USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati miscellany, or, Antiquities of the West, and pioneer history and general and local statistics, Volume I > Part 13
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"What do you stop for?" said Charles the XIIth, to his Secretary, who, looking much aghast,had suspended his writing at a time when the king was dictating to him. "The bomb, sire!" exclaimed the Secretary, alluding to one which the moment before had fallen through the roof, and whose fuse was hissing its prepara- tion to explode. "What has the bomb to do with your business? Go on with the letter," said his majesty. So I suppose the British sail- ors minded their business and left us to get on with ours.
The Frenchmen in consequence of their vi- cinity and their vessels being lower than ours, were very much exposed to our shot. We could bring but one cannon to bear on them; but they were completely within the effect of our muskets, and during the action 1 looked at them repeatedly with much astonishment, and could not help saying to myself, " it is really surpris- ing that they are not all killed yet!" They cer- tainly bore the fire with much fortitude and perseverance, and took a great deal of beating. The Captain of one of them had but one arm ; but with that he flourished his sword in fine style, and was constantly encouraging his men. Twice I levelled a musket at him, and as often thought it was a pity for the poor fellow, who behaved so well, and turned it on others; but notwithstanding my humanity, before the action was over,he got a ball in his remaining arm,from some other person. One of the stern guns be- ing overloaded. (for there is a strong temptation to fill them to their muzzles with canister shot,) in its recoil canted over, and as I took a hand- spike to assist in bringing i: to its proper posi- tion, the Captain applied his shoulder to it to as- sist me. At that moment a grape shot which came through the port hole, struck him in the upper part of his breast, and passed through his body, as he leaned in a stooping position. He fell, and the first Mate, who was close by me, assisted to take him below into the cabin. I have mentioned an Italian passenger: when the en- gagement was likely to take place, the Captain thinking he appeared to have no inclination to take part in it, veiled his desire that he should remain below, by telling him that he would be much obliged by his assisting the cook who was stationed in the cabin, at the tiller ropes; to this he assented, and I had neither seen nor thought of him after, till I went into the cabin where he and the cook were placed, with the tiller ropes in their hands, although the ship had long ceased to obey any direction from them. They were both crying lustily, but from differ- ent motives. The one from simple apprehen- sion of danger, the other at what he conceived to be the degradation of being placed in a post of less danger than he was entitled to from his
experience. He was an old man, with a rough and weather-beaten face, had served his coun- try in the revolutionary war, and lost one leg on board a privateer. It was owing to the latter circumstance, that the Captain supposing his ac- tivity impeded, and his ability not equal to his inclination, had sent him below. His compan- ion said nothing; but, perhaps, he thought the more.
While I was endeavoring to place the Captain in as easy a position as possible, Ramsdell ob- serving the hatchway leading from the cabin to the magazine, which was directly under it, open, & the gunner beneath, by its light, very composed- ly filling his cartridges from open casks of pow- der, drew an old sail over it. At this time one of the privatecrs ran aboard of us, and endeav- ored to enter her men, over the stern,and through the cabin windows, two of which had been left open. Those who made the attempt over the stern, first entered our boat which hung there, and which being very much cut to pieces with shot, when a number of the Frenchmen entered, gave way,and dropped them into the sea. Those who attempted the cabin windows were very unceremoniously pushed back, without any re- gard, on their side to the grace of attitude, for which their countrymen are so celebrated, and without much concern on our part whether they gained their ship, or joined their compan- ions who had just tumbled into the waves. The old cook bore a hand in this, and used a pike with infinite good will. The dead lights were then got into their places. All this kept us a considerable time below, and when it was ac- complished, we ran on deck. I was up first, and was much astonished at the appearance of af- fairs there. There were but three of our men to be seen. I stood like a goose; I think so, be- cause 1 felt like one. I could not imagine what had become of the men. To me it was all in- comprehensible. Ramsdell was on deck the in- stant after me. He comprehended the whole thing at a glance, and with a presence of mind which I then thought and still think wonderful, he ran forward to the forecastle, and stooping at the hatchway, called like a trumpet, and in the pure nautical style, "D-n your limbs, why are you skulking below, when the Frenchmen are making all sail they can away from us." If he had told them, as was the case, that at that moment the Frenchmen were lashing their bow- sprit to our starboard mizen rigging, they might not have been extremely obedient to a command to como on deck; but Ramsdell supposed that any information of that nature was unnecessary, and that they might be left to trust their eyes in that particular, when they came on deck. Perhaps he uttered the only words which would have brought these fellows in an instant to their
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duty. Asit was, they rushed on deck as fast as they could push each other through the hatch- way. Let me do them the justice to say, that they had not discovered the slightest disposition to flinch from their guns till Ramsdell and I left the deck. He left to assist in carrying his commanding officer below, and did not ex- pect to be absent a minute. When in the cabin he could not leave it till the magazine was se- cured; for a wad coming in at the cabin win- dows might have blown up the ship; and when that was done, the window had to be closed. By the time the crew got aft, the enemy were climbing over our quarters, and were properly met and repulsed with boarding pikes. An of- ficer, distinguished by an epaulet, (I do not know what right any one on board a privateer had to wear it, unless he belonged to the artil- lerists on board) was shot on our side and fel- overboard.
Early Politics. Cincinnati, Dec. 24th, 1804. MUCH RESPECTED SIR :
When I left New York on the 25th June, I proceeded on to Philadelphia in the Stage, from Philadelphia to Newcastle in Delaware State, from thence to Frenchcreek, and then in packet to Baltimore, where I arrived on the 29th at 12 o'clock, P. M. On the 30th I attended the horse-market, and bought a Maryland poney, got him rigged and trimmed, and on the 1st day of July I parted with my friend Mr. William- son, and set my face towards the westward, no other company than my Maryland poney. I overtook and passed many on the road who were travelling to the Westward, but some I did not like their company, some travelled too fast and others too slow-I chose to go on one steady gait, and therefore travelled by myself, and ar- rived at Columbia on the 18th of July, at 10 o'clock P. M .- was very sick four days on the road, so that I could not travel. I was eighteen daya travelling from New York to Columbia, which Sir, was a much shorter time than you calculated I would take. My sickness on the road was owing to my getting wet frequently -- I rode through a great deal of rain. The next morning after my arrival I went to see Edward, I found himself, wife and child, all well-we were glad to see each other-I delivered him the bundles, letters and messages delivered to my charge, and was glad to find the bolting cloth did not get wet, rubbed, or in anywise injured. I have been sick since my return nearly two months, am now well-my father and mother have both been dangerously ill. with an inter- mitting fever, but have greatly recovered-my father iavery much broke in consequence of it, and finds old age crowding on him very faat -- he has been honored lately by the citizens of
the State with an appointment of Elector of Pres- ident and Vice President of the U. States, and met the other Electors at Chillicothe [the seat of Government of the State] on the 5th instant, and was highly pleased in having it in his pow- er to give a vote to Jefferson as President, and to his old fellow citizen, Governor Clinton, aa Vice President. The State of Ohio has two Senators and one Representative in Congress; consequently had a right by the Constitution to choose three Electors, which they did; who met at Chillicothe and gave three republican voter. It is pleasing to see the republican interest throughout the Union increasing so rapidly; I hope it may never cease until the whole world is republican, and not even then, The Fed's. triumph greatly about the little State of Dela- ware, having elected three Aristocrats in Con- gress -- poor souls. The Legislature of this State now in session are all Republican, the Federal- isis here are silent, scarcely attend elections .- I was glad to find by the New York papera that your city has not been visited by the fever as heretofore.
I have weekly been expecting to hear some- thing of Bonaparte's expedition, but have not heard anything decisive. I am somewhat at a loss what to say about that man ; he for a long time appeared to be extending the victorious arms of France, in favor of Liberty, but has at length bartered the people out of their rights. If he had exerted himself in establishing a Gov- ernment upon the firm basis of Republicanism, giving the people all the elective privileges pos- sible -- then his name would have been handed down to posterity and enrolled among the wor- thies, but now he must be despised by the friends of Liberty. The people of France are a restless people -- I have no doubt but their government will change and Buonaparte yet tremble at the sight of the Guillotine.
I have sent you by this day's mail some of the newspapers printed at this place, and at Chilli- cothe -- one containing the Governor's message. The fi.si private conveyance I will send you a copy of the constitution and a map of the coun- try. Edward was here yesterday, himself and family are well.
I would, sir, have wrote you before, but have not been able to use the pen until lately. Pleasa sir, to give my most respectful complimenta to Mrs. Meeks, and Messrs. Joseph and John Meeks.
With much respect and regard, I have the honor to be, sir, your friend anıl ob't. aervant, AARON GOFORTH.
COL. EDWARD MEEKS :
A statement of votes given for Electors of
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President aud Vice President at the late election ( to transfer the subject in its original form, to a in this State.
Republican.
Nathaniel Massie 2593
William Goforth, Sen'r.
2502
James Pritchard
2475
Federal.
Bazaleel Wells
364
John Reily
320
B. I. Gilman
190
John Carlisle
80
Doubtful, John Bigger
176
Bank Note Engraving in Cincinnati.
Although every one who handles bank notes, must have remarked the high degree of improve- ment to which, as works of Art, these engrav- ings have been brought, few persons seem aware, that it is not only by the advance in skill among artists, but by the aid of machinery, that this branch of the Fine Arts, has reached its present order of excellence.
It is generally supposed, also, by the commu- nity, that the various notes issued by the Banks in the Western States. are engraved altogether in the Atlantic cities. This is a great but a very natural mistake. Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch, the great engraving establishment at New York, extensively supply banks, through the Atlantic States, but the whole of the engraving for those of the west, which bears their name, is executed at the branch in Cincinnati, in charge of their representative here, Mr. Wm. F. Harrison. That this is done in a stile of excellence, equal to any at the East, an inspection of the various specimens of engraving, which may be seen at the establishment, will satisfy any person com- petent to judge.
How it is that engravers here, with a much less force in numbers, and only four years in op- eration, can execute work in a style equal to any of the great eastern engraving houses, is one of those problems only to be solved by that great engine of modern days, LABOR SAVING MACHINERY, which with the adjuncts of the combination and permutation principle, leaves the mind of the Artist free for the creation of forms of beauty and taste, which, under the old system required the use of his hands and head also to elaborate and execute. Let me go into details.
The dies are first engraved on pieces of soft steel, of sizes varying with the subject, which are called bed pieces, the figures being, of course, sunk into the plate. These bed pieces being then carbonized or hardened, a roll of soft steel is passed over the plate, and indented with the engraving by means of a transfor press, capable of supplying a seven tons' power, one lever of which rolls the cylinder, while another presses it. The roll also is then hardened by the same process, as was the bed piece, and serves in turn
steel or copper plate, which is then passed to re- ceive its finish into the hands of the letter en- graver, and it is then ready for the printing press. Duplicates of the engraved cylinders are made by the Cincinnati establishment for the New York house, or by the New York establishment for the branch here, as the case may be, these cylinders or dies being common to both con- cerns. Of these, there are in the office in Cin- cinnati, more than one thousand, each of which presents in the face of the circle four or five figures of vignettes, denominations, or letter press as the case may be. These dies bear the same relation to the old style of bank note en- graving, as moveable types to the Chinese sys- tem of block printing or the first efforts of Faust or Guttemberg, and it is by the combinations and changes which may be multiplied by this means to any indefinite extent, that an infinite variety in elegance of pattern as well as ample security from counterfeiting results, and & plate of the most elaborate character and finish can besupplied to order in three days, which it for- merly would have taken as many months to ex- ecute.
It is difficult to convey to one who has not ex- amined the specimens in this establishment, a just idea by description of the various checks in the way of counterfeiting afforded here. Some of these, however. are obvious, when suggested to my readers. The various denominations bear upon their several vignettes, in the number of prominent figures, the number in value also. Thus for example, a Five dollar bill has the or- nament at the head or in the body of the note, composed of five distinct female figures, grace- fully grouped, and the figure 5 at the border is ingeniously constituted of five seperate and dis- tinct fancy figures. So with the Two and the Three. Again, the word "Five" is, in some patterns incorporated into every figure in the note, or letter of the title. Under these and other guards and checks, it becomes impossible to al- ter a small note to a larger one. In some cases the denomination is chemically printed or stain- ed into the very fibre of the note in red letters. by a process of their own, which it is impossi- ble either to imitate or to alter without destroy- ing the note. Their United States Treasury notes afford a splendid specimen of this sort.
Having stated that the titles, devices, denomi- nations, and letter press which are of bound- less variety, are four or five thousand in num- ber, it may be easily judged what exhaustless combinations of embellishment and security may be wrought out here by the taste and the skill of an accomplished artist. Iftwenty-six letters of the alphabet may be combined to fill thou- sands of pages no two of which are alike, what
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combinations may not be expected from more than four thousand figures and devices?
Skill in bank note engraving is of vital im- portance, both for the protection of the banks and of the public, as every one must have felt, who recollects engravings of the Mount Pleas- ant and Lancaster banks, of our own State, and many of the plates of the Bank of the United States, in all which cases it was always diffi- cult and sometimes impossible to detect the counterfeits from the inferior execution of the genuine notes. What Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch can do, and have done, may be inferred from one or two facts:
When the Bank of Upper Canada went into operation, a large share of its capital being owned in England, that interest secured the en- graving of the notes to London artista. The notes when offered in Buffalo, where Canada pa- per usually circulates freely, could not be put out without difficulty from the general appre- hension that they were counterfeits, so inferior was the work to that of our best engravers, and a new set of plates were ordered of Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch, specimens of which I saw at the office, to supply their circulation in the Uni- ted States at least.
It was news to me, as it probably will be to my readers, that this firm engraves the checks of Rothschild; Baring, Brothers, & Co., Brown, Brothers & Co., Roche & Co., and others, em- inent bankers in London, Paris, Dublin, and other commercial cities in Europe. Why they enjoy this preference, may be judged from the following circumstance :
We all recollect M. Alexandre de Vattemare, and his system of cosmopolite exchanges. On his visit to this country, he obtained among other exhibitions of the American Arts, a copy of the various specimens from this firm of their bank note and check engravings. These natu- rally attracted much attention in a city like Par- is, and Galignani's Messenger, a journal of the highest reputation, wound up its criticism on the subject, by saying that these engravings en- tirely surpassed any thing that could be produc- ed on the continent.
It must be apparent, from what I have said, that this Cincinnati establishment is prepared and qualified to execute bank note plates of equal excellence, at as reasonable prices, and on as short notice as any other in the United States.
Western Literary Journal.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of "The Western Literary Journal and Monthly Review" for November, being the first number of that periodical. The columns of the Advertiser do not afford space for a suitable notice of its con-
tents, consistently with the claims of other things.
I like the tone of morality, and the American and Western feeling it exhibits. Its lot is cast on one of the noblest theatres in the world for its purpose, and if faithful to its present promise, a long course of usefulness is before the "Jour- nal." Beyond this I do not fecl disposed to speak of it at present. Six months will give that method and arrangement to its design and con- sistency, and distinctness to its character, which no first number of a periodical can present.
Our Country-One Hundred Years Ago.
I commence this week a series of brief ex- tracts from the Pennsylvania Gazette, publish- ed in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin, a file of which commencing August 30, 1744, more than one hundred years since, is in my posses- sion. Iadd such comments and explanationa as are likely to illustrate the various subjects. The whole will serve to shed light on the darkness of the past.
Aug. 30, 1744, a message from Governor Clinton, Governor of the province of New York, on the opening of the General Assembly of the Colony "Die Lunae," 20 Aug., 1744. It would make perhapshalf a column of the "Advertiser.' In those days Governors confined their Messa- ges strictly to the affairs of their own respec- tive provinces, an example worthy of their suc- cessors in the States at the present day. Gov. C. was doubtless of the same family with Geo. Clinton, one of our early Vice Presidents, and Dewitt Clinton, Governor of New York during the early part of this century.
Great Britain being at war with France, the colonies were extensively engaged in Privateer- ing, and advertisements of prize vessels with their cargoes make thoir appearance regularly in the "Gazette." Here is a notice on the same subject.
"To all gentlemen and others that are inclined to go on a privateering voyage against the ene- mies of the Crown of Great Britain. This is to give notice that the Brigantine Raleigh, now fit- ting out at Norfolk in Virginia, commanded by Capt. Walter Coode, mounting 12 guns with 120 small arms, 120 pair pistols, 120 pair cutlashes, and 120 pair cartouche boxes, with all other war- like stores, and six months provision; to be manned with 120 men, will be in order to re- ceive men on board by the 5th September, and with all expedition will proceed on such a cruise as may be judged likely to prove most advanta- geous to all parties concerned. Durham Hall for the company."
"Four likely negro men and one woman, all young, fit for plantation business, to be sold by Wm. Bell, below the Drawbridge, near Powell's wharf." Negro alavery existed at that data, it seems, in Pennsylvania.
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Runaways of convicts sold in the colonies, are / tower. On the first waggon was the English advertised also. "An English servant man, Thomas Goodson ; a Welsh servant lad, Morgan Jones; a native Irishman, Patrick O'Cadden," &c. &c.
Fashions of the day. "Thomas Catiinger, staymaker from London, has removed to Ches- nut near Front street, and keeps the sign of the Green Stays, where all sorts of stays may be had on reasonable terms."
"To be made or sold by Matthews and Charl- ton, Peruke makers in Chesnut Street Philadel- phia. Perukes of English hair of any sort, col- or, or make, viz; T'yes, Bobs, Majors, Spencers, Fortails or Twists. They also make Curls or Tates, for ladies or others, made of their own or English hair at the shortest notice as cheap as in London."
Pope the poet. "London, May 8, we hear that Alexander Pope, Esq., who died a few days ago, has appointed the Lord Visc. Bolingbroke, and the Earl of Marchmont to be his executors."
The names of vessels on the shipping list are very characteristic of the times, "The Charm- ing Sally, Two Pollies, Rosanna, New Susannah, Increase, Relief, Tryal, Mulberry, Alice and Mary, Delight, Unity, Little Gipsey, Good In- tent, Lovely Lass, &c."
"Just published and to be sold by B. Frank- Jin, at the New Printing Office near the Market. The Grand Treaty held at the town of Lancas- ter with the Indians of the six nations, in June, 1744. Price, eighteen pence. Also, "The Chronicles of the Kings of England, written in the manner of the Ancient Jewish historians, by Nathan Ben Saddi, a priest of the Jews," written, doubtless, by Franklin himself.
"To be sold, Curriers Oil, Chockolate, Indigo, &c, by John Leech, near the church, Philadel- phia."
It might be hence infered, that they had but one church in Philadelphia at that date. This was far, however, from the fact.
Ancient names and styles of dry goods, "Man- tua and paduasoys, calimancoes, plain & striped tammies, hairbines, alapeens, duroys, ribbed druggets, turkets, florettas, nonesopretties, wors- ted shaggs, shalloons, madrepoors, sawns, chit- tabully baftas, gurrahs, mamoodies, seersuckers, &c., for sale by Jolin Morgan." We need a dictionary of fashions badly. What will the next generation understand by Roorback cassi- meres.
"London July 8. Yesterday the treasure ta- ken by Admiral Anson consisting of 208 chests of silver, 18 chests of gold, and 20 barrels of gold dust, was carried through our city in 32 waggons, preceded by a kettle drum, trumpets, and French horns, guarded by the seamen, com- manded by the officers, aud was lodged in the ted men.
colours with the Spanish ensign under it, and every third or fourth waggon carried some trophy of honor taken from the Spaniards in the South Sea as well as the Acapulco ship."
It appears from the face of the "Gazette" and his own autobiography, that Franklin set tho types, did the press work, mailed and address- ed the papers, and as postmaster forwarded them to his subscribers.
Besides all these, an advertisement "Very good lamblack made and sold by the printer here- of," serves to show that he doubtless made his own printing ink, which is more than can be said of his successors in "the art conservative of arts."
Review.
The Pictorial History of the United States u America-By John Frost, L. L. D., 2 vols. royal octavo. This is a work got up (to use the tech- nical phrase) in a very superior style. The Pub- lishers have evidently felt that every thing about about these volumes should be such as patriotism and good taste would equally approve. The pa- per, typography, binding, and pictorial illustra- trations are all such as should belong to a publi- cation which must form a part of the library of every family, which can afford its purchase .- The current of narrative flows full and grace- fully, while the ornamental character of the work will doubtless invite the attention of youth re the subject, and obtain for it a more gracious re- ception than would probably be yielded it under a less showy appearance.
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