USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati miscellany, or, Antiquities of the West, and pioneer history and general and local statistics. Volume II > Part 13
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dian during his long residence among them, now got up in a pet, kicked the fire to pieces, and flashing powder from his rifle made his own fire, remarking, White man's fire no good. In- dian fire, good! They stopped all night at my house on their way to the lower country, and there I obtained these particulars. When they reaclied New Madrid, it so happened that Ed- ward was out on one of his excursions to hunt up his brother, and John after waiting a few days, became impatient to get back, and left for home without even seeing his brother, who had sought him so anxiously for years. Soon after reaching his Indian home, Tanner had a quar· rel with an Indian and was badly shot, but af- ter lingering a great while, recovered so far as to set out with Col. Long, and a party who were to each twelve hours.
on their way to Detroit. His strength gave way on the journey, and they were obliged to leave him on the road. He finally recovered and was employed by the United States authorities as interpreter among the Indians at the Sault St, Marie at the outlet of Lake Superior, which is the last I heard of him.
Tanner's life was published years ago, but I never saw a copy of it, and do not know whetli- er it is now extant.
Respectfully yours,
J. MATSON.
Problem in Physics.
Every miller is familiar with the fact, that the velocity of water wheels is greater by night than by day, and that, of course, he can grind in the same proportion more, in an equal period between sun-set and daylight, than from day- light to sun-set. At a saw mill, also, a greater quantity of lumber can be cut by night than by day, in the same number of hours. So a flat or keel boat floats further in an equal space of time by night than by day. And there are many more facts of the same class, well attested, which present an interesting problem in natu- ial philosophy. I can conceive of but two cau- ses to produce these results; and they do not, even unitedly, seem to me sufficient to account for the effect. The first is, that water, at a tem- perature of 60 deg., weighs 61 lbs. per cubic foot, while at 40 degrees, it weighs 62 lbs. If these temperatures represent the ordinary difference between day and night, the specific gravity of the water is 1-62nd part greater by night than by day, and the same ratio will indicate the dif- ference of power applied to the wheels during the same periods.
Another and weightier cause, is that vapors held suspended in the upper regions of the at- mosphere by day, descend by night, and 1 est up- culty. Tanner who had become thoroughly In- on the water, and by their weight and density, increase the action of the water, in the same de- gree of difference that exists between air heated by the noon day sun, and the same air chilled by the dews of night.
I have said that a boat will float further in the same number of hours by night than by day, but the fact on this point of the subject, as de- termined by my own experience, is, that a keel boat will float as far in the twelve hours of night as she can be rowed during the twelve hours of day. I came down the Ohio in 1826, on a keel boat, during an uncommon rise, and the last two days of our passage to Cincinnati, we rowed forty-eight miles each day, and floated forty- eight miles each night, commencing both peri- ods from six o'clock, and of course, allowing
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I should feel gratified to receive a better 80- lution of the problem involved in the case, than I am conscious, is furnished in this article.
A Law Student in Alabama.
An exchange says, that Mr. ('., who studied law in the office of a senior member of the bar in some town of some State, emigrated to Ala- bama for his examination.
'Judge P.,' said Mr. C's. friend, 'is now in the village ; will you go and stand your examin- ation.
Of course C. consented. He had been sever- al days anxiously waiting for the Judge at the -Exchange, alias grocery,-a.ias dog- gery. After the formality of an introduction, the Judge said :
'Well. Mr. C., you want to be examined for admittance to the bar.'
'Yes, sir.'
·Well, sir, let's take something to drink-Bar- keeper, give us two juleps.'
·Mr. C., can you swim ?'
.Yes sir, I can,' said C., greatly surprised .
‘Well, sir, let's take another drink-barkeep- er, two cocktails.'
The cocktails vanished, and the Judge said-
"Mr. C .. have you got a horse ?'
·Certainly sir,' said C.
'Very good,' said the Judge, as soberly as though charging a Grand Jury. . Mr. C., if you please, we'll take a drink. Barkeeper, two tod- dies.'
The toddies disappeared, and C. owns he be- gan to feel rather queer.
'Mr. C.' said the Judge, 'can your horse swim ?'
'Yes, sir,'he can-'for I have tried him from necessity.'
·Then sir,' said the Judge with increased grav- ity, 'your horse can swim-and you can swim, and by -, I think you are well qualified for an Alabama lawyer. Give me your com- mission, and I will sign it. Meanwhile, bar- keeper, give ustwo punches for my friend Mr, C, and myself.
Mr. C.,' continued the Judge, 'I drink su c- cess to your admission to the Alabama bar.'
Powers of Music.
In the "Gossip with Readers and Correspon- dents" we find the following illustration on the power of music.
"Oblige us, reader, by confessing that the fol- lowing anecdote forcibly illustrates the power of simple, plaintive music, a theme upon which we have often dwelt in these pages. Would that we could relate it to you in the inimitable manner of our friend B -: if we could, by the by, the manner would'nt be inimitable :- Some years since, a well-known military gen- tleman and musical amateur of Philadelphia, be- ing on a visit to his numerons friends to New York, was delighted to encounter here the band of the far-farned Frank Johnson. He forthwith engaged the 'colored troupe' to accompany him, together with two or three vocalists, on the fol- lowing evening, on a serenading tour to the ras- idences of his distinguished frieuds, in various quarters of the town. They every where met with the most rapturous reception, and were of- ten invited in, to partake of the hospitalities of the families whom they serenaded. Between two
and three o'clock in the morning, they arrived opposite to the residence (as they supposed) of a most lovely lady, to whom the leader of the serenade movement had well nigh lost his heart, upon a very casual acquaintance. Here was poured forth the wealth of their instrumental and vocal powers. But not the slightest sign of appreciation or approbation was manifested ; all was silence; no outward blind rattled, no in- ner curtain rustled. At length, while the prime mover of the entertainment was singing in a most tender style the closing stanza of 'Home, sweet Home,' a light suddenly gleamed through the fan-lights of the entry ; steps were heard ap- proaching ; the door was unbolted, and a cadav- erous 'male human,' in night gown and night cap, the latter surmounted by a broad brimmed Quaker hat, stepped out upon the door stone, and holding the candle above his head, that he might better survey the rather 'mixed' company of performers, addressed the last singer with: 'Friend, thee seems to think there is no place like home-like thy 'sweet, sweet home.' I think thee said : now, why doesn't thee go to thy home? Thee surely is not wanted here-neither thee nor thy friends!" and the door was closed be- hind the speaker. Perhaps no wetter blanket ever enveloped a 'water-cure subject at Graffen- burgh,' than was felt to come down upon that corps of musicians and their employer, when the white skirts of that vanishing Quaker dis- appeared along the hall.
CHARACTERISTIC .-- The Pittsburg Chronicle, whose editor has just returned to the city, after an absence of a month, notices the new build- ings and the increased business in the same squares where smoke still ascends from the smouldering ruins. It says, Our people are like their own steam engines-the more fire that is applied to them the faster they work. Their en- ergy and perseverance is like their iron -- it was not made to be burnt."
MARRIAGES.
At Lebanon, on Tuesday the 8th inst, by W.Eulass, Esq . Mr. JAMES KNIGHT to Miss EMILY CROSS, all of this city.
In this city, on Saturday the 12th inst, by the Rev. James Hill. Dr. G. H. STEWART of Ross county, Ohio, to Miss SOPHIA F. daughter of Capt. John Newton, of Cin- cinnati.
On Sabbath the 13th inst, by the Rev. G. W. Maley. Mr LEWIS D. ASKEW to Miss MARGARET SPARKS, of Colerain Township.
On Monday the 14th inst, by the Rev. W. Sehon, J. B CLARK SMITH of N. J., to Miss. ELEANOR CROWELL, of this city,
DEATHIS.
On Thursday the 10th inst, Mrs. MARY CLARK, aged 32 years.
Tuesday the 15th inst, NATHANIEL PENDLETON, son of Robt. B. and Susan S. Bowler ; aged 22 months.
Same day, Mrs. MARGARET CONKLING, consort of Richard Conkling ; aged 44 years.
Same day, JOHN ALEXIS, only son of Francis and Eliza Hardie; aged 20 months.
Thursday the 17th inst, HELEN. daughter of Thomas R. and Susan I. Raymond; aged 17 months.
Saturday the 19th inst, JAMES R., son of Thomas A. and Catherine Conway ; aged 15 years.
Monday the 21st inst, WM. AUGUSTUS. son of Nathan M. and Mary Ann Florer ; aged 3 years
Same day. Mrs. SUSAN A., wife of Alexander Will. iameon.
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Cincinnati Fifty Years Ago.
It seems wonderful at this brief lapse of time, to contemplate the rise of property in our city. Major Ferguson, who fell in St. Clair's defeat in 1791, a short time before bought lot No .! 13, on the original town plat, for eleven dollars. This is the property one hundred feet front on Broad- way, by two hundred feet on Fourth street, be- ing the south-west corner of those streets. The property, if divested of improvements, would now command at Sheriff's sale, twenty thousand dollars.
At this time there was but one frame dwel- ling in Cincinnati, which belonged to Israel Ludlow, and stood at the lower end of Main street. The room in front was occupied as a store. Matthew Winton kept tavern on Front st., nearly opposite to David E. Wade, rather to the west. Ezekiel Sayre exactly opposite Wade. John Bartle kept the first store in Cincinnati .- This was the scite of the present Cincinnati Ho- tel and a hipped roof frame house. A German named Bicket had a dram shop opposite Plum s treet, between Front street and the river bank. John S. Wallace, resided on Front street, below Race. Joel Williams kept tavern at Latham's corner. There was a great flood in 1792, which flooded the entire bottom to the depth of five feet. The original timber on the town plat was besech, sugar tree and walnut, with poplar on some spots, many of the trees of large growth .- The improvements went gradually up Main and Sycamore streets towards the hill, which was so steep, the ascent was almost too much for 'a horse. Corn was raised here in 1790 and 1791. The men worked in companies, and kept a guard on the lookout. In a large field up Western Row, John S. Wallace and several others were shot at by Indians. The party fired back, and drove off the savages, who left fifteen blankets on the field, but succeeded in carrying off the horses belonging to the party, which were in the enclosure. The Indians were still more troub- lesome in 1792, although their mischief was confined to destroying cattle, and conveying off horses. They shot three arrows into a large ox, with such force as to make marks on the oppo- site side. The arrows had stone heads. Pro- visions were very scarce and dear on the first settlement. I saw ten dollars given for a bar- rel of flour, and eight dollars for a bushel salt. Our meat was got principally from tho woods, A great share of the hunting was dono in Ken- tucky, where the game was more abundant, and less danger of being surprised by the Indians. My husband killed two bears and an elk, as late as 1794. The game was so abundant as to form the principal support of the army at Fort Wash-
ington. Turkeys were so plentiful that their breasts were salted down, smoked, and chipped for the table as dried beef in later days.
Antiquities.
A few years since Mr. E. Chidester of Can- field, Trumbull county, in this State, in felling an oak tree on his father's farm, discovered un- doubted marks of an axe, which by the later growth of the timber, as indicated by its annu- al circles must have been impressed on it some two hundred years since. This remarkable cir- cumstance attracted many visiters and close scru- tiny, but the opinion was universal, that the tree had been cut into, centuries before. The in- cision had been made, apparently when the tree was fifteen inches diameter, doubtless with the view of cutting it down, as the chip had gone to the centre, when a small hollow appearing at the heart of it, the tree had been abandoned. The entire space cut away was filled with new and solid wood in which was distinctly preserv- ed, each stroke of the instrument. Nothing pe- culiar was observed until the tree fell, when the appearance of a stump within a stump was observed in the northerly half, which was the side on which the cutting had been made. The butt was afterwards split into firewood, of which several pieces, plainly establishing the above facts, were kept for considerable length of time. Outside of the old scar one hundred and sixty concentric circles of growth in sound wood were apparent. The tree had been dead some years, and the sap and the parts adjacent, were so far decayed as to prevent a certain count -- perhaps 15 or 20 should be added. This, with the time the tree had been dead, being over five years, gives at least 180 years back, or the year 1660, as the date of this visit from civilized men to Northern Ohio. Whether these are the rel- ics of the French, Spanish, or English explorers, is a question for antiquarians to discuss, al- though the origin is probably shrouded forever in impenetrable darkness.
In connection with this remarkable circum- stance, I will add the statement of one of the oldest settlers here who records what fell under her own notice at the time. I have it direct from her own lips.
"In 1791, an old poplar tree nearly seven feet feet in diameter, was cut down in the process of clearing, going on in those early days. It stood some distance west of where Powell's foundry is built. On chopping eighteen or twenty inch- es from the outside, the chopper came to where it had been before cut, and grown over solid again, the old mark being full broader than one made by a common axe. I found an old chip there which had not been cleaned out, and look-
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ed much discolored. Judging by the circles of the tree, the first chopping must have been done more than one hundred years since, say in the ueighborhood of the year 1680."
Doouments of last War.
HEAD QUARTERS, OHIO MILITIA, LOWER SANDUSKY, Oct. 6th, 1813.
DEAR GENERAL :
I have the honor to inform you by Major Vance, that I arrived here yesterday with the 2nd regiment; the 1st will be here from Seneca to-day; the 3rd is on the left and centre lines of communication. These two regiments are con- siderably reduced, having detached one compa- ny at Upper Sandusky, two companies to Fort Meigs, and three small companies to Detroit, who start to day as an escort to the beef cattle. And there is a number engaged in the employ of the Quarter Master, by special request of Col. Bartlet, and a number sick. The effective force in the two regiments at this place, is about one thousand. The garrison here will be relieved as the Chilicothe Guard's time has nearly expir- ed. I found the garrison of Upper Sandusky in a dirty miserable state. I have ordered the company of militia there to build a small hospi- tal, to cleanse the fort and put the rooms in re- pair, with safe and comfortable fire places, which I am anxious to receive your orders to know how the troops are to be disposed of. We are all willing to cross into Canada or go to Detroit, or where you may think proper. The men are very orderly good militia, and willing to do their duty, but are badly clothed for the winter in this northerly climate, on account of their not receiving the pay that was promised in advance, which was attended with great murmuring and complaint. Many were not able to buy a blank- et or pair of shoes, and actually marched from the neighborhood of Cincinnati to Franklinton, without shoes, blankets, tents, or camp kettles. I there got a partial supply, and some compa- nies marched to Seneca without more than two tents, and 2 camp kettles to a company. They are all now supplied with camp equipage, so that they are more comfortable. Brigade Major Lew- is I expect up to day, and will have the two regiments again inspected and make report .-- Major Vance, one of my aids, can give you ev- ery information in detail, whom I highly recom- mend to your excellency, and beg that he may ba despatched back as soon as practicable.
I am sir, with great respect and esteem, Your humble servant,
JOHN S. GANO. Maj. Gen. Com'dt. O. Mil. in service. GEN. WM. H. HARRISON, Detroit.
HEAD QUARTERS, DETRONI Oct. 12th, 1313. DEAR SIR :
Your favors by Major Vance were du- ly received. He will return by water as soon as the wind is fair for him, I will give you further instructions. In the mean time, you will be pleased to send a detachment to repair and open the road to portage on Lake Erie. One or two bridges must be built or the road will be impas- sable for waggons. If there should be any old boats at Sandusky , please to repair them for the purpose of transporting all the provisions and clothing at Sandusky down to the portage on the bay, and give to the Quarter Master and Commissary all the assistance in your power. If Capt. Oliver is yet at Sandusky; tell him that it is important that all the salt provisions which may be at Fort Meigs, should be immediately sent to this place.
Yours with great respect,
WM. HENRY HARRISON. MAJ. GEN. JOHN S. GANO. Lower Sandusky.
HEAD QUARTERS, DETROIT, Oct. 14, 1813. SIR :
You will furnish Lt. Col. Croghan, with two of your smallest companies, amounting in the whole to not less than one hundred men, for the purpose of a guard to the prisoners under must be done at this post. Ifyou think proper, his direction to Chillicothe. Upon the arrival
of these companies at Chillicothe, they will be discharged.
I am very respectfully, your humble servant, WM. HENRY HARRISON.
MAJ. GEN. JOHN S. GANO. Lower Sandusky.
UPPER SANDUSKY, Oct. 12th, 1813.
DEAR SIR :
The large quantity of commissary stores now at McArthur, for which I am requir- ed to furnish immediate transportation, requires that considerable repairs should be made on the road to enable me to comply with the requisi- tion. I do not feel myself authorized without special instructions from a superior officer to employ men for this purpose, the less so as it has been the custom generally to have the roads and bridges repaired by the troops in service. The object of this is to know, if it be practicable to obtain a detachment from your command to open theroad and repair the bridges between this and Lower Sandusky. A bridge will be necessary across Wolf creek, between Seneca and Lower Sandusky, and a number of smaller ones be- tween here and that post. Capt. Welsh is now engaged in erecting one across Tymochtee. He is at work under an order of Gov. Meigs. I find it impossible for the teams to get on until
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h e road is opened wider, and the bad place bridged. Will you have the goodness sir, to in- form me if you can give me any aid in this bu- siness -- repairs must be made on it, and this appeared to me the most proper mode.
I am sir, with much respect. your most ob't. serv't.,
B. HUGHES, A. D. Q. M. G.
Maj . Gen. J. S. GANO, L. Sandusky .
Bicknell's Patent Planing Machine.
I feel highly gratified in learning that the U. States District Court, at its late session at Colum- bus, decided the case of Brooks & Morris vs. Bicknell & Jenkins, in favor of the defendants, ruling that the invention of Bicknell's was. no infringement of Woodworth's patent, and leav- ing it free for the public to rule, as it undoubt- edly will, that Bicknell's buckeye invention is vastly superior in merit to that of his New York competitor. The case has resulted, as I said in one of the early numbers of this paper, that it must. It is gratifying to find that all the array of influence enlisted on the part of the plaintiff failed to crush the ingenious and public spirit- ed inventor of this valuable improvement.
Sugar Mills and Engines for Louisiana.
I had occasion to refer last week to a notice in the Pittsburgh "Spirit of the Age," on the sub- ject of the manufacture of sugar mills &c. for the southern markets. For want' of time, and yet more, owing to the incompleteness of my information at the moment, the correction I made was neither explicit nor minute enough to do our Cincinnati mechanic establishments justice. I will now upon undoubted authority go into specifications.
The Pittsburgh article stated, as an evidence of the thriving condition of the foundries and machine shops of that place, that seven sugar mills and engines had been made at one estab- lisliment, and five at another there during this season.
Let us contrast our city manufactures in this line with these results. Messrs. Niles, & Co., have put up twenty-five; David Griffey, eight; James Goodloe , seven; Anthony Harkness, six, of these Sugar Mills and Engines this season. J. Holabird and Bevan, Scott & Co., who have just engaged in the business have, put up one cach, making forty-eight manufactured in Cin- cinnati to twelve in Pittsburgh.
This difference, great though it be, does not cover the whole case . All the larger class of Su- gar Mills and Engines for Louisiana are made in Cincinnati. These cost from four to seven thousand dollars, and will average all of five thousand dollars cach. The article supplied from Pittsburgh, is of the second class, and for
second rate sugar estates, costing thirty-five hun- dred dollars.
Let me exhibit the difference in figures.
12 Mills and Engines made at Pitts-
burgh, 3500 42,000
48 do do do at Cincinnati, 240,000 There is a large amount besides of repairing and refitting Mills and Engines for Louisiana, done here, of which this season's bills will ex- ceed 30,000 dollars, making an aggregate of 270,000. It is an under estimate, to say that twelve more will be built in the course of the current year, at least ten of that number being already under contract.
I have been thus at once, full and minute on this subject, because an impression prevails abroad, that our manufacturing interest is of less weight than thatof Pittsburgh, and in fact many of our own citizens are ignorant of the real state of facts. Abstract the rolling mills, glass and cotton yarn factories of Pittsburgh from the manufacturing comparison, and in eve- ry other description of mechanical industry and product, Cincinnati is far in advance of that place.
Documents relative of War of 1812. HEADQUARTERS, OHIO MILITIA, Lower Sandusky. Oct. 15th. His Excellency Gen. HARRISON :
Sir-I dispatched my acting brigade, Ma- jor Vance to you for orders on the 6th inst .-- he has not returned. I have made several details of detachments since he left this. I have fur- nished the Quarter Master and Commissary with a number of men for extra duty, and have sent a company to Fort Findlay -- 1 will send ano- ther detachment with beef cattle to Detroit as scon as they can be collected in sufficient num- bers for an escort. I have directed the com- mandants at the different posts on the left cen- tre and right lines of communication, to afford every assistance to the Quarter Master and Com- missaries in protecting the public stores, and es- corting provisions &c., and have rendered con- siderable service with the waggons I brought on to those departments, and have twelve now load- ing with provisions for the Kentucky troops at Portage. If you calculate on retaining the Ohio troops, I will be much obliged by your inform- ing me of their probable destination, as I wish to make some arrangements for my winter qrs. &c .; and if to be discharged, the sooner I am to be informed the better. I will always take pleasure in rendering my country and yourself all the service in my power, and most sincerely congratulate you upon your glorious victories and success.
With respect, &c., J.S. GANO.
10 o'clock P. M. I this moment received yours
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of the 12th inst., and have in some measure an- ticipated your orders by sending on a detach- ment to repair the road to portage, which I ex- pect them to complete to - morrow, and have had a detachment at work on the road between Mc- Arthur and Upper Sandusky, and are building a bridge across Tymochtce &c.
Head Quarters, Detroit, Oct. 16th, 1813. DEAR SIR :
You will take the command of all the posts upon the frontier of the State of Ohio .- You can establish your quarters at Fort Meigs, Lower or Upper Sandusky. You will afford all the security possible to the frontiers as well by repelling any invasion of the savages as by pre- venting any depredation upon them.
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