
Philippe Laubscher,
Jacob Laubscher,
Katharina Kdlinger,
Olena Killinger,
Jacob Stiihl, 2d,
Gotiliefa Bentel,
John Fritscher,
Jacob Fritscher,
George Fritscher,
Christoph Martin,
Gotilieb Bentel, 2d,
David Lais,
Rudolph Wolfer,
Christian Martin, 2d,
Henry Knapper, 2d,
Christian Martin, 2d,
Rudolph Keller,
Jonathan Wagner,
John Rocher,
Eva Jung.
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
January 17, 1832.
Sir: I have had the honour of receiving your letter
of the 12th instant, enclosing a copy of the resolutions
of the Senate of the United States of the 11th instant,
and in compliance with it, I now transmit the accom-
panying documents.
The "first resolution requires "the names and titles of
the foreign stockholders in the Bank of the United
States, with the amount of stock held by each." The
statement marked A, furnishes that information.
The second resolution requires "the amount of debts
due from individuals and bodies corporate to the Bank
of the United States, distinguishing the amount secured
by mortgage from that secured by personal security
alone: and what portions of said debts are considered
as standing accommodations to the customers the bank
and all its branches." The statement marked B,
contains this information.
The amount of debs secured by mortgage, in the
statement, relates exclusively to the bank. The amount
of debts similarly secured at the branches, is not re-
ported, unless specially required. In order to comply
■with the resolutions, instructions have been given to the
oflficers, and when their reports are received, the addi-
tional statements will be transmitted to you.
At the bank, no debts are considered as standing ac-
commodations. The offices will be instructed to re-
port what portion of their debts are so considered, and
the result will, in like manner, be forwai-dedto you.
The third resolution requires "a hstof tlie directors
of the bank, and of tl>e several branches; a statement of
the stock held by the citizens of the United States, with
the number of shares held by each, and the amount of
specie, according to the last return, in the vavilta of the
b»nls and iti branches, distinguishing the part which
belongs to the bank, the portion belonging to indivi-
duals, and to the United States." The statements mark-
ed C, D, and E, furnish this information. In regard to
the last, the bank has no specie in its possession which
does not belong to it.
I have the honour to be,
Very respectfully, yours,
N. BIDDLE, President.
Hon. Locis M'L.tifE,
Secretary of the Treasury, 7
Washington, D. C. 5
The following is an abstract of an interesting report,
recently presented by the Secretary of the Treasury to
the Senate, respecting the United States Bank: —
The Secretary of the Treasury, dated January 23d,
in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, directing
him to communicate, if able, a list of the foreign Stock-
holders in said Bank — the amount of debts due the
Bank and its Branches, from individuals and bodies cor-
porate — a list of the Directors of the Bank and its seve-
ral Branches — the names ot the domestic Stockholders,
with the amount held by each, and their places of resi-
dence. The Secretary of the Treasury not having in
his possession the means of answering these inquiries,
addressed a note to the President of the Bank, soliciting
tlie information, which was promptly furnished.
It appears that the amount of stock held by foreign-
ers, is 84,055 shares; equal to $8,405,500, without in-
cluding the premium. , The heaviest foreign Stock-
holders are as follows: — Journal of Com.
— Shares.
7915
3878
2500
1829
1236
1784
1200
1003
1000
1000
924
900
875
S64
815
800
722
716
649
637
600
593
550
540
538
537
510
502
500
500
500
500
500
500
371
311
300
Baring, Brothers, St Co.
John Marshall,
Charles Dixon,
Thomas Coterall, et. al. trustees,
Sparks, & Co.
Benjamin Heywood,
Jonathin Austin,
Francis C. S. Conway, Marquis of Hertford,
James Drake, Havana,
Abel Smith,
John Martin & Co.
Don Jose Zafre,
Samuel Sherwood,
James Pierson,
Cropper, Benson & Co.
Ko!K-!-t Philips,
Gen. Sir William Keppel,
Ann Redfeen,
Maj. Gen Macdonald,
Mrs. Condelaria Bell,
Lord Erie Reery,
John Van Haize,
James H. William, P. & Wm. H. Anderson,
Thos. P. Ackland,
Thomas Sexton,
James Brown Leeds,
Edward Ball Hughes,
Sir Edward Tucker,
J. L. Lane,
E. Stoth,
Lt. Gen. Sir Marmaduke W. Peacocke,
John Overend,
Hudson Gurney,
R. 8c J. T. Barclay,
Sir Colin and Sir Richard H. Campbell,
Rev. Geo. Gordon, D. D. Dean of Lincoln,
James Dunlop,
There are 30 40 others, besides tiiose we have enu-
merated, holding from 300 to 500 shares. The whole
number of foreign stockholders is 470.
The amount of bills discounted by the
Banks and its Branches, on personal
security is $48,758,570 54
Bills discounted on funded debt, 18,850 00
1835.]
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES— HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Ill
Bills on Rank stock, 731,157 53
Domestic bills of exchang-f, 16,691,129 34
Mortgiig-es, 205,396 69
$66,405,103 87
Due from SUte Banks, 3,944,847 74
The domestic stockholders, of the Bank are as we
count them, 3502 in number, residing- in the following-
States. The number of shares held in each State, is
given in the second column.
No. of No. of
States. Stockholders. Shares.
Maine, 14 498
Vermont, 2 27
New Hampshire, 24 511
M.issachusetts, 5 Besides Boston 53 ? ^^
' i Boston, 158 3
Connecticut, 60 1,539
Rhode Island, 36 1,218
New York, ^ ^^f"^ '^^ <='*y.' ^69 ^ ^^^ggj
New Jersey, 75 2,787
Pennsylvania, 872 51,028
Delaware, 42 1,531
Maryland, 5 Besides Baltimore, 119 ?
■^ ' <^ Baltimore, 505 5
District of Columbia, 61 2,725
Virg-inia, 268 11,617
North Carolina, 36 2,391
S. Carolina, ^ Besides Charleston, 176 ^
'(Charleston, 554 i iu,^-r«
Oeorg-ia, 42 1,981
Ohio,' 14 556
Kentucky, 22 252
Tennessee, 5 258
Indiana, 2 50
Illinois, 2 167
Louisiana, 17 119
Arkansas, 1 42
Dom. Shareholders, 3602 Shares 195,620
Foreign Shareholders, 470 84,855
United States, 70,000
In transitu between tlie different Transfer Offi-
cers, 325
Total,
350,000
These, at $100 each, makes the amount of capital,
viz: §35,000,000. Present premium per share, $1.?4J
10^124}. Some of the largest domestic stockholders
arc as follows:
Shares.
Stephen Glrard, 6331
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 2683
Robert lUlston, of Philadelphia, 2026
Wm. J. Barksdalc, Virginia, 1500
Bernard M. Carter, Pennsylvania, 1417
John Potter, South Carolina, 1400
Wm. G. Bucknor, New York, 1168
Don Francis Layzier, do. 1150
Peter Harmony, do. 957
Lewis Kershaw 8c Co. S. C. 942
John G. Coster, New York, 900
Mills Smith, do. 875
Lemuel Taylor, Marj-land, 860
Clendening, New York, 850
Don Francis de Lazua, do. 850
B. & J. Bohlen, Pa. 839
Daniel C. Verplank, New York, 805
Stephen Bulkley, S. C. 800
P. Brown, N. C. 787
AVm. Patterson, Md. 730
Robert Gilmore, do. 703
Mrs. Ann Donnell, do. 700
Prime, Ward& King',N. Y.
Wm. Coleman, Pa.
John Gibbs, do.
Brown, Brothers 8t f'o.
Thomaas C. Vanderhout, S. C.
J.-imesD. Wolf,
Wm Brown, Ha.
Gardner Greene, Boston,
Col. Wm. Alston, S. C.
Wm. Wightman, do.
Isaac Smythe, Md.
Coster & Carpenter, N. Y.
Thomas P. Cope, Pa.
Paul Beck, Jr. do.
Mi-s. Marv .\nn Gilmore, S. C.
Robert F.' Stockton, N. J.
Wm. Alkin, Charleston,
683
680
650
650
638
632
630
600
600
600
581
531
520
513
510
500
500
The amount of specie on hand at the Bank of the
United States, and its several Branches, on the 1st of
Jan. 1832, wasas follows: —
B.Tnk United States, . . §2,811,640 83
Otnce Portland, . . ■^q ^y^ "9
" Portsmouth, . . 50',0U 78
" Boston, - . 328,377 58
Providence, - . 102,627 74
" H-irtfoid, - . 28,094 00
' New York, . . 664,686 64
Baltimore, - . 228,000 00
Washing^ton, . . 54 gio 54
R'chniond, - . 197,212 02
Norfolk, . . 1,2 159 38
K^yetteville, - . jg 943 „
Charleston, . . 271,468 80
.. °f';*""=''>' - - 376,642 24
,< T A . ■ - ^^'^^^ 72
' New Orleans, - . 510,346 06
Natchez, . . 57 825 83
St. Louis, . . 136,897 51
Nashville, . . 167.866 36
Louisville, . . 217,431 25
; Lexington, - . 91^513 28
P'«^hurg, - . 3j 8(j9 84
Biitlalo, . . 105,232 46
. ^ v'^ ' ■ ^7,750 66
Burlingion, . . 72,422 48
Agency Cincinnati,
Agency Chillicothe,
Total, $7,038,823 12
From the MS. documi-nli in pni„„iun of iht
HISTORICAL SOCIETV OF PE\XSYLVAMA.
.1 Proclamation concerning iht Caves of Philadelphia,
By Win. Penn, Proprietory and Gorernor, &c.
William Pexs, PnopniiTon A>n GovEnson,
AVhereas I did at first inregard of tlie infancy of things
and especially out of tenderness to the poorer sort per-
mit divers caves to be made in the Bank of Philadelphia
fronting Delaware river for a present accommo<Ution,
and perceiving that they are commonly disposed of from
one to another, as a kind of property, and taking- farther
notice of the great detriment that is like to insue to the
street by the continuation of Uiem as well as the disor-
ders that their great secre.sy hath given occasion to loose
people to commit in them, I do hereby desire and strict-
ly order and warn all the inhabitants of the said caves to
depart the same witliin two months after tlie publication
hereof, and require my trusty and loving- friends and
commissioners. William .Markham, Thomas EUii and
John Goodson, or any two of tlitm to see that tlie same
be accordingly effected. And that no damage may re-
112
MISCELLANEOUS.
[FzBatAtlt
dound to the public, by my former indulgence, the said
commissioners are hereby ordered to cause a survey to
be taken of the state of the said caves, that such who
have lived in them may be obliged to secure the Bank
and state from any damage that may happen from them.
It being but a reasonable thing that those who have had
the benefit thereof should indemnify the public, of
wliich all persons concerned are to take notice and yield
their due obedience as they will answer the contraiy at
their peril.
Given at AVorminghui-st Place, in Old England, the
24th of the 11th month, 1686.
John Key being the first born in Philadelphia, peti-
tions the Board that according to the proprietary's pro-
mise it is said he may have a lot in tlie city and 500 acres
of land granted him being now of age. A warrant from
the proprietary's dated 26th, 3d month, 1683 appears
for a lott to his father, which they say was laid out in
Mulberry street. Ordered therefore that a warrant be
issued for re-surveying these lots, but nothing appear-
ing for the further aforesaid pretended promise of land
'tis referred to the Proprietary.
8th month, 22d, 1705.
From the Minute Book df the Commissioners of Pro"
perty. page 284.
The following document appears to have been a let-
ter of introduction in favor of the "Free Society of
Traders," from William Penn to the Indians, under the
Title of the "Emperor of Canada." On page 396 of vol.
1. of this work, will be found a letter to the same per-
sonage, from N.More,thepresident of that Society, dated
two days earlier than the present letter, and which is
probably the one alluded to in the preceding paper.
TO THE EMPEROR OF CANADA.
The Great God that made thee, and me and all the
world incline our heai-ts to love, peace and justice that we
may live friendly together as becomes the workmanship
of the great God. The Iving of England who is a great
prince hath for divers reasons granted to me a large
country in America which however I am willing to in-
joy upon friendly terms with thee. And this I wUl say
that the people who comes, with me are a just, plain,
and honest people, that neitlier make war upon others,
nor fear war from others because they will be just.
I have set up a Society of Traders in my province to
traffick with thee and thy people for your Commodities
that you may be furnished with that which is good at
reasonable rates: And that Society hath ordered their
President to treat with thee about a future Trade, and
have joined with me to send this messenger to thee with
certain presents from us, to testify our willingness to
have a fair correspondence witli thee: And what this
Agent shall do in our names we will agree unto. 1 hope
thou will kindly receive him and comply with his de-
•es on our behalf both with respect to Land and
ide. The Great God be with thee. Amen.
WM. PENN.
^iLip Theodore Lehkan, Secretary.
ion,the 21st day of the Fourth month, >
called June, 1682. 5
The foregoing is a copy of an original document re-
maining in the Land Office of Pennsylvania at Harris-
burg. S. WORKMAN.
REPORT ON IRON.
The Speaker laid before the Senate a letter from the
President of the Board of Canal Commissioners, viz:
Hon. William Hawkins,
Speaker of the Senate.
Sir — In the reply to the resolution of the Senate of
the 31st January last, requiring the canal commission-
ers to furnish to the Senate a statement of the quantity
of iron contracted for by them for rail-road purposes,
the price per ton agreed to be paid, of whom and when
piu'chased, and whether of American or foreign manu-
facture, the canal commissioners have the honor to
REPORT:
That they invited proposals by public advertisement,
for furnishing iron for 32^ miles of single track of the
Columbia and Philadelphia rail-road: the proposals to
be received at Downingtown, on the 11th of May last.
A few persons only offered to furnish iron, and their of-
fers were predicated upon importing the iron from Eng-
land. Not one proposal was received to furnish the
iron of American manufacture.
Three hunch-ed and twenty tons of flat bars, for laying
10 miles upon the Eastern division, sill plan, have been
contracted for with Haven and Smith, sliipping mer-
chants, of Philadelphia. The whole of tliis' iron has
been contivicted for in I'ngland, at £6 17 6, per ton.
The contract was entered into on the 18th day of July
last,stip>ilating that the contractors are to make purchases
in England on the most favorable terms for tlie com-
monwealth, and to be paid the amount of cost and charges,
with two andahalf per centcommission, upon tlieiron be-
ing landed on the Wharf at Philadelphia; of this parcel
178tons,3cwt. lqr.211bs was delivered before the closing
of the Delaware, this quantity is settled for and cost 1*8729
79 or at the rate per ton of S48,94J. It is understood
that this is lower by some dollars per ton than the cost
of any rail road iron heretofore imported. It has been
ascertained that the balance ef this contract is now in
vessels at the capes and ujjon the clearing out of the
ice will be landed at Philadelphia,
A conti-act was also made on the 18th of July, 1831,
with A. and G. Ralston, Shipping Merchants of Pliila-
delphia, for 1335 tons of iron edge rails, to be used on
ten rpiles of the Eastern division, and on tliirteen miles
of the Western division — also, for 432 tons of castings
for pedestals or chairs and the requisite quantity of pins
and wedges to be used in laying down the single track-
way of the above 23 miles under the stone block and
edge rail plan. The contract stipulates that the Con-
tractors are to make the necessary purchases in Eng-
land on the most favourable terms for the Common-
wealth, have the iron manufactured and shipped, with
the least possible delay, and that they are to be paid
upon its being landed in PhUadelpliia, the amount of the
costs and charges, together with two and half per cent,
commission. One of the partners is now in England,
attending to the manufacture and shipping of this iron,
advices from whom have lately been received, stating
that a contract has been entered into in England, for
furnishing the iron edge rails, at £6 17 6 per ton, from
which it will be perceived, that the whole of the railing
has been contracted for at the same price. A part of the
edge rails has been shipped and would have been land-
ed, had not the river Delaware closed at an earlier period
than usual. The exact cost per ton of the edge rails
cannot be ascertained at the present time. The price
can however vary but little from that of the flat b.ars
and the variation if any, it is presumed will only be
caused by a difference in the price of freight.
By order of the Board of Canal Commissioners,
JAMES CLARKE, President.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DE
TOTED
TO Tni
PJ
ESEHTATIOS OP EVEUT KIND Oi
USEFCl INFORMATION RESPECTINO
THE STA
TE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL.;
IX.-
-NO.
8.
PHILADELPHIA,
FEBRUARY 25,
1832.
NO,
217.
gone. There were no pine boards for architecture as at the
present day; and tlie joists, window and door frames were
made of oak; what little pine was in it, was obtained
from logs found in the river, and «awed at a mill on
Strickler's Run, owned by Xatlianiel Barber. There
was also a fulling-mill on the same stream owned by S.
Barber. The land back from the river was settled prin-
cipally by Germans; Forty's, Strickler's, Sherrick's Gu-
ber's,&c. Their first purchase was from an old woman na-
med Marl/ Dilc/ier, who used to go through the country
making what was then called improvements — a few sticks
piled together, a fire kindled,andapot hungoveritjCon-
stituted a first right. Those who could pay for the land
had first choice, but these improvements were general-
ly bought for a trifle by those able to pay for tlie lands.
This old Mary Ditcher seems to have been rather a sin-
gular personage. She is described as wandering tlirough
the woods, leading an old horse, her only property, with
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF COLUMBIA.
From MSS. documents in possession of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania.
A brief statement of facts relating to the first settlement
of Columbia, Lancaster county, I'ennsylvania, by
AiiTnun B. BnADFORn, who says in his letter accom-
panying the communication, that "the facts were
gathered chiefly from a manuscript journal, belong-
ing to the great gi-and-daughter of Robert Barber, the
first settler."
Recollections of the First Settlement of Columbia, Lan-
caster County, Pa.
About the year 1726-7, Robert Barber of Chester,
came to tliis place, and took up (as it was then called)
1000 acres of land on tlie river Susquehanna, (pur-
chased I think from Jeremiah Langhorne, tlie agent of
the proprietor,) bounded north by Chiques hill, S. E. j her knitting in her hand, and clad in a garment cliiefly
by what was afterwards called Patton's hill. The jour- of sheepskin. 1 his was called Hempfield township,
ncy from Chester in those days was thought a very I from the great quantity of hemp raised tliere. The
great undertaking, the country being uninhabited by j township below was called jl/a/jor, from lands reserved
any except Indians, whose wigwams were scattered by the proprietors, and called in imitation of tlie English
promiscuously. In the following year, (1728,) three ; custom, the Proprietor's Manor. The settlers adjoining
fui-mers actuated by a laudable spii-it of adventure, came were Irish families named Patton, who gave name to the
from Chester to make their homes in the wilderness, hill and the current below, called Putton's current. It
Samuel Blunston,the richest of the three, purchased 500 has been said there was once a great slaughter of the
acres of the land taken up by U. Barber, next the North Indians at that place, by a party of cruel men headed
Hill: he built on the rising ground occupied at present i by a person named Bill. In the neighbourhood, were
by Samuel Heise. The house was torn down a few many places said to be the giaves of tlie Indians, and
years since, to make room for the building which now it was beUeved that a piece of cannon lay sunk in the
stands on the spot. John AVright, took the middle i current. Below this tlie settlers were Germans — Stinc-
part (about 200 acres;) he built where Misses E. and A. m.in's, KaufTmau's, Hare's, Kupley's, Sec. 1 he town-
Wright now reside, (2d st. opposite the Catholic cha- ship above was called Donegal by tlie Irish settlers,
pel.) The house has been much altered and repaired, Anderson's, Cook's, Tate's, Hays's. Anderson's ferry,
but the greater part of it is still the same he built. He where M.arietta now stands, is well known. Many
came from Manchester, England, among tlie earlv set- changes have taken place since the first selling of the
tiers in 1714; was a preacher in the Friends' Society, [ lands. Where Robert Barber first built, there was an
and was judge of the county court for many years. Ho- ' island opposite the land, with large trees growing on it,
bert Barber retained tlve remaining 300 acres next the , but since torn away by the ice. The winters being
lower hill — he came from Yorkshire, England — he fol- | very severe the ice was very thick, and in tlie general
lowed the sea for many years, and had been a prisoner '. breaking up those trees were gradually torn up, and
in France. He built the brick house now occupied by carried ofi". At such times the water rose to a great
John Hinklc — he w-as sherifi"of the county, and it was | height aVove where the row of storehouses now stands,
intended the scat of justice should have been here, in The old Indians said, they remembered tlie river rising
consequence of which he built a prison near his house to the second bank with a break of ice; and Mr. Barber
— a strong log building, which was pulled down not , has ploughed up muscle shells, at that distance from the
many years since. James, afterwards Sir James Anncs- river. Near the point of Turkey hill, were what was
ley, was once confined therc.having run away from his called the s/iad rocks.' where shad were caught with dip
master, (his storj- is well known.) R. Barber had a nets, ever)' one paying a set price for a dip. The first
•on bearing his own name, who built a house which has ' shad caught with a seine, WM between 1760 and 65, on
Vol. IX. 15
114
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF COLUMBIA.
[FEBBDinr
the east side of the river below the old feriy course.
A sturgeon was once caught in a fish basket in the low-
er falls.
The ferry across the Susquehanna was very early es-
tabUshed. Two large canoes lashed together were
used at first to take a wagon across, which had to be
unloaded. In 1750, it was much improved and rented
for £100 per annum, with the ground attached to it.
John Wright's stone house was built between 1740-
50, also the little stone mill at the mouth of Shawnee
run, (still standing,) this latter was built by James
Wright. There was flour made at this mill, for the use
of Braddock's army— it was packed in small casks for
the purpose, and carried on pack-horses, a cask on
each side — it was taken to what was then called Rays-
town and fort Duquesne, (now Pittsburg. )
The people who had liu-ed a time with the owners of
the lands, or had been much employed by them, seem-
ed to claim a kind of patronage from their masters, and
usually contrived to get a small house with a garden,
and potatoe patch. Their rent was so many days work
in harvest, or other farmers work: many of them were
tradesmen — weavers, shoemakers; and were paid for
their work in grain, &c. Harvest wages were half a
bushel of wheat; raising grain was not the principal ob-
ject with the farmers, for there was no mai-ket for it:
hops and hemp were the sources of profit. Slany of
these persons were Germans (redemptioners. ) The first
Friends' meeting-house was built in the upper part of
the town, (Union street,) Catharine Peyton and Mary
Peasley, ministers from Ireland, held meeting there —
they travelled on horseback.
In the fall of 1755, the inhabitants were greatly
alarmed on account of the Indians. Braddock's army had
been defeated and dispersed the preceding summer,
and it was reported that the Indians were collecting a
large number of bark canoes attliehead of the Susque-
hanna, and were coming in gi'eat force to destroy all be-
fore them. The inhabitants were struck with fear at
the shghtest noise during the night, as they hourly ex-
pected the Indians coming down upon them. At last
they agreed to take the women and children to Phila-
delphia. They rented a large house to accommodate
all, and late in the autumn five families and their attend-
ants, in all about thirty, left their homes through fear
of the Indians. The men remained however, some of
them going occasionally during the winter to visit their
families. The few Indians who were on friendly terras
with the whites, were also struck with fear at the ex-
pected invasion, and in consequence fled to Philadel-
phia, where one of the lobbies of the old state house
was allowed them for a place of residence. The whites
who remained, fortified the stone house belonging to
John Wright, which was tlie strongest in the place.
The winter passing without an assault from the hostile
Indians, the families togetlier with the peaceable Indi-
ans, returned in the spring to their homes. The town
has never been disturbed by hostile Indians since
its first settlement.
In December 1763, the massacre of the poor Conesto-
ga Indians took place. They were called Conestoga,
but there were also among them of the Shawnee tribe.
There w.as one called Shawnee John-, and the httle run
on whose banks they built their huts, is still caUed
Shawannah (Shawnee) run. They were here when
the first white settlers came; were entu'ely peaceable
and seemed as much afraid of the other Indians as tl'ie
wliites were — they were great beggars, veiy intimate
with and much attached to the wliites — ^naming their
children after their favourite neighbours. The govern-
ment of Pennsylvania liad got into other hands, and the
mild and peaceable nature of the administration of Penn
was changed for one more hostile to the poor Indians.
The Friends did all tliey could to prevent it, but in
ivan. Slany thought they ought to be destroyed uncere-
moniously. Accordingly a company of Presbyterians,
from Pastang township, under tlie name of the Paxton
Boys, determined to come by night and massacre
promiscuously the poor Indians, at their town about
nine miles off, near Turkey hill. Previous to this the
Indians complained that they were suffering. They were
afraid to go any distance from their town to sell their
little wares, as the people began to threaten them. In
consequence of this, James AVright and a German named
Herr, who lived near the Indian town, were appointed
by government, to supply them with flour, and other
things necessary to their subsistence. . They were ad-
vised to keep in their town, their clu-istian neighbours
sympathizing with them: the most of these were Ger-
mans of the Menonist Society, whose principles like the
Friends', are against war or volence of any kind.
Such was the situation of things, when on a snowy
morning in December, 1763, a German neighbour came
to Robert Barber's house, .ind requested him to go with
him in pursuit of some ones who had been at his house
the night before, and whom he called robbers. They
had behaved in a veiy disorderly manner, such as melt-
ing the pewter spoons on the stove, &c. Mr. Barber,
supposing it had been some persons in a frolic, advised
his friend to take no notice of it. He had scarcely left
the house, when five or six men came in, very cold, their
great coats covered with snow and wet. They left their
guns standing outside. Mr. Barber was not personally
acquainted with them, though he knew from what part
of the country they came. He made up a fire to warm,
and treated them to the customary morning refresh-
ments. While they warmed themselves, they inquired
why the Indians were suffered to live peaceably here —
Mr. Barber said they were entirely inoffensive, being
on their own lands, and injuring no one. They asked
what would be the consequence if they were all destroy-
ed' Mr. Barber said he thought they would be as
hable to punishment as if they h.id destroyed so many
white men. They said, they were of a different opi-
nion, and in a few minutes went out. In the mean
time, however, two sons of Mr. B. about 10 or 12 years
old, went out to look at the strangers' horses, which
were hitched at a little distance from the house. After
the men went, the boys came in and said they (the
men) had tomahawks, tied to their saddles, which were
all bloody, and that they had Christy's gun, (Christy
was a little Indian boy about their own age — they
1832.]
AFRICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.
lis
were much attached to him, as he was their play-
mate, and made their bows and arrows, and other
means of amusement.) While the family .-^11 wondered
what it could mean, a messenger came froni Herr,
g-iving information ot tlie dreadful deed. Sir. Barbci-
and some others went down to see the extent of the
massacre. Shocking; indeed was the sight! — the dead
bodies of fourteen poor Indians lay among the rub-
bish of their burnt cabins, hke half consumed logs!
Mr. B. after some trouble, procured their bodies to
administer to them the rights of sepulchre. It was
said, that at the beginning of the slaughter, an Indian
motlier placed her little child under a barrel, charg-
ing it to m.ake no noise — a shot was fired through
the barrel, which broke the child's arm, and still it
kept silent. The rest of the Indians to the number of
28, who were absent from the town at the first mas-
sacre, were collected together to be reserved for a still
more distressing fate. They were put into the jail at
Lancaster, for safety, as it was said; but the merciless
\\Tetches not satisfied with their first work, went thither,
and (not in spite of opposition, for there was none
made,) broke open tlie jail, and cruelly and inhumanly,
in the most shocking manner destroyed them all — old
men, women, and cliildren. There was at the time, a
company of Scotch Highlanders quartered in Lancaster
— their commander (Cxpt. Robinson,) pleaded for or-
ders from the authorities to defend the jail, promising
that none on either side should be hurt, but the magis-
trates could not be found, though the event occurred
in day light — whether through fear or that they con-
nived at it was never known. Their excuses seemed too
trifling to be admitted — one could not find his wig, and
tilings of as little importance were pleaded in extenu.a-
tion of tlicir guilt. An Episcopalian minister in Lan-
caster, wrote, to vindicate the conduct of the magis-
trates, bringing scripture to prove that it was right, to
destroy the heathen — and many others were of the same
opinion.
The Paxton Boys after this dreadful and inhum.an
slaughter, made tlieir boast, that now having procur-
ed so many scalps, they would go to Philadelphia and
let the Quakers share tlie same fate. They went, and
the consequence is well known.
It \v.\3 always seemed strange that tliese men should
have been sufl'ered to go unpunished. The disordered
and chaotic state of the colony at that time prevented,
however, the speedy and impartial administration of
justice.
It was believed, however, that all or most of them,
came to an untimely end. There was an Indian named
Bill Sock, who it was said, had been up the river, with
the hostile Indians who committed outrages on the
whites during the preceding summer, and that the
whites were actuated by a spirit of retaliation in the
massacre of tlie Concstogas. But tliis statement,
(which would afTord but a trivial excuse for civilized
men, acting in such a cruel .and inhuman manner if
true,) is however false, .as Bill Sock was during that
summer in the employ of Robert B.arber.
In the year 1757 or 8, a physician (Dr. Moore,) cama
from Philadelphia to inoculate the children who never
had had the small pox; being all connected they were
taken to one house, to make it convenient for tlie Doc-
tor, lie had forty patients — one or two that did not
take tlie small pox, by inoculation, died; the rest all did
weU It was the opinion then, that it would be wrong
to inocuVgte the second time, lest the subject should
take the diseitso the natural way, and have a double
portion.
Shortly after this date, the tranquillity of tlie town
was distui-bed by the revolutionary movements; gi-eat
excitement was felt here, and as the inhabitants were
moved by a patriotic spii-it, having no, or few arms of
any kind, their trainings in particular for war, were
performed with sticks, 84c.
From this date, the history of the place is on record.
AFRICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.
At a meeting of the coloured people of the city and
vicinity of Pittsburg, convened at tlie African Church,
on the evening of the 16th Jan. 1832, J. B. Vashon,
was appointed Chairman, and Lewis AVoodson, Secre-
tary.
The object of the meeting being stated by tlie Chair-
man, after some further deliberation, tlie following Pre-
amble and Constitution were adopted.
PREAMBLE.
Whereas, ignorance in all ages has been found to de-
base the human mind, and to subject its votaries to the
lowest vices, and mostabjcct depravity; and it must be
admitted, that Ignorance is the sole cause of the present
degradation and bondage of tlie people of colour in
tliese United States; that tlie intellectual capacity of
the black m.T.n is equal to that of the white, and tliat he
is equally susceptible of improvement, all ancient his-
tory makes manifest; .ind even modern examples put
beyond a single doubt.
We, therefore, tlie people of colour, of the city and
vicinity of Pittsburg, and state of Pennsylvania, for
the purpose of dispersing the moral gloom, that has
long hung around us; have, under Almighty God, as-
sociated ourselves together, which association shall be
known by tlie name of tlie Pillsburg African Educntion
Society, which shall have for the dli-ection of its govern-
ment, the following
CONSTITUTION.
AnxiciE 1. There shall be a President, Vice-President,
Se<yctary, Treasurer and Board of Managers, con-
sisting of five, each of whom sh.all be elected annu-
ally by the members of the Society, at its annual
meeting, and shall continue in office until tlicir suc-
cessors are appointed.
Anx. 2. It shall be the duty of tlie President, to pre-
side at all meetings of the society, and of the Board
of Man.igers; to presene orderin its dellbcr.ations,and
to put all motions, when duly made and seconded, to
the decision of the meeting; to sigii all orders on the
Treasurer for money. In the absence of tlia Presi-
dent, the Vice-President shall perform liis duties.
AnT. 3. The Secretar\' shall keep a fair record of all
the proceeding's of the society, .and of the Board of
Managers, in a bock to be furnished him fortliat pur-
pose, and shall file .and keep all papers of importance
to the society; and at the expiration of his office,
shall deliver over to his successor, all books and pa-
pere in his care, belonging to the society.
Art. 4. The Tre.asurcr shall keep all moneys and othf r
properly belonging to the society, committed to hit
care, .and .shall keep a fair account thereof, in a book
to be furnished him for that purpose. His books
116
CABINET OF NATURAL SCIENCE.
[TlBaOART
shall be open for inspection at any meeting of the soci-
ety, or of the Board of Managers; and at the expira-
tion of liis office, he shall deliver over to his success-
or, all moneys and other property in his possession,
belonging to the society.
Aut. 5. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers,
to transact the business of the society during its re-
cess, and to purchase such books as the societj may,
from time to time, direct. When the society may
deem it expedient, tliey shall have power to raise
money by subscription or otherwise, to purchase
ground, and erect thereon a suitable building or build-
ings for the accommodation and education of youth,
and a haU for the use of the society. They shall
have power to make, alter, or abolish all by-laws and
regulations necessary for their govermnent; and to do
whatever else may be conducive to the best interests
of the society.
Art. 6. The President, Vice-President, Secretary-, and
Treasurer, shall be members of the Board of Mana-
gers, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum to
do business.
Abt. 7. Any person subscribing his name to this Con-
stitution, and paying into the hands of the Treasurer
the sum of two dollars, shall be a member of this so-
cietv, which sum the Society may alter, from time to
time, as they may see fit.
Art. 8. The Annual Meeting of the society shall be on
the third Monday in each year, and its Montlily Meet-
ing, on the second Monday in each month.
Anx. 9. No alteration shall be made in this Constitution
without the concurrence of two thirds of its mem-
bers.
The following persons were elected Officers of the
Society for the ensuing year.
JOHN B, VASHON, President.
JOB B. THOMPSON, Vice-President.
LEWIS WOODSON, Secretary.
ABRAHAM D. LEWIS, Treasurer.
RICHARD BRYANS, ~1
WJI. J. GREENLY, jBoard
SAMUEL BRUCE, S- of
MOSES HOWARD, | Managers.
SAM'L. CLINGHAM, J
CABINET OF NATUR^Vi SCIENCE.
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.
Published bt Ordeh op the Societt.
At a stated meeting of the Cabinet, held on the 31st
day of December, 1831, Daniel H. Mulvany, from the
committee appointed for the purpose, submitted the fol-
lowing Report, which was approved, and ordered to be
published;
At the last stated meeting a Committee was appointed
to prepare a Report on tlie present state of the Cabinet
of Natural Science of Jlontgomery county. In dis-
charging this duty, the committee will premise tliat, as
this is the first Annual Report ever made on the subject,
the occasion is deemed appropriate to take a brief v-iew
of the formation of the Cabinet, its progress up to the
present period, and the purposes for which it was insti-
tuted.
Perhaps the existence of similar institutions in some
of our neighbouring counties, and a conviction of their
utility in a pubUc and individual point of view, first sug-
gested to some of our citizens the idea of estabhshing
a Cabinet of Natural Science in Montgomery county. —
But it was not until a series of lectures had been de-
livered in this borough by Peter A. Browne, Esq. of
Philadelphia, whose merits as a geologist are extensive-
ly known and appreciated, that any effectual measures
were taken for the formation of a Society for the culti-
vation of natural science. The Interest which this
gentleman, in his lectures, imparted to the subjects of
geology and mineralogy, awakened in the minds of
many a desire to become acquainted with those and oth-
er branches of natural science, and the facilities which
the insiitution of a Cabinet would afford, in the acquisi-
t;an of natural knowledge, were too apparent to be over- ■
looked.
The first public meeting to take into consideration
the utility of forming a society for the promotion of
natural science, and for the estabfishment of a collec-
tion of specimens, in the animal, vegetable and mineral
departments of nature, was held at tlie house of Mr.
Levi Roberts, in Non'istown, on the 7th day of August,
1830. At tliis meeting a committee was appointed,
and instructed to invite, through the medium of the pub-
lic papers, the attention of the citizens of this county,
to the objects contemplated by the meeting In dis-
charge of their duty, tlie committee prepared and pub-
hshed an able address on the subject they were instruct-
ed to present to the public, which had the effect of se-
curing the co-operation of many inteUigcnt individuals
in accomplishing the object proposed — the formation of
a society for the cultivation of natural knowledge. In
their address which is dated August 20, 1830, the com-
mittee requested the attendance of tliose disposed to
become members of such a society, at a meeting desig-
nated to be held at the house of Levi Roberts on the 4th
day of September next, subsequent to the date of the
address. Atthat time and place a meeting was accord-
ingly held, and a committee of five were appointed to
prepare articles of Association and Bye Laws for the
consideration of the next meeting, which, pm-suant to a
resolution, was to be held at the same place on the 16th
of the same month, September, 1S30. When the time
of meeting arrived, the committee to whom the duty was
entrusted, submitted articles of|Association, which, after
some slight alterations, were unanimously approved and
adopted. AVith regard to the Bye-Laws, the committee
were continued, to make their Report at a future meet-
ing — and they were subsequently discharged from the
furtlier consideration of tlie matter, until the charter of
incorporation, which had been appUed for, coidd be
obtained from the proper authorities. Pursuant to the
10th article of association reported by the committee,
and in accordance with a resolution passed by the meet-
ing, the foUowing officers were chosen, until the next
annual election which is to be held this day. President —
Jonathan Roberts. Vice Presidents — George W. Hol-
stein, Joseph Foulke. Corresponding Secretary —
Thomas M. Jolly. Recording Secretary — Alan W.
Corson. Librarian — Daniel H. Mulvany. Curators —
John Freedley, Philip Kendall and Joseph Thomas,
Treasurer — John S. McFarland. Auditors — Charles.
Jones, George W. Thomas and Hiram Corson.
The society being thus organized, such committees
were appointed at subsequent meetings, with specific
duties assigned them, as were judged expedient to carry
into effect the objects of the association. The treasurer,
to whom the duty of procuring the charter of incorpo-
ration was entrusted, reported at the stated meeting in
April, 1331, that the articles prepared for the purpose
had been signed by the Attorney General, the Judges of
the Supreme C ourt and the Governor, and the charter
was tlierefore perfected. A committee was then ap-
pointed to prepare Bye-Laws for the regulation of the
society. These were submitted at a stated meeting in
July, 1831 and adopted. A committee was also appoint-
ed to ascertain and mark the site of the Observatory,
erected and used by the celebrated David Rittenhouse,
and which, since the death of that philosopher, had
been suffered to fall into a state of delapidation. This
committee reported at a stated meeting in June last,
that through the politeness of the venerable Maj. Joseph
Armsti-ong, they were shown the remains of a stone
building which, according to the account of Maj. Arm-
strong, whose veracity is to be rehed on, was the same
used by Mr. Kittenhouse as an Observatory. It is situ-
1832.]
CABINET OP NATURAL SCIENCE.
117
ated in the township of Norriton, about two and a half
miles from this borough.
Since the organization of the society considerable pro-
gress has been made, in the collection of appropriate
specimens for the different departments of the Cabinet.
The minerulogical department is gradually receiving an
accession to the number of its specimens, which at tlie
present time is .about 300. For a considerable portion
of these — some of which arc European — the society is
indebted to the kindness and liberality of Peter A.
Browne, Esq. whose exertions in behalf of the Cabinet
have contributed much to elevate the character of the
institution. A number of specimens have also been
presented by Mr. Joseph Thomas, now Casliier of the
Pottsville Bank, who was formerly one of the Curators,
and whose active and efficient co-operation aided much
the foimdation of the present society. Many other indi-
viduals also, not connected with the society, have evinc-
ed their good will, and an interest in its behalf, by dona-
tions of specimens — and among these the munificence
of Charles A. Poulson, Esq. is gratefully acknowledged.
This gentlem.an has designed for the Cabinet a splendid
collection of insects, from China, which arc understood
to be now at West Chester; and as soon as measures can
be taken to have them forwarded to this place, they
will form a jmost valuable acquisition to our museum.
In the Botanical dep.artment, wc have specimens of
nearly five hundred plants, which are either indigenous
or nat\iralized in Montgomcrj' county. For the herba-
rium comprising these plants the society is indebted to
the kindness of Miss Ilann.ah Corson, whose donation
in tills respect is the more valuable from the circum-
stance th.at no addition has been made to the collection
of plants made .and presented by her to the Cabinet.
The fact bowever, that nothing has been added to the
result of her labours, it is hoped will have the effect of
directing the attention of the members to the cultiva-
tion of this science, and of impressing on their minds
the utility of procuring specimens in botany. If the
members would form themselves into sever.al parties,
each party, exploring a ]>articular section, a general
herbarium might be collected of all the plants of Mont-
gomery county. Nor would this be the only result of
suchj an undertaking. In a general botanical excur-
sion throughout the county, its mineral treasures might
be explored, and specimens procured, without encroach-
ing much on the time devoted to the purpose, or adding
much to the labour, of collecting specimens forthe her-
barium. The duplicates too, wiiich might be obtained
in this way, would enable us to furnish specimens to oth-
er Cabinets and to scientific individuals, in return for
their favours — and by thus exch.ingingthc natiu'al pro-
ductions of our own section of tlto county, for tliose
collected in neighbouring and distant parts, the inte-
rests of our institution would be materially promoted.
The Librai-y at present contiiins about 20 volumes,
among which are Godman's Natural Ilistoiy, Say's En-
tomology, one volume of Audubon's Ornithological Bio-
graphy, &c.
Of the minerals which have been collected by the
members, or presented by others, but few compara-
tively have been obt;uned within the borders of our own
county. When it is recollected, that one of the prf-
mary objects of our association is, to procure materials
for a complete history of the natural productions of this
county — to be enabled to display at a glance, to those
who shall do us the favour to visit our Cabinet, the ani-
mals, insects, fishes and birds which inhabit within its
limits, and particularly those which are least familiar to
the common eye — the vegetable plants which are the
sponUuieous growth of our soil, and the mineral trea-
sures lying on its surface, or imbedded beneath it — it is
to be regretted that specimens of these various articles
have not been more generally procured. With regard
to mineral wealth, our own is a highly favoured county.
We have inexhaustible quarries of limestone, inferior
in quality to none in the state, extensive beds of excel-
lent marble, and iron ore, and mines of copper, lead and
zinc. There is reason to believe that even these hitve
not been fully developed, and that there are large quan-
tities of the same kind of minerals yet undiscovered.
Perhaps it is not too much to expect that our Cabinet
may yet be the means of conveying an acciu^te know-
ledge of the true extent of our resources, in respect to
tliose minerals, and developing other treasures which
now remain imbedded inthe earth, their nature, proper-
ties, and the uses to which they might be applied, being
alike unknown.
In several of the branches of natural science — Orni-
thology, Entomology", Sec. — it must be confessed, we
have as yet .accomplished little or nothing; but tliere is
reason to indulge the hope that during the ensuing year
these important subjects will receive a due share of the
attention of the members. The prospect bfore us is
certainly encoiu-aging — and if, in speaking of our opera-
tions, we have to lament that some of the most impor-
tant br.anchesof n.atural science have been partially ne-
glected, yet if we contemplate for a moment the diffi-
cnlties we have already encountered and overcome, and
the ennobling purposes for which our Cabinet has been
instituted, we will find, in these considerations, theliigh-
est incentive to hope that our efforts, in cultivating and
promoting a knowledge of the natural sciences, will be
productive of the most beneficial results. Our Society
has been in existence a year, and it was not, in the na-
ture of things, to be expected, that any considerable
progress should have been made in the cultivation of all
the diversified branches of natural science. It is suffi-
cient cause for pleasing reflection, and at the same
time a high inducement to future and more vigorous
exertion, that the extensive field on which we have
entered has been already partially explored, and that,
with reg.ard to our end and aim, every reasonable an-
ticipation has been realized.
The objects for which the Cabinet has been estab-
lished are such as cannot fail to recommend themselves
to the best feelings of every intelligent individual in
the community. To encourage and promote a love of
natiu-al knowledge in the minds of tlie rising genera-
tion — to afford to the more experienced votaries of nat-
ural science, facilities in the prosecution of their studies
which could not otherwise be- so readily obtained — to
collect into one common repository, and be enabled to
exhibit .at a view all the rare and curious specimens, in
animated n.ature, which can be procured within the
limits of our country — to form a Museum of shells, fo-
reign and antiquated coins, Indian and other relics, &c.
and in which can be deposited all the various specimens
and distinct species of Montgomery county minerals, as
well as the kindred productions of neighbouring states
and distant countries — to possess a Herbarium of all
the plants, native and naturalized, within our country,
so that at a future day some American Botanist may be
assisted to accomplish in that science, what Wilson and
Audubon have in Ornithologj- — to form an extensive
Librarj-, by a collection of books and works on subjects
connected with natural science, for the purpose of illus-
trating and promoting a knowledge of its various branch-
es — these are the considerations which have called into
existence, and wliich must sustain, the present Cabi-
net.
The committee cannot close this communication with-
out requesting the attention of our agriculturists and
our citizens generally to the objects of our association.
To the farmer, a knowledge of the minerals he meets
with in the daily routine of his business, their ch.aracter
and properties — of the insects which infects and destroy
tlie produce of his farm, and of the plants and weeds
which .are valuable or pernicious, in his fields and gar-
dens, cannot be unimportant For tlie purpose there-
fore of obviating any deficiency of knowledge, in tlicsc
respects we would respectfully suggest to our fuincri
ii8
Sank of the united states.
[FEBHUAnT
and others, that, should they do us the favour to furnish
specimens of animals or insects, or of minerals and
plants, with whose names and properties tliej' were un-
acquainted; the society would cheerf\Uly impart to
them all the information which the members collective-
ly would be enabled to give. We would also suggest
that native productions, either in the animal, vegetable
or mineral king-dom, wliich are evei\ familiar to our
citizens, and which may be regarded by them as of
small importance, will always be acceptable to the Soci-
ety. If the example of those individuals who have for-
warded specimens for the Cabinet, were more generally
imitated, the effect would doubtless be, to confer a re-
ciprocal benefit to the community and tn the members —
and these latter would be encouraged in the study of
natural science, by a consciousness that their efforts
were appreciated by the pubUc, and that the knowledge
which they themselves had acquired could be communi-
cated with profit to othei-s.
Our society is at present composed of tlnrty members,
and an addition to the number is to be desired, as it would
enhance the value and extend the operations of the in-
stitution. Any member has a right to propose any per-
son who shall desire it, as a candidate for admission, at
any of the stated meetings wliich are held on the last
Saturday of each month in the year, and at the next
subsequent meeting, such candidate, may be elected a
member. The only expense necessary to be incun-ed,
is the institution fee of five dollars, and an annual pay-
ment of two dollars. On the rising generation the in-
stitution we have established, must rely in a great mea-
sure for support and advancement. The earlier period
of life, before the cares and pursuits of the world ab-
sorb the attention, is tlie time for improvement; and at
that interesting period, the energies of the youthful
mind could not perhaps be better emploj'ed than in the
acquisition of natural knowledge. The utiUt)- of such
knowledge will not be denied; and if we may credit
the concurrent testimony of all who have cultivated na-
tural science with any degree of success, it is one of the
most delightful studies in which the human mind can be
engaged. To young men, then, who are just beginning
to search into the "fine mysteries of knowledge," whoare
forming habits of mindi on which must depend, in a
g^eat measure, their happiness as individuals, their use-
fulness as citizens, and theu- success in life, and on whom
wUl devolve in future the responsibility of sustaining
and exalting the intellectual character of their country,
an early love for the study of nature is of the last im-
portance. The boundaries of knowledge are only en-
larged in proportion as the attention is excited; and
the mind that in youth, can contemplate with delight
the works of creation, and have a desire to become ac-
quainted with the various objects of nature, is fitted to
achieve the loftiest triumphs of genius and learning,
and to enjoy at the same time, the highest degree of
intellectual pleasure of which the human mind is suscep-
tible.
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
The following letter was written some time since, and
was never designed for publication. It accidently came
into the hands of a New York editor, who oliserving the
singular manner in which it disproves a charge made
against the United States Bank, thought it proper to
lay it before the public. It cannot but serve as an en-
tire vindication of the Bank from at least one of the ab-
surd charges that have been prefen-ed against it.
(PHIVATE.)
Bank of the United Slates, Sept. 27, 1830.
Dear Sir, — I have recently received a pamphlet en-
titled, "Proceedings and the Resolutions and Addresses
adopted by the State Rights' party in Charleston,"
which contains the follo\ving passages: " We had ar-
rayed against us the influence of the President of the
Bank of the State of South Carolina, emphatically your
Bank, who was among the most zealous in his efforts
against us, and among the most industrious in his cry of
civil W"ar, blood, and revolution. The President of the
Bank of the U. States was not less active, and the head
which presides over this great Federal Institution was
seen superintending, with an anxious scrutinj', the polls
at the election." And again. "But if Charleston be
fated to be governed by northern traders, officers of
the Federal Judiciai-y, custom officers, and officers of
tiie United States Bank, we know," 8cc. And further,
" AU the power of tlie Custom House, and of the Bank
of the United States, all the power of the Federal Judi-
ciary, and even to a certain extent, of the Bank of our
own state, may be arrayed against us."
However unwUling to interpret very literally, ex-
pressions provoked by the ardour of political contro-
versy, there is yet in these extracts a direct assertion
of facts, which unless the highly respectable gentlemen
who make it are entirely misinformed, is calculated to
excite extreme regret. In the administration of the
Bank of the United States, no principal is more funda-
mental than its total abstinence from pohtics. Its uni-
form object has been to devote itself exclusively to its
own concerns, leaving public affairs to the public coun-
cils: to belong to the country, not to any section of it;
to be true to every administration of the government,
yet subservient to none; and while composed of fellow
citizens of all parties, to be wdiolly unconnected with
any. You know that during the many years in which I
have enjoyed the pleasure of your correspondence, I
have never made a single inquiry into the poHtical opi-
nions of any individual attached to the Branch. lam
at this moment equally ignorant and indifferent, and
my only anxiety is, that they should so exercise their
own rights as not to violate those of the institution. Un-
doubtedly, the officers of tiie Bank are aU citizens, re-
taining all their privileg-es of free thought and free ac-
tion, nor would the directors presume to control the
poUtical opinions of the humblest individual in their
service. Yet it is not an unreasonable expectation tliat
they who voluntarily engage in the employment of the
institution, sliovdd conform to its essential policy, and
cautiously abstain from any conduct which may bring
upon it undeserved odium. Now there is nothing more
adapted to offend and estrange the community tihan an
active and ostensible participation in popular elections,
by the officers of the Bank. 'Whetlier they are in the
right or in the WTOng; whether the occasion be great or
small, whether they succeed or fall, are matters of not
tlie sUghtest consequence. All parties think them-
selves always right; to all parties all contests seem im-
portant; and all, if they do not succeed, are sure they
ought to succeed; so that whether victorious or defeat-
ed, each partv retains a feeUng against its prominent
adversaries, which it inevitably tonsfers to the institu-
tions identified with thera.
The Board of Directors are therefore extremely un-
willing that the officers of the Bank should be zealous
or conspicuous at elections, and the reproach thus pub-
licly vouched is of a character to excite great sensibili-
ty. That feeling I trust you will be able to remove or
allay, so as to relieve the institution from the imputation
of political interference, and I therefore take tlie earliest
opportunity of inviting you to furnish me with the
means of placing the subject before the Board in a satis-
factory light. This will be very acceptable to them,
and particularly gratifying to
Y'ours, with great respect,
N. BIDDLE,
President.
Jos. JoHirsoN, Esq. Prest. Off. Dis. & Dep.
Charleston, S. C.
1832.]
LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
119
From the Harrisburg Chronicle.
LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Is Senate — Friday, Feb- 9.
NAVIGATION OF THE DELAWARE.
A message, accompanied with documents, being re-
ceived from the Governor, was read as follows:
2o the Senate and fluuse of Representatives of the Com-
monweallh of Fennsylvania,
Gentlemen — I hasten to lay before the two Houses
copies of a communication from tiic executive of tlie
state of New Jersey, and of certain resolutions adopted
by the legisl.ature of that st;ite, accompanying the same,
relative to an alleged obstruction of the navigation of
the river Delaware, by the erection of a wing dam in the
said river, on tlie Pennsylvania side of the same, near
New Hope.
Although tlic obstructions of tlie navigation of tlic
Delaware river, of a more serious character than that
complained of in the communication mentioned, have
been placed, or authorized to be placed in that river,
as well by incorporated companies, deriving their au-
thority from the legislative enactments of the state of
New Jersey, as by private citizens of tliat state, to which
the assent of this commonwealtli has never been obtain-
ed, and the erection of the wing dam in question, by the
state of Pennsylvania, to supply her canal with water
at certain seasons of tliC year, might be justified upon
the principles of an equality of rights, possessed by this
state with the st.ate of New Jersey, in relation to the na-
vigation and \ise of the waters of the river Delaware,
yet as it is important to both states, that the extent of
the privileges to be enjoyed by either, in reference to \
the river in question, should be definitely established !
and arranged in a spirit of mutual concession, .amity and \
torbearance, it is earnestlv recommended thtit measures |
be adopted b}' tlie legislature of Pennsylvania, as early '
as possible, to ascert;iin how far the dam complained of '
is injurious to the navigation of the river Delaware, and i
also for the purpose of arranging and establishing the i
rights and privileges of tlie respective states to the wa-
ters of the Delaware river, and to define the several ob-
jects to which they may be applied by the states of New
Jersey and Pennsylvania respectiveh-, provided the
former shall adopt similar measures for attiiiningthe ob-
ject last mentioned on her part.
GEO. WOLF.
Harrisburg, Feb. 2, 1832.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE.
Trenton, N. J. January 28, 1831.
To His Excellency, George Woif:
Sin: — I have the honor of forwarding to your Excel-
lency an authenticated copy ofcertain resolutions adopt-
ed by the legislature of tliis 'state, at their last session in
December last, relative to a wing d.am, recently erected
in the Delaware river, on the Pennsylvania side thereof
near New Hope.
In conformity with the authority vested in me by the
first resolution, I appointed commissioners to make the
proposed ascertainment of facts. The commissioners
have m.ade to me a very full and satisfactory report, by
which it appears that in the course of the last summer
and fall, a wing dam has been erected in Wells' falb in
the river Delaware, on the Pennsylvania side thereof,
below and near the town of New Hope, under the di-
rection of one of the assistant engineers of the Pennsyl-
vania canal; and that in erecting said iLam, the engineer
acted by authority and in pursuance of a resolution of
the board of canal, commissioners of Pennsylvania of
the 6tl\ of M.iy last, directing the creation of a water
power to suppy the canal with water from the com-
bined locks near New Hope to Bristol,, and also that at
certain seasons of the year, and certain heights of water
in said river, it does now and from its location and di-
mensions will probably hereafter materially interfere
with and obstruct the free navigation of the river.
Permit me, sir, respectfully to call your attention to
this subject so important to the interests of that portion
of the citizens of New Jersey; concerned in the river
trade; and to request that you will give to it an early
consideration.
The idea is not entertained that the canal commission-
ers acting under autliority of the state of Pennsylvania,
have intentionally erected this dam in such manner, as
to obstruct the free navigation of the river, and thereby
infringe the rights of New Jersey, on the contrary, it is
understood thcit they expressly directed it to be so con-
structed as to avoid that result. But as the effect of it
is now ascertained to be such as materially to interfere
with the navig.ation, it is confidently hoped that the
state of Pennsylvania under whose authority it has been
erected, will take prompt and effective measures for
its removal.
I have the honour to be
With great respect.
Your obedient servant,
P. D. VROOM.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
AVhereas it has been represented to the Legislature
of the state of New Jersey, that a wing dam has been
erected at or near to "Wells' Falls," in the river Dela-
ware, on the Pennsylvania side of the said river, in the
vicinity of the town of New Hope, which materially in-
terferes with, and obstructs the free navigation thereof,
causing thereby great inconvenience, loss and damage
to the citizens of this state, and others navigating said
river. And whereas aid and relief have been prayed of
this Legislature by petition. Therefore,
Resolved, by the Council of the General Assembly of
the state of New Jersey, that the Governor of this state
be, and is hereby authorized and requested to ascertain
without delay, in such manner as he may deem expedi-
ent, either by agent or agents, or otherwise, whether
any wing or other dam has recently been built and
erected :it or near to "Wells' Falls," in the river Dela-
ware, on the Penns}lvania shore thereof, near to the
town of New Hope — and if so, whether it does now, or
from its location and dimensions, m.ay prob.ably hereaf-
ter, materially interfere with, and obstruct the free navi-
gation of the said river — and that he further ascertain,
1 in manner aforesaid, by whom, and by what authority,
and for what purpose, said dam has been erected.
Re solved further, that if it should appear to the Go-
vernor, from the information he may obtain under the
preceding resolution, that the s.aid wing or other dam,
h.as been built at or near the place aforesaid, and that it
now docs or probably will hereafter materially obstruct
the free navigation of the said river Delaware, that then,
and in that case, he do, without delay, call the atten-
tion of the Executive of the st.ate of Pennsylvania to
the subject, and request his co-operation in removing
said obstruction, and th.at he do use any and every other
means within his power under the existing laws of this
state, and treaties with Pennsylvania, to have said dam
removed, and almted xs a ntiisancc.
In Council, December 2, 1831. The joint resolution
having been three times read in Council, Resolved that
the same do pass.
By order of the Council,
ELIAS P. SEILEV, Vice President
Hotise of Assembly, December 1, 1831. These
joint resolutions having been three times read and
compared in the House, Resolved, that the same do pass.
By order of tlic House,
ALEX. WURTS,
Speaker of the General Assembly.
120
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[FiBaWABT
From the Philadeipbia Gazette,
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL.— Mr. Duane offered the an-
nexed resolution wliJch was adopted by both Councils.
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, of the
city of Philadelphia, that until a permanent regulation
shall be established, in case any part of the real estate,
devised to the city by the late Stephen Girard, shall re-
quire repairs, the Mayor shall be, and he is autliorized
to cause the same to be made.
The Select Council agreed to the resolution sent in
from the Common Council relative to an Alarm Bell in
the North Western part of the city. Also, to one rela-
tive to the celebration on the 22d instant, and appointed
on theii- part Messrs. Pettit, WoneD, Johnson and To-
land.
COMMON COUNCIL.— Ml-. Lehman presented a
petition praying" that Washin^on street be paved, which
was referred to the Paving Committee.
Mr. Okie, as chairman of the Committee of Accounts
made the following report and resolution which was
agreed to.
The Committee on accounts to whom was referred
the account of Thomas Desilver, jr. for stationary fur-
nished for the use of Councils, beg leave to report, that
they have examined the same, and found it to be cor-
rect, and recommend the adoption of the following re-
solution.
Resolved, by the Select and Common fcouncUs, that
the Mayor be requested to draw his warrant on the city
treasurer, in favour of Thomas Desilver, jr. for the sum
fifteen dollars eig-hty-eight cents, and clmrge the same
to appropriation No. 21.
Friday, Feb. 17/h, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL. — Mr. Duane as chairman of
the Watering Committee made the following report and
resolution, whicli were adopted: and Messrs. Johnson,
Worrell, I3aker and Lelunan, were appointed the com-
mittee:
The Watering Committee respectfully represent to
Councils, that they have been authorized, by the board
of Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania, "to lay down
anii'on main or pipe of conduit on the southern margin of
the Philadelphia and Columbia rail-road, under the di-
rection of the princip.al engineer of the rail-road;" that,
in the estimate presented by the committee for the year
1832, they did not embrace the expenses of the removal
of the main from its present position, near the towing
path of the old canal, to that wliich the committee are
now empowered to occupy, because the committee were
not sure that permission would be given by the Canal
Commissioners; consequently, as permission has now
been given, the committee request Councils to adopt
the following resolution :
Resolved, &c. that the sum often thousand dollars to
be taken from the water rents of 1832, be and the same 1
is hereby appropriated, and that the watering commit-
tee be and they are hereby authorized to draw so much
thereof as may be nccessai-y, for taking up the iron main
from the towing patli of the old union canal, and for
laying down the same along the southern margin of the
Philadelphia and Columbia rail-road.
Mr. DcANE as chau-man of the Girard Committee,
made the annexed report and resolution, which were
agreed to :
To the Select and Common Councib of the City of Phila-
delphia.
The Committee on Girard's Legacy respectfully re-
commend to Councils, the adoption of the following re-
solution, viz:
Resolved,- by the Select and Common Councils of the
city of Philadelphia, that a committee of two members
of each Council be appointed to regulate (in conjunc-
tion with the Mayor) the rents of the property be-
queathed to the city by the late Stephen Giranl.
COJIMON COUNCIL.— Mr. Rtas as chairman of
the Committee on the Drawbridge lot, made tlie fol-
low report and resolution which were adopted:
The Committee on the Drawbridge lot, to whiom was
referred the communication of Thomas and Jacob B.
Lancaster, praying a renewal of their lease for the end
of Spruce street wharf, and dock, report that having
taken the subject into consideration, and finding that
there are other applicants for the said wharf dock, re-
port that they deem it expedient to offer the following
resolution for the consideration of Councils —
Resolved, by tlie Select and Common Councils, that
the city commissioners be, and they are hereby directed
to advertise for receiving proposals for renting of Spruce
street wharf and dock, and Cedar street and Walnut
street wharves, and that they be authorized to rent the
same tn the best bidder, ngreenhly toexisting ordinance,
in conjunction with the committee on the Drawbridge
lot.
Mr. Baker presented a petition relative to encroach-
ments on the footways in Second street, which was re-
ferred to the Committee on markets.
The following letter from the Mayor enclosing one
from the Marble Masons was received and was referred
to a Special Committee of two members of each Coun-
cil, and Messrs. Fritz, AVetherdl, Groves and Pettit
were appointed the Committee.
Match's Office, '}
Philadelphia, Feb. 17th, 1832. 5
To the President of the Select and Common Councils.-
Gentlemen: — I enclose a communication from the
Committee of Marble Masons, which invites the respect-
ful attention of Councils. — Very respectfullv, your ob't
serv't, ' B. W. RICHARDS.
Philadelphia, Feb. 17th, 1832.
To B'njamin IV. Richards, Esq. Mayor.
Sm, — At a general meeting of the Marble Masons of
the city and county of Pliiladelphia, it was resolved to
prepare a suitable corner stone for the contemplated
Monument to the tjood and great Washi.vctos; and that
the same be presented to the "Mayor, Aldermen and
Citizens of Pliiladelphia," to be by them received and
preserved until the occasion arrives for laying it, in pur-
suance of the intentions of the Donors.
The said corner stone will be exhibited on a Truck-
wagon in the procession of the 22d instant, and the Sub-
scribers have been appointed a sub-committee from the
committee of arrangement to carry said resolution into
effect, and to receive^such instructions from the City
Authorities, as to the temporary place of deposit, as they
may deem proper. We are most respectfully, your
'ob't, serv'ts.
PETER FRITZ,
AD. TRAQUAIR,
A communication from Dr. J. Y. Clarke was received
and was referred to the Committee on the Girard Fund,
The following letter from E. Hand was received, and
was referred to a special Committee of two members of
each Council, and Messrs. Sexton, Horn, Massey and
Fox were appointed the committee.
To the Honorable the Select and Common Councils of the
City of Philadelphia.
Gentlemen — Your petitioner Ezekiel Hand, having
been employed by the City Commissioners as a watch-
man for nearly 15 years past, and being exposed to the
night air so long, the consequence is, that your petition-
er has been laid on a bed of sickness for these two last
years, and having* a large family, he is now reduced to
the lowest state of poverty. Having been taken sick
when in the performance of his dutj', he sends this,
praying that CouncUs wUl take it into consideration,
1832.]
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
121
and g^ant him some relief. He does this with the more
confidence, as he believes them to be men tliat can pity
the distressed; and hearing; that Councils were pleased
to grant relief in similar c.ises last year, and for which
if they i^rant this, they shall ever be gratefully remem-
bercd by their obedient servant,
EZEKIEL HAND,
Residence, No. 58 Gaskill street.
Reference, To tlie City Clerk, or Captain of the
Watch.
PnrL.vDEi.pniA, Feb. 16th, 18G2.
A commimication was received from Mr. William
Champion, relative to releasing^ South street wharf,
which was referred to the Committee on the Drawbridg'e
Lot
Mr. LtiPEB offered the annexed resolution which was
agreed to:
Resolved, That the Mayor be authorized to draw his
warrant on the City Treasurer to defray the expenses of
the committee appointed to go to Harrisburgh on the
21st ult. and that the same be charged to appropriation
No. 21.
Mr. SoLtiTAif offered the following resolution which
was adopted:
Resolved, That the Select and Common Council do
assemble at the Council Chamber, on the 22d inst. at 9
o'clock, A. M. and proceed in a body to join the proces-
sion which is to take place in honor of the day.
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
Report of the Commillee of the House of Bepresentative-i
of Pennsylvania, to wliom were referred the message of
tjie Governor and sundry metnorials relating to the ubo-
iilion of Lotteries. — Read Februaiy lOM, 1832, by
Mr. Dunlop, Chairman.
The comrriittec to whom was referred that portion of
the message of the Chief Magistrate, and the several
memodals relatingto the abolition of lotteries — Respict-
TDLLr Report:
That folly aware of the responsibility imposed upon
them, they have bestowed upon the subject submitted
to their consideration the laborious invcstig.ition to which
it was entitled. Sensible of the evils arising from the
prosecution of lotteries, and that the picture which has
been drawn of the enormous extent to which they have
been earned, and the appiiUing consequences which are
daily flowing from this miserable plan of finance, under
the alleged sanction of the commonwealth; they could
not but feel the strongest disposition to eradicate this
cancer from tlie bosom of the state.
A lottery is at bcstbutsysteraatizedgambnng,asplen-
didlure for the imwary, in which the chance of remu-
neration to the adventurer is in proportion to that of
any other mode of gaming. Yet, like the Mirage of the
desert, it lures and deceives, not only the imconscious,
but the most practised beholder. The old and young,
the economist and the spendthrift, the knowing one and
the innocent, the poor man and the rich, with equal ea-
gerness, crowd around this gorgeous temple of fortune,
and though to-day the dupes of its deceitful promises,
return to-morrow with eyes as anxious and inquiring, to
gaze upon and seek the glittering favors it affects to of-
fer. In its insatiable coflers are consumed as well the
pittance of the poor as the thoiisands of the wealthy,
and though the one may be kept destitute, and the oth-
er become the victim of bankruptcy, still the occasional
prize that is blindly lavished, crowds the portals with its
deluded devotees. Every device th-at caji mitrap the
tinwary, and allure the giddy, is invented and displayed,
and a glare as false as it is flattering, that only
"—leads to bewilder, and dazzles to blind,"
dcceivee from day to day the victims of its delusion.
There may be other gr.»nt» of lotteries made in un-
Voi.. IX. 16
wary moments by the legislature, to other institutions,
which time and circumstance liave probably rendered
obsolete; but the only one in active operation is exer-
cised by the Union Canal Company, an institution which
seems to have been in some measure a deserving favour-
ite of the public; and your committee, thovigh an.xioiis-
ly disposed to cut off this monstrous system of imposi-
tion, practised under its authority, have yet been too
strongly impressed with the propriety of respecting the
rights of the corporation and of individuals, and pre-
serving untarnished the public faith, to recommend such
a measure, without the most sedulous scrutiny, and con-
fident assurance of tlieir own conclusions. Fewlingthe
great responsibility they were under, in deciding upon
property to a great amount, upon perhaps the future
prosperity of the Union Canal company, upon the gua-
rantee of the state on the faith of which nearly half a
milUon of dollars had been invested, they invited and
enjoyed a full, laborious and able discussion of the whole
subject, by counsel on the part of the memorialists, tlie
company and their assignees.
As the power to .abolish lotteries, as prayed for by the
memorialists, and recommended by the Governor, will
depend on a proper construction of the acts of assem-
bly, which have conferred upon the Union Canal com-
pany the privilege of raising money by way of lotteries,
tlie committee beg leave, as briefly as the discussion will
permit, to place their views upon this subject before
the House.
The Union Canal company of Pennsylvania was so
called from its being formed of two separate compa-
nies, which had been authorized to connect the w.aters
of the Delaware and Susquehanna, more tlian forty
years ago. The earliest of them, denominated tlie
Schuylkill and Susquehanna navigation company, was
incorporated by an act piissed twenty-seventh Septem-
ber, seventeen hundred and ninety-one; the other, call-
ed the Delaware and Schuylkill canal navigation, was
erected by an act of the tenth of April following. In
eighteen hundred and eleven tliese companies were
united and re-organized, by an act of the second of
April of that year, under tlie style and title of "the
Union Canal Company of Pennsylv.ania;" and under that
name have brought their arduous and mei-itorious exer-
tions to a successful termination.
These companies, and especially since their connex-
ion, have claimed and enjoyed from time to time the
continued and fostering care of the government. So
early as seventeen hundred and ninety-five, by an act
passed seventeenth April of that year, the legislature,
to provide efficient funds for completing the canals, au-
thorized the two companies "to raise by way of lot-
tery," four hundred thousand dollars, of which two
hundred and sixty-six thousand, six hundred and sixty-
six dolhars. sixty-seven cents, were to be applied to car-
rying on the works of the Schuylkill and Susquehanna
navigation, and one hundred and thirty-three thousand,
three hundred and thirty -three dollars and thirty-three
cents, to carrying on the works of the Delaware and
Schuylkill canal navig.ation, and which was not to form
any part of the capital stock.
Finding it inconvenient to raise the sums authorized
to be raised "whilst acting jointly, where a separate
interest existed," the latter company was authorized to
raise " their proportions of the provisions granted" by
the act of the seventeen hundred and ninety-five, uncon-
nected with the other company.
Afker nearly twenty years of the exercise of tlicir
corporate powers, after the enjoyment of fifteen
years of their lotterj" pririlegcs, these companies in their
memorial to the Legislature of thirteenth of December,
eighteen hundred and ten, afler lamenting the unyiro-
ductiveness of the lottery grant, after complaining of
"the disorder and embarrassment into which they had
fallen," the "reproach and ridicule with which their
undertaking was covered," of "the public confidence
being impaired" m their efforts, and acknowledging
123
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
[FBEnciKr
"the spirit of unlimited speculation," which marked
their commensement, andembarrassed their operations,
they prayed the Legislature to aid them with appropri- \
ations and to unite them under one direction. In pur- !
suance of this request, the Legislature, by an act passed
the second of April, eig'hteen hundred and eleven, uni-
ted them as has been already stated, into one company i
called the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania, and |
conferred upon them further privileges and powers,
which become the subject of particular examination. !
'Ihe twenty-eighth section of this act assuming that the
two companies had realized about sixty thousand dollars,
of the four hundred thousand dollars they had been au-
thorized to raise, by the act of seventeen hundred and
ninety-five, authorizes the raising of the residue of the
original sum not exceeding three hundred and forty
thousand dollars, and confers the additional power "if it
should appear to them advisable to sell and assign to
any person or persons,body politic or corporate,the right
to raise the^said residue of money by way of lottery or lot-
teries, upon such scheme or schemes, plan or plans, as
they may from time to time s:inction, or any part there-
of from time to time," and that "sucli piu-chasers or as-
signees shall be vested for the term they shall so ac-
quire, with the same rights and privileges as the said
corporation."
The expectations of the company from the power gi-
ven by this act to sell and assign wholly or from time to
time, their privileges to raise money by way of lottery
not having been answered, the Legislature to promote
their views, by an act of the twenty-ninth of March,
eighteen hundred and nineteen, authorized a further
subscription of two thousand five hundred shares, and as
an inducement to new subsci'ibers to invest their mo-
ney, by the third section pledged the proceeds of the
lottery as a fund for the payment of six per cent, upon
the new subscription, and also upon the unforfeited
shares of the old companies, "as soon as the two thou-
sand five hundred dollars shall have been subscribed,"
the interest upon the old stock to commence from the
time and in the proportion of the new subscription. The
pledge of the lottery proceeds to the pa}Tnent of six per
cent, upon the stock having faikd to induce the ex-
pected new subscriptions; the company taking advan-
tage of the current of popular opinion which was then
setting in favour of internal improvement, procured in
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, further enactments
of the Legislature, upon the construction of which the
chief difficulty of deciding the important questions sub-
mitted to the committee mainly depends.
The first section of the "act for the improvement of
the state," above alluded to, passed twenty -sixth March
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, after providing "that
whenever according to the act" of eighteen hundred
Rnd nineteen, which as just stated, empowered the fur-
ther subscription of two thousand five hundred shares to
the capital stock of the Union Canal company, two
thousand two hundred and fifty should be subscribed,
the Governor was required to subscribe on behalf of the
commonwealth, two hundred and fifty shares, and
then proceeds as follows:
" Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylva-
nia in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted
by the authority of the same, that whenever according
to the provisions of the act supplementary to an act, en-
titled " An act to incorporate the Union Canal compa-
ny of Pennsylvania," passed the twenty -ninth day of
March, eighteen hundred and nineteen, two thousand
two hundred and fifty shares shall have been subscribed
to the capital stock of the Union Canal company of
Pennsylvania, the Governor of this commonwealth' be,
and he is hereby authorized and required to subscribe
NOTE.— The two thousand two hundred and fiftj-
shares, at two hundred dollars per share, mikes tlie
four hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
in behalf thereof, two hundred and fifty shares of the
stock of said company, to be paid by the State Trea-
surer on warrants drawn by the Governor, in the pro-
portion of the payment made on subscribing by the new
subscribers, and of tlie payment of their respective in-
stalments as may be called for by the board of managers;
and if the proceeds of the lottery granted to the Union
Canal company, togetlier with the tolls which may be
collected, shall not hereafter from year to year, for the
period of twenty-five years, yield a sum equal to an an-
nual interest of six per cent, upon all sums not exceed-
ing in amount four hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
which.may be subscribed by new subscribers as afore-
said, and paid according to law to the capital stock of
the said company, the Governor shall from year to
year, for the term of twenty-five years, whenever it
shall appear to his satisfaction that such disability ex-
ists, draw his warrant on the State Treasurer in favour
of the said board of Managers, for the amount of such
deficiency, which money shall be applied to the pay-
ment of an annual interest of six per cent, to such neW
subscribers, and the faith of the commonwealth is here-
by pledged for the term of twenty-five years, for the
full and punctual pajTnent of said interest: Provided,
that the subscriptions shall be paid in such instalments
as shall be called for by the managers of the said com-
pany, and each subscriber sliall be entitled to interest
only from the time of tlie actual paj-meiit of each instal-
ment respectively; and in order to avoid as far as possi-
ble all disability to pay suchinterest,so much of the third
section of the act aforesaid, as pledges any portion of
the avails or nett proceeds of the lottery aforesaid, to the
payment of an annual interest to tlie holders of shares
not forfeited in the late Delaware and Schuylkill, and
Susq\iehanna Canal companies, be, and the same is
hereby suspended until the canal shall be completed,
and the president and managers of said company
shall be, and they are hereby authorized to con-
tinue during the said term of twenty-five years, to
raise by way of lottery, any sums that may be wanted
for the purpose of paying to the holders of said stock,
the six per cent, as aforesaid: Provided, that whenever
the nett proceeds of the tolls shall amount to the said
six per cent, the privilege hereby granted of raising mo-
ney by lottery,shall during such time be suspended, ex-
cept so far as is authorized by existing laws, and it shall
in no event be lawful to divide any sum arising from
said lottery over and above six per cent, upon the stock
of said company, it being the intent and meaning of this
act, that all such excess shall be reserved to meet any
deficiency thereof, that may at any time occur in the
tolls as aforesaid."
The old companies and the Union Canal company
had, under the several acts of Assembly specified, pro-
ceeded in tlie exercise of their lottery privileges with
various success. During the first fifteen years, from
seventeen hundred and ninety-five, till eighteen hun-
dred and eleven, when the two companies were
united, they were conducted, of course, under their
own management, there being' no authority to seD
or assign prior to the passage of the latter act. Du-
ring that period they had realized about sixty tlioasand
dollars, or at the average of about four thousand dollars
per annum. Since the authority to sell and assign, gi-
ven by the act of eighteen hundred and eleven, the
company have drawn no lotteries themselves, but hare
conducted them through the medium of assignees.
On the seventh April, eighteen hundred and
twelve, about a year after the incorporation of the
Union Canal company, they sold, and assigned abso-
lutely to Henry Pratt, "all the right, privilege and au-
thority, to make lotteries within the state of Pennsyl-
vania." Mr. Pratt Ti'as to deduct, from the gross
amount of each class, fifteen per cent, and pay the com-
panv two and a half per cent, clear of all expense5,upon
the two first classes, and five per cent, on each succeed-
ing class. The lotteries, at this time, were in a state of
1832.]
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
123
p"«at depression, and Mr. Pratt, with all his ability,
made but little profit on the adventure. Tlie company,
conceiving' they could procure mure favorable terms
elsewhere, prevailed upon Mr. Pratt to re-assijjn the
privile.!je to them for fifteen thousand dollars, and
on the thirty-first Miirch, cig-hteen hundred and four-
teen, sold on the same terms, except tlie amount which
had been raiicif by tlie first class, under the manage-
ment of Henry Pratt," to Benjamin Betterton Howell.
The next contractor of the company was Solomon Al-
len, who drew t'-e fourtli, fifth, sixth, seventh, eigthth
and ninth classes, tlie first liaving' been drawn by Mr.
Pratt, and the second and third by Mr. Howell. The
company, by the first contract with Mr. Allen, which
is dated thirteenth Januaiy, eighteen hundred and se-
venteen, sold and assigned to him "tlieriijht, privilege
and authority, to raise, by way, of lottery, within the
state of Pennsylvania, so much of the sum of money
which, by tlie act of Assembly, il is permil/edto the said
company to raise by lottery or lotteries, as can be pro-
duced by the scheme and plan hereto annexed," for
which he was to pay ten thousand five hundred dollars.
The other five classes which Mr. Allen drew, were au-
thorized from year to year by contracts, couched in
BimiUr language as respects the power conveyed; the
last of them for the ninth class, being dated ninth March,
eighteen hundred and twenty-one.
Thus far the schemes of no one year, as will be per-
ceived by the synopsis of them hereafter furnished, ex-
ceeded much, half a million of dollars. It was left for
the adventurous spirit of the present contractor, Archl
bald M'intyre, to push these bold efforts at speculation
to an annual aggreg.ate of upwards of five millions.
The first contract with iiim is dated on the seventli
October, eighteen hundred and twenty-one, about five
months after the passage of the act of Assembly of that
year, under the provisions of which the company claims
to exercise the power of additional lottery privileges.
is dated the sixth day of September last, and transfers
to him " the right, privilege and authority, to raise by
way of lottery, in the state of Pennsylvania, so natch of
the sums of money which, by the said acts, or any other
acts of Assembl}-, il is so prrmilted In Ihc said company
to raise by way of lottery or lotteries, as can be pro-
duced by such schemes or plans of lotteries, as shall be
adopted by the said Archibald M'intyre, for two years"
from the first January, eighteen hundred and thirty-two.
The committee deem it of some importance to call the
attention of the House, to the change of phraseology
adopted by the two last contracts. In those of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, and eighteen hundred and
twenty-four, they state their authority to be derived
from the act of eighteen hundred and eleven alone, in
these terms: "and by the authority vested in the pre-
sident and managers of the Union Canal company of
Pennsylvania, by the twenty-eighth section of the act
of Assembly, passed the second day of April, eighteen
hundred and eleven, have agreed to sell and assign,"
&c. AVhether they opened their eyes to new views up-
on their corporate privileges, were grown careless of pub
lie scrutiny, or changed their legal advisers, certain il is
the company seem, in their two last assignments, to
have taken more extensive ground than they had con-
ceived themselves entitled to occupy before. In the re-
cital of their authority, in the contr.icts of eighteen
himdred and thirty-one, they look not merely as they
had done before, to the act of eighteen hundred and
eleven, probably for the first time, in eighteen hundred
and twenty-nine, construing the act of eighteen hundred
and twenty-one, as conferring a cumulative and distinct
grant, and not requiring the aid of the old lottery to
raise the six per cent, for the new sub.scribers. The
contracts of eighteen hundred and twenty-nine, and
eighteen hundred and thirty-one, recite their authority
thus: "That whereas, by an act of Assembly of the
commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed the second day
'I'he contract professes, " by the authority vested in the [ of April, eighteen lumdred and eleven, entided," &c
president and managers of the Union Canal company of j in the twenty-eighth section thereof, the said company
Pennsylvania, by the twenty-eighth section of the act of 1 is permitted, among other thing's, to sell and assign to
Assembly, passed tlie second day of April, eighteen any person, &c. the right to raise a sum of money not
hundred and eleven," to sell and assign " unto the said I exceeding three hundred and forty -thousand dollars,
Archibald M'intyre, the right, privilege and authority to j by w.iy of lottery or lotteries, upon such schemes, &c.
raise, by way of lottery, in the state of Pennsylvania, so j as they may sanction, &c. ; and proceed to add, what is
much of the sum of money which, by the s.aid, or any | not inserted in the otlicr contracts of Mr. M'intyre, the
subsequent act of Assembly, it is permitted to tlie j followingclau.se: " And whereas, by the first section of
said company to raise by way of lottery or lotteries, as j another act of Assembly of the commonwealth of Penn-
shall be produced by such schemes or plans of lotteiy as sylvania, entitled An act for the improvement of the
shall be adopted by the said Archibald M'intyre, within state, passed the twenty-sixth March, eighteen hundred
three years from the first of November," then next, for I and twenty-one, the president and managers of the said
which he eng.igedto pay them eleven percent, on tlie I company were authorized to continue, during the term
amount of each scheme, and that he will not di'aw a of twenty-five yeai's therein mentioned, to raise by way
less sum than one hundred and fifty tliou.sand dollars in J of lottery, any sums that may be wanted," &c.
each and every year. It is stipulated, also, on the part These cKauses when connected with tlie short period
of the company, that his friend John Yates, of New ' of time at which the latter contracts are t.ilcen, have too
York, or some one named by him, in case of contractor's ' strong a bearing upon the argument which it is purpos-
death, shall have the management of the lottery prlvi- I ed to submit upon tlie construction of the powers and
lege transferred. On the seventh of October, eighteen ' privileges confeiTcd upon the Union Canal company of
hundred and twenty-four, the company entered into a I drawing lotteries, to be omitted
new contract with Mr. M'intyre, to terminate on thirty
first December, eighteen hundred and twenty-nine, on
terms similar to the one preceding, except that he is to
pay one hundred and fifty thonsand dollars, in several
payments and .as a p-oss sum, and not a per centage
It is from the date of the contract of eighteen hun-
dred and twenty -four, that Mr. Mclntyre has launched
out into the most lavish use of the power he fancied or
pretended to fancy he held of speculating upon the cu-
pidity of his fellow citizens. The committee call th»
was to be paid, the extent to which he is to carry the : attention of this house to the exemplification of the
privilege is left without any stipulations of requisition
or restriction. On the twenty-first of September,
eighteen hundred and twenty-nine, a few months be-
fore the grant of eighteen hundred and twenty-four
would have expired, they entered into anotlier contract
boundless spirit of rapacity which actuates men in the
pursuit of wealth to be drawn from the giddy propen-
sity to gambling and chance. It is manifest from the
terms of the first contract in wliich it was deemed ne-
cessary to require him to draw schemes to the amount
for two years from the first January, eighteen hundred of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year, that
and thirty, by which he engaged to pay the companv
thirty thousand dollars per annum, for such schcmcs'Ss extent to which the credulity of the people could be
he might ailopt. The contract now subsisting between
Mr. M'intyre and the company, and under which he is
at this moment rapidly projeciing his lottery schemes.
neither he nor the company dreamed of the prodigious
practiced upon. These impressions arc strengthened
by casting the eye over the list of schemes drawn under
his first contract in eighteen hundred and twenty-two.
134
REPORT UPON LOT lEKlES.
[FxBBr^aT
eighteen hundred and twenty-three and eig'hteen hun-
dred and twenty-four, during which they did not in any
one year much exceed three hundred thousand dollars.
But in proporiion as his hopes are expanded, as new
contrivances to facilitate the convenience and rapidity
of drawinff lotteries are invented, as the votaries of for-
tune crowd around him to snatch the splendid delusion,
the public faith, as given in the act of eighteen hun-
dred and twenty-one, already recited; that under the
sanction of the commonwealth Mr. Mclntyre, had en-
gaged in extensive contracts and relations which it
would be difficult or impossible to close, short of the
limit of his last engagement; and that the resumption
of the grant would involve the company, Mi\ M 'Intyre,
ie seems to acknowledge no limits to their extent but ; and the purchasers of unfortunate tickets inendlessand
thecapacity of the people to. :buy. From the, time of' :--.-i ..:*- T>..i ; — ti,;„ *„ u„ * .u.
his second contract, under which he pays, no more for
drawing millions than he does under the first for draw-
ing thousands, he seems to have launched into an illimit-
able ocean of profit and speculation. His annu.al schemes
progressiveh' swell from three hundred and eighteen
thousand three himdred dollars in eig'hteen hundred and
twenty-four, to five million two hundred and sixteen
thousand two hundred and twenty dollars in eighteen
hundred and thirty-one. If these alarming strides of
rapacity in getting, know no check, if thty defy all pow-
er to stay them, and make from the last to the present
year, the same proportionate rapidity of advance as
they did from eighteen hundred and twenty-nine to eigh-
teen hundred and thirty, we shall perceive a stream of
more than ten millions of dollars pouring from the pock-
eta of the people into the insatiable coffers of the lot-
tery broker in this one lottery alone. It is foreign to
the subject under consideration to which the committee
desire strictly to confine themselves, to go into any esti-
mates of other and foreign lotteries that spread their
baleful influence over the United States, and of which
Pennsylvania receives her full share of sickening venom;
•butthcFeis a little doubt upon even a moderate esti-
mate, that those drawn UTider the auspices of this same
contractor, yield a nominal ;tjrn/5/, and probably an actual
-^oss profit, of more than fifty thousand dollars a day.
We may form some conception of the appalling magni-
tude of a system of gaming, incitements to which are
displayed in such winning phrase and alluring profu-
sion iii the streets of our cities that yields to those who
minister to the cupidity of their fellow citizens such
enormous receipts. AVhen we know that the power of
checking these monstrous fungi on the body of the
state, as'deadly as the cholera of the Indies, is placed
in the hands of the comp.any, and perceive her casting
over them the shadow of her indifference or indulgence
to shield them from the light of public scrutiny and
criminal punishment, we rmist all acknowledge the ne-
cessity of eradicating those that afford protection and
plausibility to the rest. Does not this state of things
.call loudly for redress from the public guardians of the
morals of the people, from a government whose duty it
is to protect the credulous and unwar)-, to remove all
temptations to vice, and to suppress the inordinate pur-
suits of wealth, by chance and gaming. Shall we be
-•arrested in such a hallowed purpose by vague state-
ments that these lotteries are not such sources of wealth
to the broker who projects them, when the assertion is
so manifestly refuted by the extent to which they are
carried. If they were not a source of profit and gain
whyproject and conduct them, if their advantage were
not proportionate to their magnitude and number, why
extend and increase them? It were well were we as
surelv persuaded of the loss of the broker as of that of
the adventurer who buys. We would then need no
legislative provisions to suppress their evils.
Your committee having thus given a sketch of the
lottery history of the canal company as concise as the
perfect understanding of the subject will permit, they
now beg leave to present to the House as well the
construction of the privileges contended for by the
company and their assignee as the conclusions to which
the committee have arrived after the patient and atten-
tive examination they have bestowed upon the sub-
ject
exatious law suits. But assuming this to be true, tlie
committee are of opinion that the consequences that
would flow from any decision adverse to the lottery
privilege as pursued, cannot enlarge or limit the extent
of the gi'ant, or the construction of the acts of Assem-
bly, and that the continuance of the evils of such an
extensive system of gaming is more pernicious than all
the disasters that can possibly flow from measures of
restriction; and that however indulgently the commit-
tee may be disposed to look upon those who may be
zealouslv, though eiToneously, pin-suing their endea-
vours to promote the public weal, they cannot extend
an ill-judged lenity, to those who are seeking their own
advantage, regardless of its injurious operation upon
the happiness of their fellow citizens. It certainly does
not becoma those who run into errors to fill their cof-
fers at the expense of public morals, to complain of the
sad consequences to which they may be reduced by the
withdrawing of privileges which they should never have
exercised. But the committee cannot acquiesce in the
opinion that any disastrous results will be ex|)erienced
even by the participites criminis from closing these ave-
nues of ruin and vice.
The faitli of the commonwealth is pledged, it is true,
to the new subscribers for the receipt of six per cenS.
on their subscription of four hundred and fifty thousand
dollars, subscribed by them in consequence of the pas-
sage of the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one.
But that pledge is only conditional, and to attach, under
a certain concurrence of circumstances. But who are
these new subscribers, in wh.at relation do they stand?
The counsel who argued for them ingeniously enough,
seemed to wish them to be viewed as a body detached
from the company, and to have the engagement of the
state to them considered as distinct from a pledge to
the company; but they are in fact the company. They
would have constituted a portion of the company ipso
facto, by the very act of subscription itself, but the
fourth section of the actof eighteen hundred and nine-
teen, as if for fear any one would be so absurd as to-
question their incorporation with the rest of the sub-
scribers, expressly confers upon them "authority to
exercise when organized, all the privileges and immu-
nities conferred on the (then) present stockholders."
They constitute therefore a constituent portion of the
company, and a very large portion too, when we con-
sider that the old stock of the company is but one hun-
dred and forty seven thousand, six hundred dollars,
whilst the new (independent of the fifty thousand dol-
lars held by the state,) amoimts to four hundred andfifty
thousand dollars, nearly ■ three-fourths of the whole
capital of the corporation. The pledge of the corpo-
ration therefore was in reality to the company, especial-
ly when we reflect that the new subscribers in fact have
the exclusi^'e management, and refuse participation in
its direction to the old ones. If therefore the company
have transgressed the conditions of the grant; if they
have fully enjoyed what was tendered to them, their
claims upon the state are exhausted. She had only
pledged her faith to furnish what would be wanted to
pay six per cent, to stockholders, provided the avails of
the privilege of raising money by lottery, and the nett
proceeds of the tolls, were not adequate to do so. The
case therefore resolves itself into this question, has the
i^mpany raised by way of lottery all they were author-
zed to raise, have they had the full enjoyment of the
In tjie first place it was ardently contended by the | privilege of drawing lotteries, have they by themselves
counsel of the company and their assignee, that the new and their assignees, raised from the nett proceeds of
subscribers had vested their money upon the pledge of 'their schemes as much as would pay up the six per
1832.]
GREAT FLOOD.
125
cent, upon the stock to this period, or for the twenty-
five years; or if not would the nett proceeds of the
tolls, if applied to such purpose, be sufficient? If they
have raised the money they were authorized to raise by
way of lottery, if they have enabled their assignees to
do so by incautiously disposing of the power for less
than it is worth, or if the tolls hereafter will cover the
six per cent, upon the stock for twenty-five years from
eig-hteen hundred and twenty-one, the state is liberated
from her pledge for the pecijiar circumstances under
which her liability was to arise, cannot occur, her en-
pigement being expressly confined to supplying any
deficiency in the sums to be raised by the lotteries and
tolls of the company.
The committee have not deemed it necessary to in-
vestigate the point, whether the grant under which the
lottery privileges are enjoyed, is to be construed most
favorably for the commonwealth or the company, for
the natural and obvious meaning of the act requires
not the introduction of the doctrine. And before they
state their grounds of construction, they conceive it
proper to say that they consider it immaterial to the
correct understanding of the privilege, whether it
were conferred as a bounty, or for any other purpose.
They hold that grants, by way of bounty, are as precise
in their limits, as any other legislative enactments, and
to he scrutinized upon the same principles. Consider-
ing the gift of the lottery privilege as a bounty, may be
important when viewing it in reference to the appUca-
tion of its proceeds, but the committee cannot perceive
what operation the viewing it in that light can have upon
the ascertainment of its limits.
It was argued for Mr. M'IntjTe, that he had embark-
ed in heavy contracts upon the faith of the common-
wealth, and was therefore entitled to the most favor-
able aspect that the subject was susceptible of. But
granting the position to be correct, the committee are
of opinion that even the most favorable view of his
rights will not place him in the light he desires. It is
certainly a well setded principle of law and common
sense, that he who buys can obtain by tlie purchase no-
thing but what the vendor has a right to sell. When
Mr. M'Intyre, therefore, purchases from the company
what they had no right to dispose of, he acquires no-
thing bv his purchase. If he is willing to enter into a
contract for a privilege thatis doubtful in its terms, and
uncertain in its tenure, he must lake his chance, and h.as
no riglit to call upon the legislature to place him on
more stable grounds than he has assumed himself. The
able counsel under whose auspices he operates, must
certainly have informed him of the slippery' nature of
his purchase, and it is probable the glittering prospect
of success may have tempted him to venture. His con-
tract for enormous gains was but a lotten,', and if he
has this time drawn a blank, he cannot complain with
»ny propriety when he reflects how m.any blanks he
has sold to othei-s. But the act qf Assembly, with pe-
culiar caution, and as if to put an assignee of the com-
pany out of any conceit that he could purchase what
they had no right to sell, and to prevent his clothing
himself with the pretence of claiming more than he
bought, expressly enacts that those who are purchasers
or assignees, shall be vested for the term they shall so
, acquire, with the same rights and privileges as the .said
corporation. Now surely, independent of the ordinary
dictates of law and common .sense, if a purchaser can ac-
quire only the same right held by his assignor, he luis
no pretence to claim any thing more.
[ To be Continued]
GRE.IT FLOOD.
BtiinsviLLr, (Penn.) February 9.
The Concmaugh Kivcr, at the present time, is unu-
sually high. Some apprehensions are entertained for
the safety of the new Dam at Leechburp. It is to be
hoped, however, that these may not be realized; more,
especially, at the present time, as the public— to say
nothing of the great loss which would be sustained — are
very desirous, since our canal men evinced so much
"perseverance," "energi/," a.nA "ejpcienci/," in the build-
ing of the new Dam, tliat they should have a short re-
spite from their labors.
Postscript — Since writing the above, we regret to
state, serious injury has been sustained to the Canal op-
posite this place. The heavy embankment between the
Canal Lock and the Dam has nearly all been swept
away, and with it the Saw Mill. The lock is materially
injured, having fallen in. We have no information
from below of the extent of dariiage sustained; but it
must, undoubtedly, be great. The Dam at this place,
since the embankment has been carried away, is left in
a very precarious stite, and fears are entertained for its
safety. In our ne.\t we shall probably be able to give
the particulars; and we would not be much surprised to
find the amount of injury to be so great as to preclude
the practicability of rendering this portion of the public
improvement of any benefit during the whole of theajj-
proaching season. We hope however, for the best. —
Conemaugh Republican.
DisTntssiNG Flood at Pittsbdro.
The following exti-act of a letter dated Pittsburg,
Friday, February 10th, 1832, was politely furnished us
by a friend:
"To-day we had one of the greatest floods within the
recollection of the oldest inhabitants. At this place,
the water of both rivers rose at once, to such a prodi-
gious height, as to overflow one entire side of the town.
The water was up in St. Clair street as far as Market
street, overflowing in its course' the Exchange, the
Washington CofTee-House, Mr. McDonald's, and all the
other buildings between Market street and the river,
and is up in Wood street as far as Second street. The
depth in St. Clair street is such that the inhabitants
were obliged to use carriages and boats to get in and
out of their houses. The distress caused by this flood
among the poor it is impossible to describe. Hundreds
are this night without a shelter.
I saw several families getting out of their second storv
windows in boats, to save themselves, and when landed,
their case w.as distressing beyond description. Great
fears are entertained about the aqueduct and bridge,
the water being above the weatherboarding, and the
upper sides being jammed with drifts of every descrip-
tion. The damage up the Allegheny is immense.
Houses, stables and hay stacks have been afloat, and
live cattle with them, pig-pens, &c. Several houses in
Allegheny town were destroyed. In lumber, &c. tlie
losses are great The flood has been much more de
structive than the great flood, twenty years ago, called
the Pumpkin flood, and both rivers .are still rising. The
town is in the greatest commotion imaginable.
Extract of another letter, dated Williamson's Exchange,
Pittsburg, Feb. 10, 1832.
I write this surrounded by the roaring and surging
watcr.s. On Wednesday morning the water began
ag;iin to rise, after having fallen a little since the other
freshet. They arc now about 20 feet above low water
mark, and nearly a foot higher than what is called the
Pumpkin flood in 1810, which was the highest ever
known. The aqueduct .across the Allegheny, which is
about h.alf a mile .above the bridge, is in imminent dan-
ger, the water being up to the flooring. Immense
quantities of drift wood, trees, houses, shantees, hay
stacks, &c. &c. h.ave lodged ag:iinst it, and threaten it
with destruction. The current is tremendous. I sup-
pose there could not have been fewer than five thousand
persons gazing at it when I left it, (about an hour ago,)
who were momentarily expecting it to be carried away.
If it goes, the beautiful bridge must go too.
Nearly the whole lower end of the city is inundated.
Just now a large canal packet was poled up a square
126
GHEAT FLOOD.
[FXBHBA»T
from the Allegheny, to relieve some families. All the
houses on the opposite bank of the A. and the gfreatest
part of those on this side, are deserted, the water being'
up to the second stories. Our hotel has five or six feet
of water in the whole basement story.
The distress among the poor will be immense, many
escaping last ntght with nothing but the clothes they
had on. Boats, rafts, &c. are going about in every di-
rection, saving lives and fiu-ni'.ure. If it should rise two
or three feet more, the whole city will be flooded.
There is now about three feet of water in the street, in
front and on the side of us, and rising every minute, cut-
ting us off totally from any communication with the city,
except by means of rafts or boats.
We have just returned from the aqueduct, having to
go out through a back alley and a stable yard. An im-
mense concourse of people were yet waiting to see the
"sport," but were all disappointed. An incredible
quantity of drift is yet coming down, choking the pas-
sage of the water under the aqueduct While we were
there, several large stacks of hay came down and lodged,
lath and shingles by the tliousand, whole piles of boards,
&c. A shantee came floating down, with a hog on the
top. It was shattered to pieces, and poor grunter was
drawn under and probably met with a "watery grave,"
The water is much deeper in the streets, and boats, bat-
teaux, canoes, and whatever else can be procured, are
rowing and poling about for relief of families.
Extract of a letter, dated
I'lTTSEono, Feb. 10.
We are at this moment (12 M. ) in the midst of a scene
of awful devastation. Our rivers have overwhelmed us;
a large portion of the city is under water; and the su-
bvu-b, Allegheny, in which I reside, is almost totally im-
mersed. The water is nearly two feet in all my lower
apartments, and we have taken shelter, in the second
story. We are upwards of two hundred yards from
the nearest dry land. Our noble Allegheny bridge yet
stajids, as weU as the aqueduct above. Whether they
will maintain themselves is doubtful, as the rivers are
still on the rise.
Inunense damage is already done. Houses and
barns have floated past us, and the whole country
above seems to have been swept; though we know of
no lives yet lost, it is more than probable many are. A
hasty scrawl. Yours, &c. !
PiTTSEUBGH, Feb. 10, 18,52. !
Dear Sir, — 'We are at this moment immersed b_v one j
of the highest floods ever known in this place. -^The 1
height of the water now exceeds the great flood of 1810 '
by about two feet,
' For the last four houi-s, the water has risen but little, i
and we therefore hope the flood has nearly reached its I
maximum height.
Great apprehensions are entertained for the safety of ,
the aqueduct The lower part of it has been immersed '
since noon, and is now several feet under water. Im- '
mense masses of floating lumber have lodged ag-ainst it, j
and are now pressing it with great force; but thus tar all
is safe. Multitudes have thronged the vicinity for the
last eight or ten hours, expecting every moment to see 1
the whole swept off". The lower parts of Penn and j
Liberty streets are flooded; and the water is three feet '.
deep on the pavement at the Exchange. The water j
extends up Wood to Second street. Several dweUings i
have been swept off from the low grounds in Allegheny,
and some few from the Pittsburg side of the river. We
do not hear that any lives are lost !
In haste, yours, j
MAJOR WADE. j
Friday Evening, 8 P. M. j
We have been favoured by Mr. Hays of the Senate, J
with the following extracts Of lettere, received by him
to-dav. '
PiTTSBDBo, Feb. 10, 10 o'clock, P. M.
In consequence of the severe rains we have had,
there is at this moment, a higher flood in the Allegheny
and Ohio rivers, than has been witnessed by the oldest
inhabitants. The water is now about two feet higher
than at the famous pumpkin Jlood, about twenty years
ago. All Alleghenytown, below the second bank, is
under water, from 6 to 12 feet deep. A steam-boat
was sent over to relieve the sufferers, and anchored in
Wm. Robinson's g.irden, in front of his house. The
water is up on the weather-boarding of the aqueduct.
A great deal of drift wood is lodged against it, and is
constantly increasing; and it is believed, if the river
rises for the next two hours, as it has for the last ten,
that the aqueduct and bridge will both go.
Your house is surrounded with water, and your cellar
full. I think it highly probable that the western divi-
slon of the canal will sustain immense injury. I fear we
shall have asoiTy account to-morrow of aqueducts, danu,
culverts, bridges," &c.
PiTTSBDBS, Feb. 10.
Dear Father — I hasten to inform you of one of the
most distressing floods that ever happened in the west-
ern country. The river is so high that while I am now
writing oiu" cellars are filled with water — our tan yard is
overflowed, and the flood is still rising. The water is
up to the aqueduct and we are looking every moment
to see it and the bridge swept away. A horse can al-
most swim at the corner of Fourth and Liberty streets.
The whole bottom of Alleghenytown is overflowed,
and in some places up to the 2d story of the houses.
PiTTSBnEB, Feb. 14. "
On Friday last Pittsburg, Allegheny-town, and the
low-land bordering the rivers were visited by the hor-
rors and devastations of the greatest flood that ever oc-
curred since the erection of Fort Du Quesne by the
French. It would be in vain to give the particulars of
the loss sustained by our fellow citizens — to describe
the perilous escapes from the raging element — or the
alarm that pervaded the city at the prospect of general
inundation. An eye witness of the terrific scene, we
can but faintly pourtray the destruction and distress by
which it was attended.
On Thursday evening last, in consequence of the im-
mense rains that had fallen and the rapid thaw, the
rivers rose to an unusual height — many houses adja-
cent to the rivers became untenantable. During the night
many famiUes were awakened b}» the flood pouring in-
to their dwellings, and many effected their escape at
the risk of their lives. The shrieks and cries of the wo-
men and cliildren could be heard throughout the night
On Friday the rivers rose with astonishing rapidity —
and deluged parts of the city with such celerity that the
inmates of dwellings were obliged to fly for personal
safety without stopping to save their moveables. But
thanks to an overruling Providence, tliough the inunda-
tion was sudden and unexpected, no lives were lost.
The untiring efforts of the benevolent were exerted to
the utmost to secure the persons and property of their
suffering fellow citizens. Great interest was excited
with regard to the aqueduct and Allegheny bridge.
Thousands were attentive spectators of the triumphant
resistance with which the former noble structiire re-
ceived the rude shocks by which it was assailed. The
river rose upwards of a foot above Uie floor of the acque-
duct — large masse.*; of drift wood clustered round the
piers and pressed against its whole extent and notwith-
standing these untoward circumstances, it stood the
fierce ordeal without sustaing the least injury. Great
credit is due to the architect Mr. Lothrop. The Alle-
gheny bridge would have been inevitably carried along
with the ruins of the aqueduct.
It is impracticable to estimate the precise amount of
damage, but it will not surpass the reality to say it ex-
ceeds two hundred thousand dollars. Several weather-
1832.]
GIRARD'S LEGACY.
12T
boarded houses were carried away or displaced — bales
of cotton and cotton manufactory machinery damaged
— lumber, dry goods, groceries, furniture, &c. destroy-
ed or injured— and the foundations and the superstnic-
tures of brick houses sunk and rent, to such an extent
that the above sum would hardly repair the loss.
The rivers rose about l/iirtij-one feet above low water
mark — of course this flood exceeded the memorable
" pumpkin flood," of November 10, 1810, by ;ibout two
or three feet The first flat of Allegheny -town was
completely inundated. In the city, the following ground
was submerged, viz; the whole Point to Union street — (
and generally nortli of Liberty. The water ascended
Wood street to the middle of Second — the corner of
Diamond and Jail alleys, and the corner of Market and
Liberty streets.
There are numbers thrown by this sudden calamity,
on the sympathy and charity of their neighbours. Let
us indulge the noblest dictates of humanity, and relieve
speedily the wants of the poor and the needy.
Columbia, Feb. 16.
The ice below us at Turkey Hill, has not yet moved:
At this place the river is nearly clear of ice — what
remains is fast wearing away. The water is about five
feet above low water mark.
Our Baltimore mail now comes by the way of HaiTis-
bur^, but as soon as the river is clear of ice, and the
ferry in operation, the usual direct intercourse with the
south and west may be expected.
The damage done at Washington during the late
break of the Susquehanna, was very considerable. The
water was so high in Front sti-eet, that all the people
living on it, were compelled to move. The new two- j
story ware-house of A. S. Herr, was taken from its foun- )
dation and crushed; the wall of the mill owned by 1
Samuel (;. Bonham, of York county, is so much injur- '
ed, that it is feared the whole building will fall; the [
store-house occupied by Mr. Killy, is much shattered; (
the distillery of Jacob Manning is thrown into confu- 1
aion; and all the cooper's shops and sheds on the lower
side of Front street, are lying helter-skelter. The |
lumber belonging t« Jesse Hoberts, was also moved j
&nd considerably broken. — Columbia S/it/.
TnwASDA, Fed. 16. I
The late storm filled up the narrows on both sides of
the river above this borough, and prevented all travel !
along the river for several days. We are informed !
that the snow was five and six feet deep in places.
Wherever the road was not travelled as the snow fell, it
is yet impossible to get along with horses, on account '
of the crust hurting their legs at almost every step they I
would take. Travelling has not been as bad for many 1
years as it is at present. — Settler. [
MiLTox, Feb. 16. j
Two arks passed this on Tuesday last, laden with bi-
tuminous coal, for the low markets. This, so early in
the season, is something unusual.
Such a scene has never before occurred in our
neighbourhood, as that produced by the rise of the
Ohio river and Big Beaver creek, on Friday and Satur-
day last The water at the junction of those streams
was seven or eight feet higher than ever was known be-
fore. Bridgewater, Sharon, and Fallston were all inun-
dated, as well as the buildings up and down the river.
In some of the houses the water w.asup in the second
Btory, and most of them near the ceiling in the first A
great many light buildings were carried away, together
■vtith hay and grain stacks and fences. The loss in the
range where the water flowed is incalculable.
Among the sufferers in this vicinity, Stephen Stone,
Esq. is the greatest lie estimates his loss at near ten
thousand dollars. — His old dwelling house and stable
were carried away: and a large new brick house, lately
finished.and which cost about 554,000, is so much injur-
ed that it is believed it will fall — a brick kitchen at-
tached to it was torn away. Messrs. D. Minis and H.
J. Wasson suflfered considerable loss, the dwelling hou»o
of the latter being swept ofT The water was up to the
ceiling in Gen. Lacock's house, and his stible and other
out houses; fences and hay stacks Vere all carried away,
and his valuable Library destroyed. At Sharon, the
Foundry of Messrs. Darragh and Stow was torn away;
and at Fallston the Scythe Factory of Mr. I). S. Stone
was destroyed, and Messrs. Pughs, Wilson & Co. hare
sustained considerable loss. The islands above and be-
low have been stripped of every thing, their occupants
barely escaping with tlieir lives.
The public works on Beaver creek bare sustained
little or no injury. — Beaver Jirgui.
GIRARD'S LEGACY.
Report of the committee appointed to confer with the
constituted authorities of the city of Philadelphia,
and the executors of the late Stephen Girard, Esq.
relative to the bequest of three hundred thousand
dollars contained inhis wiU. Read, February 6, 1832.
Mr. Ashmead, from the committee appointed by a re-
solution of the House of Representatives, passed Janua-
ry 14, 1832, to confer witli the constituted authorities of
the city of Philadelphia, and with the executors of the
late Stephen Girard, Esq. as to what laws they con-
ceived it necessary for the Legislature to pass, in order
to enable the commonwealtli to receive the benefit of
the bequest of three hundred thousand dollars, contain-
ed in his will, made the following report which was
read, viz:
That in comphance with said resolution, they pro-
ceeded to the city of Philadelphia, and immediately
communicated a letter to John M. Scott Esq. president
of the select council, and to James Page, Esquire, pre-
sident of the common council, in which they informed
them of their arrival, and their willingness to co-operate
with any committee th:it might be appointed upon the
subject of the will of the late Stephen Gir.ird, Esq.
Their communication was regularly referred to the
committee on tlie *' Girard fund," and on the subsequent
d:iy, a letter was received from Mr. Scott chairman of
the committee, (which said letter is hereunto annexed
marked A,) inviting us to meet them the s-ime evening,
when a skeleton of a bill would be submitted for our
inspection, embracing such provisions as they conceived
to be necessary to enable them to carry into full effect
the will of the late Stephen Girard, Esq. That your
committee accordingly attended, and co-operated with
the committee appointed for tliat purpose, and agreed
upon a bill, which was submitted by the committee on
the Girard fund to councils on the following Thursday
evening fortheir approval. That your committee, pur-
suant to a resolution of the common council, attended
their deliberations at the time fixed, and took seats with-
in the bar, when the bill so prepared was definitely
acted upon by councils and approved. They further
report, that owing to the indi.'ipositionof Mr. Cope, and
the absence of .Mr. Du.ane, from the city, they were un-
able to obtain an inteniew with the executors. They
however, saw Mr. Chauncey, their counsel, who inform-
ed your committee, afler perusing the bill which had
been prepared by councils, that he conceived it to be
amply sufficient to enable the city authorities to carry
into effect all the provisions contained in the will of the
late Stephen Girard, Esquire, and that he knew of no
objection which the executors could possibly make to
the same. At his request, your committee agreed to de-
lay making their rei)ort until he could have an opportu-
nity of consulting with all the executors on the subject,
when the result should be immediately communicated.
This information has since been received in a letter from
John K. Kane, Esq. solicitor for the citj- of Fhilad«I-
12S
CORNER STONE OF THE EXCHANGE.
[FiSHUART
phia, which is hereunto annexed, and which they desire
may be taken as part of their report
A.
J. W. ASHMEAD, Esa-
Chairman nf the Commitlee of Ike Legislature.
Deah Sin — Your communication to the councils of
the city was received by those bodies with very great
pleasure, and referred to their committee on tlie Girard
fund. On behalf of tliat committee we beg- yourself and
colleagues to favor us witli an interview at the cham-
ber of the select council this evening, at 8 o'clock. This
gratification we should have asked for at an earlier day,
could we by any possibility have been ready to make
such communications as would have justified us in giving
you, gentlemen, the trouble of a meeting.
We are, with great regard and esteem.
Your obedient servants,
JOHN M. SCOTT,
JAMES PAGE,
Chairmen of the Girard Committee.
Januarj' 24, 1632.
Letter from J. K. Kane, Esq., to J. W. Ashmead, Chair-
man of the Committee, dated
Febhuart 3d, 1832.
Dear Sir— I have seen Mr. Chauncey to-day, and
write to you at his instance, on behalf of Mr. Girard's
executors. He says that the executors have a single
amendment to make to the bill which I have sent you.
It consists in the omission of the last recital in the pre-
amble, that which relates to the provision for the col-
lege, and the injunction of certain other trusts on the
corporation of the city. Strike out, therefore, after the
extract from the will and the words "a certain plan
therein set forth," all that follows to the "now therefore,
for the purpose of enabling," &c.
He requests me also to say to you, that the time which
the executors will be prepared to pay the state the
S300,00J, will depend upon the trustees of the bank,
from whom they are to receive it; and that the trustees
have told him that they will probably be ready by the
first of April. This must of course be in some small
degree contingent, as the funds are yet to be got in; but
the probability is altogether reasonable, that by the
first of April, the money will be ready for the treasury
of the state.
I shall be much obliged to you for occasional informa-
tion of the prospects and progress of the blU, and will
do whatever you may think advisable to advance its
success.
Very respectfully andti-uly,
Dear Sir, yours,
J. K. KANE.
J. W. AsHMEAD, Esa.
Philadelphia, 3d, Feb. 1831.
CORNER STONE OF THE EXCHANGE.
The 22d was appropriately chosen to lay the Corner
Stone of the Merchants' Exchange, in Dock street, pre-
cisely at 12 o'clock, and while the grand civic proces-
sion was passing the ceremony commenced. The stone
was laid twenty feet below the surface, with the follow-
ing inscription: —
FEBRUARY 22d, ANNO DOMINI 1832,
Being the hundredth anniversary of the birth-day of the
illustrious Washington, this corner stone of the Phila-
delphia Exchange was laid by the President and Direc-
tors, in the presence of the Stockholders, and a nume-
rous assemblage of the citizens of Philadelphia.
ANDREW JACKSON, President of the United States.
GEORGE WOLF, Governor of the State.
Directors.
Joshua Lippincott, President.
Samuel Comly, William D. Lewis,
Ashbel G. Ralston, John Siter,
Alexander Ferguson, Lawrence Lewis,
William Yardley, Jr. George Handy.
Thomas A. Alexander, Secretary.
Building Committee.
Joshua Lippincott, Ashbel G. Ralston,
John Siter.
Ell wood Morris, Clerk of the Works.
John IC. Kane, Si^Ucilor.
AVilliam Strickland, .Architect.
John Struthers, Marble Mason.
John O'Neill, Carpenter.
Joseph S. Walter & Son, Bricklayers.
David Henderson, Marble Quarrier.
Leiper & Crosby, Stone Quarriers.
Accompanying the inscription several coins of the
United States of the coinage of 1832 — the Philadelphia
Gazette of the 21st instant — and the United States Ga-
zette of the 22d — the former containing the programme
of the grand pageant exhibited by the citizens, were
placed in the stone ; and likewise one of the medals struck
and distributed in the civic procession. When the ma-
sons had completed their work, the following neat and
happy address was delivered by Mr. John K. Kane, to a
numerous and respectable audience.
Fellow Citizens. — The edifice, whose deep and
secure foundation we have assembled to witness, is dedi-
cated to the uses of a commercial Exchange for the
city of Philadelphia. Accustomed as we are to the
rapid and silent advance of every thing about us, from
the simplicity which chai-acterizes a new settlement, to
the refinements of splendom- and of wealth, it has
been a subject of frequent surprise that the commence-
ment of such a structure should have been delayed so
long. Yet there are even now those Uving amongst us,
who perhaps may remember when the site which it is
to occupy, was the shore of a sluggish and winding
stream, where the fisherman might dry his nets, — when
the commerce, which now demands so sumptuous a
temple, was restricted to the trifling intercourse of a
petty colony with its parent state, — and when the man-
ufactures of Pennsylvania were unknown, even to pro-
phecy ' A few years further back, — less than a century
and a half from the present moment, — a time not so re-
mote but that some may be now living who have seen
and conversed with the witnesses of the fact, — and Phi-
ladelphia had no existence, and its enlightened and be-
nevolent founder had not yet printed with his footsteps
the ground on which it stands! How vast the change!
effected in a principal degree by the moral, laborious,
and simple habits, devised to its people from the associ-
ates of that venerable man! How impressive a com-
mentary' on our political institutions, and the operation
of laws, just, uniform, and few!
What will be the condition of Philadelphia, when a
period of similar duration shall have again elapsed, —
when the building which we have founded shall stand
among the relics of antiquity, another memorial to pos-
terity of the skill of its architect, — and a proof of the
liberal spirit, and cultivated taste, which, in our days,
distinguish the mercantile community! What then will
be the condition of our country' Will the sun that
shines above us, so true an emblem of our country's
glory, still gladden with his beams a free, inteUigent,
and happy confederacy.' AVill the atmosphere still vi-
brate on the recurrence of this anniversary, with the
peahngs of cannon and the shouts of a joyous and grate-
ful people '
It is not for us to look into futurity; — it is enough that
we are permitted to accept with thank offerings the
blessings that surround us, — and that we are required
to labour for their perpetuity, by making those who are
to follow us, worthy also to enjoy them. — Pouhon'sAm.
Daily Advertiser.
The Centennial Anniversary of the birth day of
WASHINGTON, was celebrated on the 22d instant in
a very splendid manner — by processions, illuminations,
&C. , of whiph we propose to furnish a fiiU account a«
soon aa it can be correctly done.
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRESERTATIOIf OF EVERT KIND OF USEFDL INFORMATION
lESPECTISO
THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. IX.-NO. 9' PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 3,
1S32.
NO. 218.
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
Concluded.
Report of the Committee nf the House of liepreacntalivcs
oj Pennsylvania, to iv/iom ircre rifcrred the message of
the Governor and sundry memorials relating to the abo-
lition of Lotteries. — Head February 10th, 1832, by
Mr. Duntup, Chairman.
We come then, after disposing' of these preliniinary
positions, to inquire what rights and privilcg-es the seve-
ral acts of Assembly have conferred upon tlic Union
Canal Company, of what they coidd dispose, and to
what extent they are entitled to claim the g-uarantee of
tlic state.
They were authorized "to raise by way of lotterj', "
certiiin sums of money, and we are called upon to de-
cide
1. AVhat is the meaning of the words "to raise by
way of lottery."
2. What sums they had power to raise.
3. How much they have raised.
4. Whetlier the state is discharged of her pledge to
the companj-.
It W.-IS earnestly insisted that the company had a right
to sell absolutely, or from time to time, until the pro-
ceeds of such sale or assignments would amount to the
sums they were authorized to raise; and that until the
moneys they were authorized to raise by way of lottery
were thus raised, the power of drawing lotteries was
not exhausted. On tlie other liand it was urged, that
the clause "to raise by way of lottery," meant tliat as
soon as the nett proceeds of the lottery yielded the
.sums re<iuired, it was r.aised; and that, as the comi)any
had a right to sell gnly the right they had themselves,
that whetlier the avails of the lottery arose from their
own management, or that of their assignees, was imma-
terial.
The construction contended for by.the company is
obviously not the true one. The same phrase "to raise
by way of lottery," is used in all the acts conferring the
privilege in that of seventeen hundred and ninety-five,
containing the origin.il grant, in th.at of eighteen hun-
dred and eleven, giving the power to .sell, and in tlut
of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, enabling the com- j
pany to continue the lottery to pay the si.t per cent. if(
necessarj', and it must therefore be taken in the same |
sense, unless there is something in the latter acts which
varies the import given to it by the first, which your ,
committee carmot perceive. Now, by the act of seven- J
teen hundred and ninety-five, the company were author- [
izcd "to raise by way of lottery," four hundred thousand
dollars, and were tomanage the matter themselves, not i
having the power to dispose of the privilege till eighteen j
hundred and eleven. Clearly, tlien, until eighteen j
hundred and eleven, whatever profits the companies i
were able to procvire from the lotteries, was so much
"raised by way of lottery." The profits on the schemes >
was the amount placed by the process in their treasury. |
It is only necessary to state the case to secure assent to i
so evident a proposition. When wc examine the twenty-
eighth section of the act of eighteen hundred and eleven,
we find this phraseology: "That there shall be raised,
by way of lottery, the residue of the original sum, not
exceeding three hundred and fortv thousand dollai-9 au- 1
Vol. IX. 17
thorizcd to be raised by the president," Sec. of tlie i\vxy
old companies, "pursuant to an act entitled, A u act to
enable the president and managers of the Schuylkill .and
Susquehanna navigation, and the president and mana-
gers of the Delaware and Schuylkill canal navigation,
to raise, by way of lotterj', the sum of four hundred
thousand dollars, passed the seventeenth day of April,
seventeen hundred and ninety-five." Had the company,
after tlie act of eighteen hundred and eleven, continued
to exercise the privilege .as they had before, under their
own management, instead of selling it, the profits on
the schemes would assuredly have been "proceeds
raised by w.ay of lottery;" for that act expressly says
the three hundred nnd forty thousand dollnra, was the
residue of the original sum, and to be raised pursuant
to the act of seventeen hundred and ninety -five. Al-
though the act of eighteen hundred and eleven conferred
a further privilege upon the company, "if it should ap-
pear to tliera advisable to sell and assign to any person
or persons, body politic or corponite, the right to raise
the said residue of money by way of lottery or lotte-
rics,upon such scheme or schenics,plan or plans, as they
may from time to time sanction, or any part thereof,
from time to time; and such purchasers or assignees
shall be vested for the term Uicy shall so acquire, with.
the same rights and privileges as the said corporation,"
it did not thereby mean Jto increase tlie amount to be
raised by such lottery privilege.
Now it docs seem to the committee that the construc-
tion of tliis clause is too plain to be misunderstood.
Wliat, were the company to sell, any new right, anv
greater power, tlian they could exercise themselves.'
No, but the right which they were authorized to use
themselves, pm-suant to the act of seventeen hundred
and ninety-five. The use of tlie definite article too
manifestly points to the right just recited, and ingenui-
ty cannot torture the all usion to any other than that which
the company would have possessed if they should not deem
it advisable to sell. Thc.v had the power under this
act of raising a specific sum of money, or if they should
deem it advisable to authorize some one else to do so.
They had in their report of thirteenth December pre-
vious, complained bitterly of its unproductiveness, and
it is probable the trouble a board of managers would
experience in drawing lotteries which were on the
old, dull and tedious plan, hiduced them to ask the pri-
vilege of selUiig out entirely or occasionally. It was a
niggartUy boon to be sure, but they took it. They did
deem it advisable to sell, and the first disposal they
made of their new power was to make an absolute sale
of it to Mr. Pratt. They sold to him for a per ccntage
on the schemes, as already stated, but if they had sold
to him for a gross sum, say one hundred thousand dol-
lars, the comp.any would have been done with their
right entirely: They re-purchased the right from Mr.
Pratt, hut stippose he had chosen to retain it, what right
would the purchaser have had? Would he have a pri-
vilege to draw lotteries forever — to any extent — till the
company would realize out of the sale, the three hundred
and forty thoiisand dollars' Surely not the latter, for
having p.artcd ejitirely with the lotterj- privilege for less
than the third of the sum they had authority to raise
themselves, they could never get any thing more than
the consideration of the sale, and so upon the absurd
130
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
[Marc a
assumption that "to raise by way of lottery," means
that tlte lotteries should be carried" on until the company ]
should reahze from the sale the whole sum autliorized to
be raised, Mr. Pratt would have had a power with no
limits of duration, a power of flooding the country with
lotteries till doomsday. Did the legislature mean, in
giving a limited power to the company, that it should
be exercised without limits? Did they mean that tlie
right to raise thousands should be construed into a right
to raise millions by their assignee? Did they mean tliat
when they gave a power to sell a Umited' right, that
as long as they choose to conduct it themselves, it should
be exercised within prescribed bounds, but if they sold
this "same" right, that their assignee should be invested
with not only a greater power than they had themselves,
but with a power to which no hmits could be discovered?
A contract is to be construed in the hght in which each
party understands it, and it seems to your committee
indisputable that the legislature and the company could
have viewed this one in no other sense than that if they
disposed of the privilege their assignee had the right to
raise by way of lottery, a sum not exceeding three hun-
dred and forty thousand dollars, that he had authority to
raise only what the company could have raised, had
they retained it in their own hands.
But suppose, instead of putting the case of an abso-
lute sale, we put it ns it has been exercised (since the
re-purchase from Mr. Pratt,) by occasional assignments
from year to year, or for a term of years, and suppose
the broker to whom they assign for a term should agree
to give them only one thousand dollars per anuum, can
it be believed tliat the legislature meant that he should
have the power of continuing his specul.ation for three
hundred and forty years; that in defiance of the state
he should pour those torrents of corruption over the
land from generation to generation, until time should
have worn av.'ay the dissoluble fragments of the com-
pany itself
if however one individual can doubt the construction
of so plain a case, he has but to look a few lines fur-
ther and he will there 'find that "the purchasers and
assignees" of the lottery privilege shall be vested for
the term they shall so acquire with the same rights and
privileges as the said corporation. Now can any one
permit himself to be persuaded that the same right is
another and greater right; th.at after the s.ale it is bigger
than before; that like the fiiUen angels of Milton, when
confined to the council chamber of the company, this
fluct\iating franchise shrinks into a size to suit conveni-
ence, but when it stalks abroad into the wide arena of
the dealer in millions, it seems
"In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons."
The committee cannot torture the act into any other
construction than that the assignee h.as no greater right
than the company, and that as the company had the
power to sell a right to raise only a specified sum, it is
immaterial for what they sell it; it is immaterial how
much or how little they receive as tlie consideration
of the assignment, and tliat if the purchaser raises
by means of the lottery the sum the company
had a right to raise had they held and exercised the au-
thority themselves they h.ave exhausted tlieir privilege,
and the commonwealth has redeemed her pledge.
The committee might perhaps have justly insisted
upon a more strict construction of the powers confen-ed
upon the company and their assignees than that which
they have adopted and might have urged, that they are
chargeable not merely with the nett proceeds but with
the gross sum raised by the lottery. They might have
said that "the language of the grant is, 'not that the
sum to be brought into the treasury of the company
shall not exceed three hundred and forty thousand dol-
lars, but that the amount to be raised shall not exceed
that sum;"* but it is unnecessary to be so strict, as the
nett proceeds alone of their schemes far exceed the
sums they were authorized to raise, and they wUl con-
clude this portion of their argument with remarking,
in the language of Chief Justice Marshall, in the case
cited, that the motive for the restriction or the amount
to be raised, was not to limit the sum to come into the
treasury of the company, but to limit the extent of gam-
ing wliich the corporation may authorize.
The committee have expatiated more fully upon this
point than its plain meaning seemed to require. But as
it is the main point, and if adopted by the House, leaves
no further doubt that the present exercise of the lottery
privilege is h. gross usurpation; they have given it the
attention it required. It is admitted that if the company
are to be debited with the money raised by their as-
signee, that the amount of the profits on the schemes,
which have been drawn exceeds the sums they were
authorized "to raise by way of lottery," even upon the
most extravagant calculation the company can adopt
whether the grant given by the act of eighteen hundred
and twenty-one, is cumulative and distinct from that of
eighteen hundred and eleven or not.
Let us now proceed to discover what sums the com-
pany and their assignees have a right to raise by way of
lottery, and to ascertain whether they have not raised
all that they were entitled to raise.
Under the powers conferred upon them by the act of
Assembly of twenty-sixth March, eigliteen hundred and
twenty-one, the company claim to raise by way of lot-
tery the balance of the sum of three hundred and forty
thousand dollars, which was unraised at the date of the
act, as well as such sums as may be wanted for twenty-
five years, to pay the interest of six per cent, upon the
new stock of four hmidred and fifty thousand dollars;
making twenty-seven thousand dollars per annum from
the time of the subscription thereof.No calculations were
exhibited to the committee setting forth the aggregate
amount of these claims, but the committee wiU take
the Hberty of doing so to show the House that even upon
the wildest mode of estimate the company have raised
more than they were entitled to.
At the time of the passage of the act of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, the company had upon their
own mode of construction, raised one hundred thirty-
six thousand and two hundred and fifty dollars of the
three hundred and forty thousand dollars, which the
act of eighteen hundred and eleven had authorized
them to raise. We will take for granted that the toUs
having been pledged by the company to pay the inte-
rest on the loans, are not applicable as nett proceeds to
the payment of the six per cent, to the subscribers in
case of the lottery privilege. This admission, which is
more than the company can ask, will place their esti-
mate of the amount they profess to be entitled to raise
by way of lotterj- since tlie act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one, on more favourable grounds than the case
•n-ill justify. The amount they claim to raise woul<)
stand thus on the above suppositions:
Amount autliorized by the act of
eighteen hundred and eleven, §340,000
Received from lotteries up to
twentj'-sixtli March, eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, 136,250
To be raised at the date of the act of eigh-
teen hundred and twenty-one, 203,750
Interest claimed on new stock till eighteen
hundred and forty-six, twenty-five years
from eighteen hundi-ed and twenty-one, 576, 533
_ 'See the case of Clark vs. the Corporation of Wash-
mgton. 12 Wheaton, 52.
Total amount the company claim to raise by
way of lottery under the act of eighteen
hundi-ed and twenty one, 780,283
The utmost sum therefore the company and their
assignees had a right to raise upon their own extrava-
gant mode of estimating, wotild be seven hundred and
1832.]
HEPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
131
eighty thousand two hundred and eighty-three dollars,
a sum the legislature had little thought they were au-
thorizing them to raise when they passed the act of eigh-
teen hundred and twenty-one.
The committee after showing tlie untenable grounds
of this calculation, will pre:jent to the liouse the esti-
mate of what the company can claim to raise l)y way of
lottery after the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-
one. In the first item of their account, the company
charge themselves with only one hundred and thirty-
si.x thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars, as raised by
tliem by way of lottery — being the aggregate of what
they have received from the several contractors since
tiie act of eighteen hundred and eleven. But the com-
mittee feel assured that tlie company ought to charge
the fund they were to raise, with tlie profits made Ijy
their assignees from the lotteries, and not merely with
tlie proceeds of tlie sale of the right. This construction
which tlie committee has put upon the clause "to raise
by way of lottery," is consistent witli the light in which
the legislature have considered such privileges gi-anted
for similar pui-jjoses to other institutions. It would oc-
cupy too much time, wliich has been already consumed
beyond the expectation or wish of tlie committee, to
detail tlie nature and extent and mode of exercise of
the numerous lotteries granted by the commonwealth to
other corporations. But it seems from the schemes as
filed in the office of the Secretary of the Common-
wealth, that it was uniformly understood that the sum
to be raised by way of lottery, was the gross profit on
the scheme prices.
It is likewise manifest that the company in transfer-
ring the right of lottery, considered that they were only
disposing of what they could do themselves and nothing
more — that the)- were selling to their assignee to raise
what they miglit have raised themselves, and tliat tlicy,
as between them .and the commonwealth, were to credit
the fund to be raised with what was raised by their as-
signees — tliat if the assignees raised the money, it was
the same as respected the exhaustion of the privileges,
as if they had raised it themselves. We can give no
other construction to the terms in their contracts with
Allen and M'Intyre of selling "the right, privilege and
authority to raisj by way of lottery in the state of Penn-
sylvania, so much of the sum of money which, b)- the
said act of Assembly, it is perinltled to the said company
to raise by way of lotten,'," &c. These words can re-
ceive no other construction than that, .as soon as the
money authorized to be raised, was raised by their as-
signee, the privilege was exjiaustcd. To show then
that there were raised more than the one hundred and
thirty -six thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars at the
date of tlie act of twenty-sixth April, eigliteen hundred
and twenty-one, of the three hundred and forty thousand
dollai'S, and to explain s.atisfactorily to the house their
mode of computing the true amount raised under the
whole privilege, the committee will state tlie grounds
on which tlicir estimates are made.
Though the company most proh.ably are cliargcable
witli the gross amount, the committee will take the pro-
fits of the lotteries drawn under tlieu' auspicies to be
the fifteen per cent, upon the scheme prices of the
tickets, deducting a reasonable sum for expenses. For
instance, in the third class of the present year, which
is now projecting, notwithstanding this jiroccdure,
there are twenty-four thousand eight huudred and four
tickets, which at the scheme price of four dollai-s each
ticket, is ninety-nine thousand two hundred and sixteen
dollars. This sura is the aggregate of all the prizes in
that scheme, and when they arc drawn, the broker
claims a deduction of fifteen percent, upon each prize.
He therefore, upon this scheme, will retain from tlie
whole amount of prizes fourteen thousand eight hun-
dred and eighty -two dollars and forty cents, being.fif-
tcen per cent, upon the scheme price of tickets. This
estimate of the profit of the broker, is much below his
actual receipts from the lottery; for the tickets arc gen-
erally sold at an .advance of fifteen per cent or four dol-
lars and sixty cents to country dealers, who dispose of
themfor the most part .at five' dollars, or an advance of
twent\-five per cent. The gross profit of the lottery
is therefore at least the fifteen per cent upon the
scheme price of the tickets, which seems to have been
a uniform per centage adopted through all the contracts
of the compan)', and during their own exercise of tlie
privilege. It is unnecessary to go into any statement
of the actu.al profits and the imposition practised to in-
crease them, and it is enough for the purpose of the ar-
gument to tike what they will gladly admit to be a fa-
vourable estimate.
It was alleged, however, that this estimate of fifteen
per cent, of gjoss profit would be occasionally too high,
as losses were sometimes sustained l)y the fraud or fail-
ure of .agents, and by Mr. M'Intyre's being often obliged
to di-aw his lotteries when not more than three-fifths of
the tickets w-ere disposed of But if the commonwealth
were to look into such objections, the inquiry would bo
endless. It is plain that if Mr. M'lntjTC sells or entrusts
his tickets to faithless or incompetent persons, the state
don't stand guarantee for their honesty or capacity to
pay. He entnists them for his own benefit, and runs
the risk for the hope of the profit. And again, if he
draws his lotteries before his tickets are fully disposed
of, he does so on the day fixed, because it is to his ad-
vantage to be punctual, expecting with the tickets skil-
fully reserved to dr.aw a competent portion of the
prizes. If deduction for such deficiencies, if any ex-
ist, were to be admitted, Mr. M'Intyre would be fiiirly
liable to account for prizes drawn by unsold tickets,
and the commonwealth would thus become a partneri n
the very business it is her interest to suppress. He is
an adventurer in the lottery to the extent of the tickets
on hand at tlie time of the drawing; a purch.aser of the
unsold tickets.
The fifteen per cent, deducted from the prizes being
therefore the true estimate of the gross profits, our
next inquiry is, what is a reasonable deduction for ex-
penses of the lotteries' Tliough tlie committee are sa-
tisfied tliat five per cent, is an ample, and more than
ample allowance, they are wilhng in their estimates
to make a deduction of that amount for expenses;
and to charge only ten per cent, upon the scheme
prices, as the " nett proceeds of the lotteries." They
might, from fiicts and reasoning, into which they have
no disposition to enter, show that five per cent is a
more than generous deduction, especially since the in-
troduction of the new contrivance of chances. But
they merely refer to one of Mr. M'IntjTe's own con-
tracts, tli.at of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, to
show that he then agrees to'pay the company eleven per
cent, considering the four per cent, (the difference be-
tween the eleven and the fifteen,) as sufficient not only
to defray the expenses, but to rcnumerate him for all
his risk, calculating probably on the additional sum for
which he would be able to sell his tickets over the
scheme prices.
Assuming tliereforc, that tlie gross profit of tli<J lot-
terj' is fifteen per cent, and tliat five percent is a fair
deduction for expenses, the committee will proceed to
show what w.as remaining undrawn of the three hundred
and forty thousand dollars,at thepassage of the actofjcigh-
teen hundred and twenty-one, and how much h.is been
drawn since, so as to satisfy the House, that the compa-
ny and their assignees have most widely exceeded their
privileges, and trespassed upon the patience ofihe pub-
lic.
From the statement number one, furnished by the
company, pursuant to a resolution of the House, it ap-
pears that from eighteen hundred and eleven, till eigh-
teen hundred and twenty-one, the amount of the scheme
prices of the nine cla-sses which liad been drawn in that
period, was three million .and sixty -eight thousand dol-
lai'S. If we .allow ten per cent, which is the fifteen per
cent gross profit, deducting five for expenses, we hava
132
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
[MAiica
three hundred and six thousand eight hundred dollars,
which deducted from the three hundred and forty thou-
sand dollars, leaves thu-tv-thi'ee thousand, two hundi'ed
dollars, as the balance of the old sum unraised, when
the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one was passed;
which with the sum of seventy thousand five hundred
and one dollars and fifty-seven cents, then in the trea-
sury of the company, admitted to be received from the
lottery grants, would make the sum of one hundred and
three thousand seven hundred and one dollars andfiftv-
some subsequent clause of the same act. The use of
the past tense here, must necessarily refer to some -prior
act, there being no phrase qualifying its usual import If
it had allusion to a new grant, to any other than the old
lotterv, the language " hereby granted," w'ould have
been used, or the words "hereafter granted," or "in-
tended to be granted."
The committee after the most patient examination of
the act, are decidedly of opinion that the true meaning
of it is, " That if the proceeds of the lottery which had
seven cents, applicable by the directions of the acts of been heretofore granted, will not with the aid of the
eighteen hundred and nineteen, and eighteen hundred tolls pay six per cent, on the four hundred and fifty
and twentv-one, to the payment of the six per cent, to thousand dollars, wliich may be subscribed by new sub-
the new subscribers. We say new subscribers, for the scribers, agreeably to the act of eighteen hundred and
act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, suspends the nineteen, any deficiency which mny arise in any year
pledge of tlie avails of the lottery to pay the old stock-
holders, until the completion of the canal; which after
all that was said of it in eighteen hundred and twenty-
seven, can only be considered as finally achieved du-
ring the last year.
Any claim of six percent, upon the unforfeited shares,
from the proceeds of the lottery, is inadmissible. The
old lottery fund was, it is true, by the act of eighteen
hundred and nineteen, pledged to pay as well the
old as the new subscribers, whenever the new subscrip-
tion should be made, but that pledge could not attach
until after the act of eig-hteen hundred and twentii--one,
as the new subscription only took jj^ace then, and by
that act, the application of the old lottery grant, to pay
six per cent, tu the old stockholders, was expressly sus-
pended untU after the canal should be conipletedf and
as, on the construction the committee have adopted, it
y^s applicable by the act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one, to p.ay the new subscribers, it was exhaust-
ed before it could be applied to pay the unforfeited
shares by the payment of the six per cent, to the new
subscription. To s,\v that any portion of the funds to
be raised underthe act of eighteen hundred and twenty-
one, was to be applied to the old stock, is agaijist its
positive words.
We come now to another item in the estimate of the
company; the right to raise, under the act of eighteen
hundred and twentj'-one, tlie sum of twenty -seven thou-
sand dollars per annum, to pay the new subscribers
si? per cent on tlie four hundred and fifty thousand
dollars.
But as the committee are decidedly of opinion, that it
was not intended to give the company a distinct grant,
but that the proceeds of the old lotten", as far as they
would go, were first to be applied to pay the six per
cent, to the new subscribers, and exhausted in such
payments, before the power to continue the lotteries be-
yond the three hundred and forty thousand dollars
should be resorted to, they will proceed to give their
reasons for this construction. The proper understand-
ing of the privileges conferred by this act of eighteen
hundred and twenty -one, is of pecuhar importance, as
the company will have exceeded their authority, even
upon their own construction, {that the money received by
them f rem the proceeds of the sales, is the money riaised by
tccy of lottery.) if there are not tvv-o distinct powers of
raising money recognized in it.
The language of the first part of the section is, " that
if the proceeds of the lottery granted to the Union Ca-
nal company, together with the tolls which may be col-
lected," &c. shall not, for twenty -five years, yield six
per cent, to the new subscribers, &c. What lottery is
here alluded to as "granted"' To one thai had liee7i
already grante^, or as thereby granted' The lotter)'
that had been gTanted was to "raise the balance of the
for twenty-five years, shall be paid out of the public
treasuiy, and if the proceeds of the old lottery .should
not be sufficient to aid the tolls throughout that period
to pay the said six per cent, and also six per cent, upon
the old stock, after the canal is completed, you are by
this actautliorlzedto continue toi-aise, bi' way of lottery,
"what may be wanted for the purpose of p.aying six
percent, to the holders of said stock" during the twen-
ty-five years. But if the tolls in any oneyear should be
adequate to the p-aj-ment of six per cent, to the stock-
holders, you must cease to ch'aw lotteries during such
year,except as authorized by the act of eighteen hundred
and eleven, and seventeen hundred and ninety -five, un-
der which you may proceed as speedily as you please to
draw any ijalance, be the tolls ever so productive — and
If there should be any excess overdrawn beyond what
may be wanted as aforesaid, during that year, to pay
with the tolls the six per cent, it must be apphed to aid
the tolls the following year, and thereby lessen the ne-
cessity of drawing, in am' one year, more than "maybe
wanted." Thus the act of eighteen hundred and twen-
tj'-one, though it manifestly designs to extend this per-
nicious system of finance no further than was absolutely
necessary to protect the public treasury; yet it does not
mean to interfere with the privilege of the company to
raise, or to dispose of the right to raise the balance of
the tliree hundred and forty thousand dollars, under any
circumstances, and as soon as they may please.
Upon a careful consideration of the act, this con-
struction seems to the committee too manifest to be
questioned. The provisions of this law were much dis-
cussed, and as the view which the committee have ta-
ken of it, will be conclusive of the right of the compa-
ny upon their own principles of estimating the sums
which have been raised, the committee take the hbeFty
of pressing some further arguments upon the indul-
gence of the House, in aid of their conclusions.
Thus, when the section alludes, as already stated, to
the old privilege, it uses the phrase " if the proceeds of
the lottery granted," meaning that had been granted;
but when it grants the power " to continue" the lottery
privilege beyond the balance of the three hundred and
forty thousand dollars, it uses the terms " hereby an-
tliorized. " When the act gives the additional privilege
of continuing the lottery powers, it says: " The presi-
dent and managers of ihe said company shall be, and
they are hereby authorized to continue, during the said
term of twenty-five years, to raise, by w.ay of lottery,
any suras that may be wanted, for the purpose of paying
to the holders of the said stock the six per cent, as afore-
said."
This is the first clatise alluding to any grant given by
this act, and if " the lottery" mentioned in the first part
of tlie section as "granted," was not the old lotterv,
but a new and distinct gra.nt, to raise six per cent, on
three hundred and forty thousand dollars. The act of the new subscription, if this power to "continue, &.c.
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, speaks not of a-new ' is the same as "the lottery granted," why again repeat
grant just then about to be conferred, but uses the past I the authoritv to exercise it. If there had been confer-
particlple, as designating something done before. As red a new lottery grant whose proceeds, with the tolls,
the clause quoted could not have reference to a lottery were at once applicable to the payment of the six per
described in any prior part of the act itself, it must have cent. , why, for tlie first time here, designate its hmits
alluded to one granted either by some former act, or | and direct anew the appHcatlon of its proceeds. But
1832.1
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
133
suppose this clause should be struck out oftlie act, can
it be pretended that a new power was conferred by tlie
clause preceding-' It is too manifest that if the compa-
ny rested on tlie first part of tile section for their power
to raise more tlian the balance of the three hundred and
forty thousand dollars, they would have long- ago re-
sorted to tlie pubhc ti-easiiry to relieve the " disabiUty"
of the tolls and the lottery proceeds to make the six
per cent. It is the clause above quoted, and that only,
which gives any additional privileg-c, refers to any vcw
graiiC. We must take the enactment then altogether,
and if we do so, we find the limits of the new privileije
pecifically defined, and only to be resorted to " for
when the very clause giving- the power to continue to
raise the sums wanted, was only to be exercised at all
when the contingencies of such proceeds being insuffi-
cient, should arise. But should we still hesitate to de-
cide w'.iether the proceeds of " the lottery," aUuded to
in the first p.ai-t of the act as auxiliary to the tolls in
the payment of the six per cent., we need raise our
eye a few lines above tlie clause which has been quoted
at length, to satisfy oui-selves that it is the proceeds of
the lottery of eighteen hundred and eleven. Can we
entertain any doubt that the proceeds of the old lottery
must come in aid of the tolls when we connect what
has been saict with the iiTefragable. evidence of these
sums that may be wanted." There are bounds put to prior worJs of the act — " And in order to avoid as far
this continuing right that are not set to tlie old one. Tliis
power of continuance is to be used only under a certain
state of things, tlie first one under any.
By this clause the company are "authorized to contin-
ue to raise by way of lottery," Sec. Now can the right
of continuance be construed to mean something new
and distinct from what it was a continuance of? Does
r.ot continue mean to pursue sometliing commenced?
A man continues his walk, or liis habits, his business or '
his dissipation, and in doing so, he goes on in the old
way. He is but proceeding -with what he had com-
menced. The power to continue don't mean that the
company should begin afresh, but that they might pro-
>ceed with and extend what they had been di'udging at
for five and twenty years.
For what purpose were these sums to be raised by
the continuance of the lottery "wanted?" Was it to
pay the interest on the stock at alt events, under every
circumstance' No; but "for the purpose of paying to
the holders of said stock the six per cent, as aforesaid."
Paying six per cent, "as aforesaid," means in the man-
ner before specified. How then had the six per cent,
been directed in the previous p.art of the section to be
paid' out of what fund ' Why, from "the proceeds of
the lottery gi-anted and the tolls which may be collect-
ed." Then surely as long as the lottery proceeds or
the tolls were competent to pay tlie six per cent,
no sum could "be wanted" from the additional source
— there would be no need of the exercise of the contin-
uing power. There were two contingencies under
which this new power could alone be brought into ac-
tion; the failure of the lotterj", and the failure of the tolls
to pay the six per cent. Now those who construe the
Act of eighteen hundred and twenty -one, .as conferring
a new and distinct grant, wholly applicable to the pay-
vment of the six per cent, and unconnected witli tlie old
one, must confine themselves to one contingency alone
— that oftlie failu re of the tolls: for if it were not the
proceeds of tlie old lottery that was to aid the tolls, tlie
new lottery would be always in requisition, whenever
there were a deficiency of tolls to pay the six per cent.
But the fii-st part of the act expressly saye, that the six
per cent, to new subscribers was payable primarily out
of " the proceeds of the lottery, and tlie tolls which
may be collected," and the latter clause says that no
new privilege is conferred, except " to raise any sums
that mav be wanted to pay the six per cent .as afore-
said." So there must have been two wants before the
continuing power could be used — that of tlie deficiency
of the lottery proceeds, and the deficiency oftlie tolls
collected. When in the prior portion of the section,
" tlie proceeds of the lottery" arc referred to as appli-
cable to the payment of the six per cent, what lottery is
designated? If it were the lottery granted by the act
possible all disability to pay such interest, so much of
tlie third section of tltt act aforesaid, as pledges any
portion of the moneys or nett jirofits oTthe lottery afore-
said, to the payment of the holders of sliares not for-
feited in the late Delaware and Schuylkill, and Schuyl-
kill and Susquehanna canal companies, be, and the
same is hereby suspended until the can;d shall be com-
pleted, &c." The "lotterj- aforesaid" is of course "the
lottery" spoken of in the first part of the section, there
being no otlier to wliich the word " aforesaid" would
apply. The lotterj', the proceeds of which were to
aid the tolls in payment of thc-six per cent, to the new
subscribers, is tlie onl)' one referred to by the word
"aforesaid." It is then "the lottery granted," which
is pledged by " the act aforesaid." When we come to
examine what act "aforesaid" it is, that pledges the avails
and nett proceeds of " the lottery aforesaid" to the un-
forfeited shares, we fincFthe only act alluded to by the
phrase "the act aforesaid," to be the act of eighteen
hundred and nineteen, cited in tlie first few lines of the
section. That of eighteen hundred and nineteen was
the act which pledged the avails and proceeds of the
lottery to pay six per cent, to the old stockholders.
Now when this act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one
uses the terms "the lottery granted," as the lottery,
the proceeds of which were to aid the tolls to pay the
six per cent and afterwards to designate tliat lottery,
points to it as the lottery which had been pledged by
an act passed two ysars before, can it be possible that
it is a new lotterj- grant _/Jrs/ conferred by, and owing its
existence to the vcrv' act which speaks of it as having
existed two years, aye, six'and twenty years before its
passage '
If then, "the lotterj'" in the first part of the first sec-
tion of tlie act of eigllteen hundretl and twenty-one is
the lottery, the proceeds of which were pledged bj' the
third section of the act of eighteen hundred and nine-
teen, it is clear as the noondaj' sun, tliat it is the pro-
ceeds oftlie oHlotter)' to raise the balance of the tliree
hundred and forty thousand dollars, that are to be the
first appropriated under the proWsions of the act of
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, to aid the tolls in pay-
ing the interest on the new subscription, before resort
can be had to the power to continue the lotteries, if
any sums should be wanted to aid the tolls and the pro-
ceeds of the lottery granted in paving such six percent
To get clear of this obvious direction of tlie act, it
would do to s:iy that the lottery designated under the
phrase "the lottery granted," in tlie act of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, is not the lotterj' authorized
by the acts of eighteen hundred and eleven, and seven-
teen hundred and ninctt-fivc, because such construc-
tion would impair the right of the free disposal of the
bounty and would give a new direction of the former
of eighteen hundred and twentj-onc, as is contended pledge of its proceeds, when it is so plainly pointed out
for by the company, then it would have been enough to ' as not to be misunderstood. We should recollect that
have referred to the disability of the tolls alone to pro- j the pledge of tlie proceeds oftlie lottcrjto the payment
duce tlie cu-cumstances under which the power of con- of six per cent, to the stockholders, by the third
tinuing to raise money by lottery w.as exercisable. It section of the act of eighteen hundred and nineteen,
would be absurd to s,ay, if the proceeds of the lottery ! was a benefit, the enjoyment of which tlicj' might fore-
granted by this act, or the tolls collected should be in- 1 go; a bountv which for their own advantage they could
sufficient to paj' the six per cent., that then what stuns I appropriate to the payment of interest upon loans or
should be wanted should be continued to be raised; | any other legitiiiute object. The operation was but
134
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
[Marcb
taking the money out of their six per cent, pocket, to
put it into the pocket to which their loan holders would
make application for their interest. But in fact this
pledge was only partially suspended — only as respects
the old share holders, and left in full force as relates to
the new subscribers.
But the committee respectfully to those who may dif-
fer from them, intimate that tlie pledge to the old share
holders never took effect till after the act of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one; as it was given on the condi-
tion that the new stock of twenty -five hundred should
be first subscribed, which in fact was not done when
that act passed. The act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one suspended not the pledge, for tliat had not
attached, but "so much of the third ocction of the act
of eighteen hundred and nineteen, as pledges any por-
tion of the avails or nett proceeds of the lottery," to
pay six per cent, to the old stock till after the com-
pletion of tlie canal.
The act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one seems
to have been intended as a recognition and re-enact-
ment of the old lottery privilege, preserving the pledge
of its proceeds as directed by tlie act of eighteen hun-
dred and nineteen, except the temporary suspension
affecting the old stockholders and giving as already
stated, a new power to continue to raise from the sums
as may be necessary to meet the purposes set forth.
That the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one in-
tended to re-enact and sanction the drawing of the ba-
lance of the three hundi-ed and forty thousand dollars,
as the act of eighteen hundred and eleven, had the ba-
lance of the four hundred tliousand dollars, and to em-
brace the old right and tiie power of continuance, both
within its provisions; the committee conceive to be
strongly implied by the terms of the proviso. This
part of the act is in these words: "Provided, that
whenever the nett proceeds of the tolls shall amount to
the said six per cent , the privUege hereby granted of rais- ,
ing money by lottery, shall during such time be sus-
pended, except so far as is authorized by existing
iaws" - . J.
Now, if the privUege granted by this act was a dis-
tinct and new power, intended for, and sofe/^ appUca-
ble to the paj-ment of the interest upon the six per cent,
to the new subscribers, it is a privilege conferred by this
act above, and not by any former laws. Why then ex-
cept from the operation of the proviso that portion of
the privilege which is authorized by existing laws > No
portion of this privilege to raise money exclusively to
pay interest to new subscribers out of a lottery fund
Sistinct from the old one, was authorized by any other
act than the one containing the proviso. Why then,
when restricting the exercise of a power conferred by
the act of eighteen hundi-ed and twenty-one alone, ex-
cept from the operation of the restriction that portion
of the power which was authorized by other laws when
no other law conferred any portion of the power. The
privilege therefore which is designated in the phrase
•' the privilege hereby granted of raising money, is
not merely a new and distinct grant; but the old grant
recognized and re-sanctioned by this act, and the further
power of continuing the lottery as just given above. If
we adopt any otiier construction we render tiie excep-
tion absurd. " But by diis one we render plain the mean-
ing of the terms " except so far as is authorized by ex-
isting laws," as having reference to the old priv-ilege
which it was permitted to pursue, whether tiie tolls co-
vered the six per cent, or not. The phrase " existing
laws," is equivalent to prior acts, and refers to those of
eighteen hundred and eleven, and seventeen hundred
and ninety-five. If the tolls were adequate to the pay-
ment of the six per cent, the new power was to cease
its operations, but the old power was permitted to op-
erate as formerly, without restriction short of raising the
whole amount; but its proceeds " in no event" were to
be divided over six per cent, on the stock of the compa-
ny but the excess was to be reserved to meet any defi-
ciency that might occur in the tolls of the following
year.
There is another strong argument in favor of this
construction of the act, djawn from the suspension of
the pledge of "the lottery proceeds to the old subscri-
bers. Is it not too manifest to be mistaken, that if it
were not the proceeds of the old lottery, this with the
aid of the tolls, were to be applied to pay the interest on
the new subscriptioi*, under the provisions of the act of
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, that there would be
no propriety in suspending the right of the unforfeited
shares to receive the proceeds of it, so as to enable
tiiem to pay the new subscribers? The act s.iys: " In
order to avoid, .as far as possible, all disability to pay
such interest, (that is, the interest on the new stock,)
so much of the act of eighteen hundi-ed and nineteen,
as pledges any portion of the avails or nett proceeds of
the lottery to the paj-ment of an annual interest to the
holders of shares not forfeited in the old companies, be
and the same is hereby suspended." Now if " the lot-
tery granted" by the act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one, was a new and distinct grant, the proceeds
of which were alone appUcable to the payment of the
six per cent, its proceeds surely had never been pledg-
ed. Why would you suspend an application of its pro-
ceeds to the old stock, when, if the lottery power owed
its origin to the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one,
its proceeds could not have been pledged by the act of
eighteen hundred and nineteen' This would be liber-
ating it from a burthen to which it never had been sub-
ject: it would be relieving its proceeds from an apphca-
tion to which they had never been bound. If" the lot-
tery" mentioned Ln tiie first part of the first section of
the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, the pro-
ceeds of which were applicable to the payment of the
six per cent, were not the old lottery of eighteen hun-
dred and eleven, there was no necessity of discharging
it from such application, to enable it, the better, to pay
the new subscribers. If it were a new distinct lottery,
indebted for its existence to the act of eighteen hundred
and twenty-one alone, how could its proceeds have
been pledged by an act passed two years before.
The argument, that if the act of eighteen hundred
and twenty-one, intended to apply the proceeds of the
old lottery to the payment of the six per cent, to the
new subscribers, it were very easy for it to say so; and
that the omission to do so expressly is evidence of itsjnot
being intended, falls to the ground, when we find the
act so evidently makes the appropriation.
The fact of the company's selling the privilege con-
ferred by the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one,
shows that they viewed it as a branch of the old concern,
and that they considered it necessary to preserve the
connexion with the act of eighteen hundred and eleven,
for the purpose of maintaining the power to sell, which
is not alluded to in the act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one. If the privilege granted in the act
of eighteen hundred and twenty-one is distinct and
cumulative, having no connexion with that of eigh-
teen hundred and eleven, there might be very strong
ground for doubting the power to assign it; but
as the company, by their contracts of eighteen hundred
and twenty-one and eighteen hundred and twenty-four,
acknowledge their only authority as derived from the
act of eighteen hundred and eleven, they necessarily
are clear of any difficulty as to the ability of disposing
of the additional continuing power. They have, in the
contracts, given a contemporaneous consttuction to the
lottery privilege, consistent with the true meaning of
the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one.
There is another view of the matter which strengthens
the committee in their construction. When the act of
eighteen hundred and twenty-one was about to pass,
the friends of the canal, ever sanguine of their success,
and not disheartened by the obstacles they continually
encountered, confidently anticipated an ample remune-
1832.]
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
135
ration for all their toil. High hopes of profit had, from
the earliest period of their project, cheered tliem in
their efforts. To be satisfied of this, we need only ap-
peal to the acts of Assembly tluit pave them existence,
and extended their privilcijes. The act of seventeen
hundred and ninty-one, and seventeen hundred and
ninety-two, talk of a ]M-ofit of twenty-five per^cent.
— that of eighteen hundred and seven of a sur-
plus fund; the act of eighteen hundred and eleven, even
of raising a fund out of an excess of dividends over
twenty-five per cent, to buy out the canal and make it
free; and the act of eighteen hundred and nineteen of
reducing the dividends to twelve per cent. ; and it was
confidently predicted that five hundred thousand dol-
lars, the amount to be subscribed by individuals and the
state, would finish the whole work. But dams and
feeders, steam engines and tunnels, were to be encoun-
tered and provided, and instead of the new subscription
answering the purpose, the comp,any have been obliged
to involve themselves in loans, to the amount of one mil-
lion, four hundred and thirty tliousand dolUirs. How
easy was it, however, under the flattering anticipations
of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, for the company
to say to the legislature, "only give us the pledge of the
state for twenty-five years, to induce anew subscription,
and a further continuance of the privilege, and we will
soon relieve the commonwealth from her engagement,
by the proceeds of the lotteries and the tolls." They
would say that "the proceeds of the lottery fund alone,
will nearly pay the interest till the can.al is completed,
when tlie tolls will surely be adequate to such purpose.
We expect yet, from the proceeds of the lottery, nearly
forty thousand dollars, which, with the proceeds from
that fund on hand, amounting to seventy thousand five
hundred and one dollars, and fifty -seven cents, now in-
vested in good stock, will, with the interest thereon,
certainly keep the stite clear for nearly four years; and
by that time we will be in the receipt of tolls, which
will be daily increasing. The state, perhaps, may not
be called upon for a dollar, especially if we have the
power of continuing the lottery privilege when it may
become nece'ssar)-; and we will agree to draw each year
no more than is necessary to keep down tlie interest."
The legislature granted their request, with all the re-
strictions upon the spirit of gaming, consistent with
the safety of the public treasury-, which had, under the
same act, appropriated to the aid of the company fifty
thousand dollars, by the subscription of two hundred
and fifty shares.
If the preceding reasoning on the construction of the
act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one is sound, the
company could not, in making tlieir estimates, claim to
draw any lotteries under the continuing poweruntil the
old lottery should be exhausted, and the tolls are in.adc-
quate to tlic payment of tlic six per cent, on the new
subscription. The company having long ago exhaust-
ed the baKance of the three hundred and forty thousand
dollars, have no similar privileges except the' power to
continue tlie lottery, provided the tolls will not pav the
six per cent, on the new subscription of four hundrc<l
and fifty thousand dollars.
The company however, in opposition to the plain
meaning of the act of eighteen hundred and twent\--
one, s;iy, that no portion of either the tolls or the old
lottery is applicable to the payment of the interest on
the new stock, the proceeds of both being mortgaged
to loan holders, the interest due whom amounts to eighty-
five thous.and eight hundred dollars per annum. Aiid
they make their estimates in this manner:
Balance of the lottery at date of act of eigh-
teen hundred and eleven, $340 000
Raised, up to the date of the act of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, 136 250
IS yetto rajse; all the money they have raised since the
act of eighteen hundred and twenty -one being, they
aUege, procured under the power conferred by that
.act has been exclusively applied to pay the interest to
the new subscribers.
Since the act of eighteen hundred and
twenty-one, from sixteenth January,
eighteen hundred and twenty-two, till
fourth January, eighteen hundred and
thirty-two, they s,ay they have raised in
pursuance of that act
Of which they have applied to pay interest
on the new subscription.
Leaving over drawn and to be preserved
to supply any deficiency of the tolls to
pay the interest on the new subscrip-
tions. $79,677 46
Now it does seem to the committee upon this very
mode of computation the company are transgressing their
privileges, in continuing the exercise of the new lottery
gTint. Here they have, under the new lottery power,
nearly as much accumulated from the proceeds of the
s.ile of it as will pay three years interest of the new sub-
scription, and yet they persist in their lotteries under
this act, although it enjoins "that it shall in no event be
lawful to divide any sum arising from said lotterj- over
SIX per cent, upon the stock of said company, it being
the intent and meaning of this act that all such excess
shall be reser\-ed to meet anv deficiency thereof that
may occur at any time in the tolls." Now, if this sur-
plus is to be reserved to meet the deficiency in the tolls,
why not apply it and so save the necessity of drawing
lotteries for three years.
But the proper mode of making the estimate by the
company, (taking the old lottery as applicable to the
payment of the six per cent, on the new subscription,)
would be as follows:
B.alance of old lottery to be raised at the
d.ate of the act of eighteen hundred and
f'e^en- ?203,750 00
Raised since, up to fourth January, eigh-
teen hundred and thirty-two, ' 269,210 40
Leaving against the company over drawn of $65,459 40
B-il-ance of old lottery, ' ?203,750
This sum of two hundred and three thousand seven
It is manifest thci-efore, on the company's own posi-
tion (that the proceeds of the sale of the lottery is the
money they have raised from them,) they have over-
drawn their privilege sixty-five thousand four hundred
and fifty-nino dollars and sixty cents, even without em-
bracing the tolls, though expressly directed to go in aid
of the p.a_vment of the interest. But the company as-
sume the untenable position that neither the proceeds
of the old lottery nor the tolls are applicable to the
p.aj-ment of the six per cent, to new subscribers. If
these positions are wrong, the company, on their own
mode of comput.ation, h.ave entirely exhausted their
lottery privileges; andth.at they arewTongthe commit-
tee entertain but little doubt. They think that as to the
first, they have cle.arly estiblished the point, that it is
the proceeds of the' old lottery, which by the act of
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, were to go in aid of
tlie tolls to pay the .six per cent on the new subscrip-
tion. The comp.any however, s,ay, that tlie proceeds of
that lottcn- were pledged by the act of eighteen hun-
dred and nineteen, to the p.aymcnt of six per cent, to the
new subscribers, and being given as a bounty, have been
legally appropriated by the company to pay the interest
on their loans. The power of doing so the committee
do not desire to dispute, but tliey are decidedly of opin-
ion, that if the stockholders, instead of applying its
proceeds to the payment of the six per cent., choose to
relieve themselves by p.aying their own debts with it,
I they h.ave no right to call on the public (reasury to
hundred and fifty dollars of the old lottery, they say, ' dcmnify them for a disability of their own 'c'rcation.
136
REPORT UPON LOTTERIES.
[Mabch
The old lottery avails were, by the act of eighteen hun-
dred and twenty-one, to pay the six percent., and have
been exhausted in such payment, and a surplus from tlie
whole lottery fund ' remains in the hands of the com-
pany.
Have the company a right then to go on and draw lot-
teries under the continuing power confeiTed by the act
of eighteen hundred and twenty-one. The comniittee
say not, for two reasons: First, the company could only
use that power when the lottery proceeds failed to pay
the six per cent: — Second, when tlie tolls were inade-
quate to do so. The first disability does not now exist,
for there is now on hand of the lottery proceeds as mucli
as would pay the interest on the six per cent., for more
than two years.
The toils of the company are so far from being inad-
equate to the payment of the six per cent, on the new
subscription, that even this year, ending first Novem-
ber, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, their gross pro-
ceeds are now more than double the amount of the six
per cent, the first year the canal may be said to be en-
tirely complete, and to need no fui-ther repairs than
those that are ordinary. The tolls of tlie year ending
first November, eighteen hundred and tliirtv, amount-
ed to thirty-five thousand, one hundi-ed and thirty-three
dollars and eighty-two cents, and this year to fifty-nine
thousand, one hundred and fifty-three dollars, nearly
double the amount required to save the state from the
liabihtv of her guarantee. And yet the Union Canal
company can stand up and allege that they have a
right to continue the di-awing of extensive lotteries, in
tlie face of these proceedings of the legislature.
But it is alleged by the company that these tolls are
pledged to the loan holders, who have lent money on
the faith of this pledge, and Uiat they cannot be called
nett proceeds of tolls, and apphcable to the six per
cent, to the new subscribers whilst they are applied to
the payment of the interest on loans of the company.
The committee do not undertake to dispute the proprie-
ty and power of such application; it is not necessary
for them to do so. For if the tolls are pledged to p.ay
the stockholders by the act of eighteen hundi-ed and
nineteen, if they belong to them, they may mortgage
them as tliey can; as the company is bound for the pay-
ment of the interest to their loan holders they may as
weH pay it with the tolls as from theh- pockets. But
the committee are decidedly of opiruon that the_v must
relinquish the right to call on the guarantee of the state
pro tanto. If they take the toUs to pay the interest on
theloans, instead of applying them to pay the si.T per
cent, to the new subscribers, as directed by the act of
eighteen hundred and twenty-one, they cannot call upon
the state to redeem her guarantee, as it is expressly con-
fined to the cases in which the tolls are not inadequate
to that pm-pose. The insufiiciency of the tolls collect-
ed is made a condition precedent to the attaching of the
liability of the pubhc treasury. Every year tlierefore
that the nett proceeds of the tolls .are competent to the
payment of the six per cent., the state is no further
bound. It was certainly not contemplated, at the time
of the passage of the act of eighteen hundi-ed and twen-
ty-one, that the company would be necessitated to bor-
row money; at least to any great extent. The report of
the commissioners of internal improvement tliatyear, is
decidedly of the opinion that the five hundred thousand
dollars to be subscribed by subscribers and by the state,
would be adequate or nearly so to the construction of
the works. As the necessity of borrowing money and
appropriating their toUs to the pa)-ment of the interest
on the debt, wiis not in the view of the legislature at
that time, the guarantee of the state w<as cheerfully
accepted upon the po'sitive condition, th.at if tlie tolls
"which may be collected shall not yield a sum equal to
an annual interest of six per cent." upon four hundred
and fifty thousand dollars to be subscribed by new sub-
scribers, thenthe deficiency is to be made up by war-
rants drawn by the Governor on the ti-easury. Certain-
ly then whenever the "toUs which may be collected,"
are equal to an interest oruthe instalments paid up under
the new subscription, tliere is not that state of things
to justify a call by the company on the funds of the state.
They have only a right to call on the Governor to draw
his warrants to supply what may be -wanted. If tlien the
tolls are inadequate to such purpose, how can there be
a deficiency to justify the caU on the treasury. If the
stockholders choose to apply the tolls to other purposes,
they forego tlie pajTnent to themselves — can any one
insist with the least plausibility tliat the appropriation of
toUs to other purposes by the company herself, lessens
their amount or changes the state of things under which
the guarantee of the state comes into operation.
The House must feel satisfied therefore, tliat as long
as the tolls of the Union Canal company,which by the last
report amounted to fifty-nine thousand one hundi'ed and
fifty -three dollars, and will certainly increase from year
to year; will cover the twenty-seven thousand dollars,
(the six per cent, to the new subscribers) the state has
nothing to fear respecting her guarantee.
The committee will leave this point, wliich they con-
ceive to be as plain as any of the others they have en-
deavoured to establish, and proceed to show that the
company have exhausted their lottery privileges even
upon the most extravagant mode of estimating the
amoimt their ingenuity can suggest. Giving the com-
pany more than they can ask; that they have two distinct
lottery gi*ants, the last of which is alone apphcable to
the payment of the six per cent, and giving them the
right to take away the fund which the state has placed
between her and the operation of her pledge, and al-
lowing tliat this right of drawing lotteries is to be prac-
tised for the whole period of the twenty -five years, and
afterwards to raise the two hundi'ed and three thousand
seven hundi-ed and fifty dollars of the old grant; they
have even upon all these presumptions "raised by way
of lottery," on the principles which the committee hope
they have satisfactorily established, more money than
they were entitled to raise four times over.
Granting for argument's sake then to the comp.any, tliat
they were entitled by the acts of eighteen hundred and
eleven, and eighteen hundi'ed and twenty-one, to raise
the balance of the old lottery, which they claim to do,
of two hundred and thi'ee thousand seven hundred and
fifty dollars; and that tliey have also a right to raise the
interest on the new stock as it was paid in, for the whole
twenty -five years, amounting to five hundred seventy-
six thousand five hundi'ed and thirty-three dollars; ma-
king an aggi'egate of seven hundred eighty thousand
two hundred and eighty-thi'ee dollars — yet upon this ex-
ti'avagant estimate they have extended their privilege
beyond conception.
The following list of schemes in each year, as furnish-
ed by the company, in pursuance of a resolution of the
House, shows the amount of the lotteries drawn in each
year from the passage of the act of eighteen hundred
and eleven, till the begimiing of the present year:
Year. Smount of Schemes. Year. Amount of Schemes.
1812 $350,000 1822 §178,295
1814 400,000 1823 132,976
1815 400,000 1824 318,300
1817 555,000 1825 1,209,640
1818 528,000 1826 1,127,875
1819 200,000 1827 1,210,172
1820 475,000 1828 1,308,763
1821 160,000 1829 2,705,748
Raised 'tai 1830 4,772,882
theactof 1831 5,216,240
1821, §3,068,000
Raised since
the act of
1831 48,180,891
3,068,000
21,248,891
Ten per cent, on the above, is $2,124,8
1832.]
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
137
It appears from the above list of lottery schemes,
that they liave amounted, from the date of the .act of
eig'htccii hundred .ind eleven, ujitil tliat of eighteen
hundred and twenty-one, to tlirec million sixty -eight
thousand dollars,and from tlicpass.ig'C of the latter. act till
the bcg-iiininfj of the present year, to eig-hteen million one
hunih-ed and cightythousand one hundred and ninety-one
dollars, making an aggregiite of twenty-one million two
hundred forty-eight tJiousand eight hundred and ninet}-
one dollars; ten per cent, upon which will show tliat
tlic company has raised by way of lottery, through the
medium of tlicir assignees, a " nett profit" of two mil-
lion one hundred twenty-four thousand eight hundred
and eighty-nine dollars. If we take from tliis amount
raised, the sum of seven hundred eighty thousand two
himdred and eighty-tlu:ee dollars, which they pretend
to claim a power to raise, we find they have exceeded
their own estimate, by one million tliree hundred forty-
four thousand six hundred and six dollars.
There is one more light in wliich the committee ask
the indulgence of the Uouse to place this subject, and
they are done.
The Union Canal company say they liave received,
on their own mode of estimating the proceeds of tlie
lotteries.
From the act of eighteen hundred and eleven
till that ofcighteen hundi-ed and twenty-one, §136,250
And since the latter act to the present year, 269,210
Making an aggregate of 405,460
From wliich deduct what tliey were entitled to
raise, 340,000
Leaves more than they were entitled to raise
under the old act, 65,460
The above sum of sixty-five thousand four hundred
and sixty dollars, over what they were entitled to raise
bythe act of eighteen hundred and eleven has been raised
under the continuing power given by the act of eigh-
teen hundred and twenty-one up to this time, when the
tolls are more than doubly sufficient to rchcve the state
from all responsibility.
If this monstrous system, as now pursued, will be
permitted to continue — if it must be prosecuted till
eighteen hundred and forty -six, the end of tlie twenty-
five yeai-s, to the same extent they have been the last
year, before that disUuit day arrives lotteries to tlie
amotmt of perhaps seventy million of dollars, will
have' tarnished the moral piu-ity of Pennsylvania. If
we .add to tliis prodigious sura tlie amount already
drawn under the auspicics of the company since the
act of eighteen hundred and eleven, we will have an
aggrcg-atc of at least cighty-eiglit million one hundred
eiglity thousand eight huncb-cd and ninety-one dollars.
Your committee submit it to the House, to any human
being of the most towering credulity to say if it can be
credited for one moment that the legislature could have
supposed they were entailing on themselves and their
posterity, so g-alling a burtlien without any expectation
of redress. Hut they hope they will be permitted to
say that the usurpations of this corporation will stuidas
a lofly beacon to warn us of the chinger of trusting to
any system of finance that is based upon an immoral
founclation; and they confidently hope that when tliis
blot is wiped away, the legislative power of the state
will never again be allured to t;irnish her fair fame to
protect her treasury; but that that " VIRTUK" which
shines conspicuous upon the escutcheon of our com-
monwc.altli, will remain as unsullied as her " LIBERTY
and INDEPENDENCE."
From the Philadelphia Gazelle.
PROCEliDINtJS OF COUiNCILS.
Thuriday, Feb. 23, 183;.
SELECT COUNCIL— Mr. Joh.-jhox presented pe-
titions praying that Schuylkill Fifth street and Lom-
Vto. IX. 18
bard street, from Thirteenth street be paved, which
were referred to the Paving Committee.
Ml". Petitt called up for consider.ition the ordinance
rclativetothe cording of wood,Scc. which was agreed to,
and passed by the belcct CouncU, but was amended
in Common Council.
COMMON COUNCIL.— Mr. OKin as ch.auTnan of
the committee of accounts, made the followuig report,
which w.as adopted.
The committee of accounts beg leave to report, that
they have examined the accounts of tlie city treasurer
for tlie quarter of the year ending, 31st Dec. last, to-
gether with his accounts with Dr. Benj. Franklin's
and John Scott's Legacies for the same period, and
compared the same with the respective books of ac-
counts, bank books and other vouchers, all of which
they have found to be correct.
Mr. MATUEniiT presented petitions praying that
Schuylkill Fifth street from Market to Race, and Fil-
bert street, from Schuj-lkill Sixth to Third street be
paved, which was referred to the paving committee.
Mr. OLDExnono as chairman of the committee to
whom was referred the communication of William
RcsH, made the following report and resolution with
accompanying documents, which were agreed to.
The committee to whom was refeiTed tlie communi-
cation of W