USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > History of Independence Hall : from the earliest period to the present time : embracing biographies of the immortal signers of the Declaration of Independence, with historical sketches of the sacred relics preserved in that sanctuary of American freedom > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
Gc 974.802 P53be 1667251
IVI. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02220 8414
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ORIGINAL INDEPENDENCE HALL.
41
HISTORY
OF
INDEPENDENCE HALL:
FROM THE
Earliest Deriod to the Present Cine. EMBRACING
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE IMMORTAL SIGNERS OF TIIE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,
WITH HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE SACRED RELICS PRESERVED IN THAT SANCTUARY OF AMERICAN FREEDOM.
BY D. W. BELISLE.
Patriots! go-to that proud hall repair ! The sacred relics which are treasured there With tongueless eloquence shall tell Of those who for their country fell.
PHILADELPHIA: JAMES CHALLEN & SON, NEW YORK: SHELDON & CO .-- BOSTON: BROWN, TAGGARD & CHASE. CINCINNATI: RICKEY, MALLORY & CO. CHICAGO: S. C. GRIGGS & CO.
1859.
1667251
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by D. W. BELISLE,
lu the Clerk's Othce of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA: STEREOTYPED BY GEORGE CHARLES, 607 Sansom Street.
XC
.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyofindepen00beli_0
TO THE HON. MILLARD FILLMORE, EX-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
WHOSE UNTIRING ZEAL AND EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE NATIONAL WELFARE,
ARE GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED BY THE DESCENDANTS
OF THOSE PATRIOTS WHO MADE
INDEPENDENCE HALL
THE SHRINE OF AMERICAN FREEDOM,
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY THE
AUTHOR.
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LIST OF PORTRAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL.
1. WILLIAM PENN-Born October 14, 1644-died July 30, 1718. He was proprie- tor of Pennsylvania and founder of Philadelphia.
2. JOHN HANCOCK-Born 1737-died 1793. He was President of the Congress that adopted the Declaration of Independence.
3. ROBERT MORRIS-The great Americau Financier, and signer of the Declaration of American Independence.
4. GEN. JOSEPH REED-President of Pennsylvania from 177S until his death in 1781.
5. THOMAS JEFFERSON-Born 1743-died July 4, 1826. He was the author of the Declaration of Independence.
6. DR. JOHN WITHERSPOON-Born 1722. He was President of Princeton College, and a descendant of the Rev. John Knox.
7. PHILIP LIVINGSTON-Born January 15, 1716-died June 12, 1778. He was one of the signers of our Liberty.
S. RICHARD HENRY LEE-Born 1722-died 1794. He was a member of the Con- vention that framed the Constitution of the United States.
9. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON-Governor of Connecticut. He succeeded John Jay as President of Congress.
10. CHARLES CARROLL, of Carrollton-He was the last one who signed the Declara- tion of Independence-died in 1832. .
11. FRANCIS HOPKINSON-born 173S-died 1791. He was Judge of the Admiralty Court of the United States.
12. SAMUEL CHASE-Born 1741-died IS11. He was Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
13. THOMAS MCKEAN-Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Penn- sylvania.
14. MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE-Born 1757-died 1834. He became early enlisted in the cause of American Independence.
13. DR. BENJAMIN RUSH-Born 1745-died 1S13. A celebrated Physician, and member of Congress.
16. JOHN ADAMS-Born 1735-died 1826. A member of Congress, and a most tealony patriot of Massachusetts.
17. HERNANDO CORTEZ-Born 1485-died 1554. He was the Conqueror of Mexico, and an able Spanish commander.
15. COSTANTINE FRANCIS CHASSBOUF-An eminent French writer and traveler. Ha wan Count de Volney.
19. Robert Fultou-Born 1760-died 1815. He was the great inventor of steamboat tavigation.
31 GFx. COLXT ROCHAMBAULT-One of the French generals who served in the American Revolution.
21. COL. JAMES WILKINSON-A Major-General in the American Army, and a distin- zuished patriot.
22. ROBERT WHARTON-One of the Mayors of Philadelphia. He was a highly respectable citizen.
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6 LIST OF PORTRAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL.
23. ADMIRAL PENN-He was the father of William Penn, who founded the City of Philadelphia.
24. GENERAL DE PORTAIL-An officer of distinction in the American Revolution. He was a Frenchman.
25. CAPT. NICHOLAS BIDDLE-An eminent naval commander during the Revolution -was killed in 177S.
26. COL. DE CAMBRAY-Was one of the French officers who served the cause of American Independence.
27. GEN. BENJAMIN LINCOLN-Born 1733-died 1810. He was a General in the army of the Revolution.
28. JOHN PAGE-One of the Governors of Virginia-was in the first Congress under the Constitution.
29. CAPT. MERRIWEATHER LEWIS-Was Governor of the Territory of Louisiana, and a Captain in the United States army.
30. CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN-Born in 1721-died in 1805. He was the originator of "Liberty Tree" in America.
31. COL. SAMUEL SMITH-Defender of Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, near Philadelphia. Was Senator in Congress.
32. Con. JOHN EAGER HOWARD-Governor of Maryland, and an officer at the battle of the Cowpens.
33. COL. HENRY LEE-Commander of the " Lee Legion," Governor of Virginia, and author of the " War of the Revolution."
34. CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE-Was the second Minister sent from France to this country.
35. JOHN DICKENSON-President of Pennsylvania in 1752, subsequently of Delaware. An able writer.
36. THAYENDANEGA-The celebrated Indian Chief, Brandt. He was noted for his intrigue at the massacre of Minisink.
37. ALEXANDER HAMILTON-Financier, and patriot, Washington's Aid-de-camp. He was killed by Aaron Burr.
38. CHARLES THOMSON-Secretary of Congress during the Revolution. He was a devoted patriot to the country.
39. TIMOTHY PICKERING-An officer in the Revolutionary army, Postmaster-General, Secretary of War, of State, and a Senator.
40. COMMODORE HAZLEWOOD-A Revolutionary Naval officer, who won for himself great distinction.
41. JOHN ANDREW SHULZE-Was one of the early Governors of Pennsylvania, and a highly esteemed citizen.
42. RED JACKET-The Indian name of this chief was La-go-you-wat-ha. He is well known in Indian history.
43. DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN-The Printer, Philosopher, Politician, aud advocate of Independence.
44. COL. STEPHEN H. LONG-Commander of two Exploring Expeditions to the sources of the Mississippi and Rocky Mountains.
45. PEYTON RANDOLPH-President of Congress in 1774-5, an eminent Lawyer and Statesman of Virginia.
46. WILLIAM MOORE-President of the State of Pennsylvania in 1781. He was a mau of rare abilities.
47. GEN. NATHANIEL GREEN-Commander-in-chief of the Southern Army, during the War of Independence.
48. GEN. JAMES M. VARNUM-An early member of Congress from Rhode Island aud a Major-General in the Revolution.
49. DR. ROBERT HARE-A Professor in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. An eminent chemist.
50. GEN. CHARLES LEE-A Major-General in the American army, and rendered essential aid in the cause of Liberty.
51. HENRY LAURENS-President of Congress in 1776. Minister to Holland in 1779. Signed the treaty of peace in 1752.
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LIST OF PORTRAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL.
52. ROBERT MORRIS-One of the sternest and most efficient patriots in the War of Independence.
53. ALBERT GALLATIN-A writer of profound acquirements and vigor. His fame is universal.
54. CAPT. JAMES BIDDLE-Was a native of Philadelphia, and distinguished himself in the war of 1812.
53 .. COM. STEPHEN DECATUR-Entered the navy in 1798. He captured the British frigate Macedonian the same year.
56. Cor .. NATHANIEL RAMSAY-An officer of the Revolution, Collector of the Port of Baltimore, aud a true patriot.
57. JOHN BARTRAM-An eminent botanist, naturalist, etc. He wrote a good work on Ornithology. Native of Philadelphia.
55. BARON FREDERICK WILLIAM STEUBEN-A Major-General in the American army during the Revolution.
50. GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR-Governor of the North-Western Territory, and Com- mander-in-chief of that division of the army.
60. CHEVALIER GERARD-Was the first Minister from France to this country. He was greatly esteemed.
61. Cor. HENRY LEE-Of the Revolutionary army. The American historian is familiar with his deeds.
62. GEN. ARTEMES WARD-A Major-General in the army-a member of Congress before and after the adoption of the Constitution.
63. TIMOTHY MATLACK-A patriot of Philadelphia who never held an office. He Was very active in public affairs.
64. CHARLES THOMSON-Was Secretary of Congress when the Declaration of Inde- pendence was adopted.
65. FRANCIS JOHN-A French Field-Marshal, and author of a work entitled " Travels in North America."
68. COL. DAVID HUMPHREYS-One of Washington's Aid-de-camps. He was a distinguished patriot from Connecticut.
67. GEN. LACLAN MCINTOSH-A member of Congress from Georgia in 1781. An officer in the Revolution.
OS. REV. BISHOP WHITE-Was the Chaplain in Congress when Independence was agreed upon aud declared.
69. Mas. ROBERT MORRIS-The wife of the great Financier, and daughter of Col. White. Her name was Mary.
70. DAVID RITTENHOUSE-A celebrated Mathematician. He was once Director of the Mint, and Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
71. LADY MARTHA WASHINGTON-Wife of Gen. George Washington. She was a most estimable lady.
"2 GEN. GEORGE WASHINGTON -This is a striking portrait of the Father of his country. The frame was taken from the frigate Constitution.
73. REV. HENRY MUHLENBERG-A profound Naturalist of Lancaster, Pa., and a aki !! ful botanist.
71. Cox. DAVID PORTER-An officer of the United States Navy. He won enviable distinction by his bravery.
:5. GEN. WILLIAM SMALLWOOD -- Was Governor of Maryland, and a warm supporter of the American cause.
34. Gxx. JOHN ARMSTRONG-Was Secretary of War under James Madison in 1513. Il. was greatly distinguished.
ST. BALLS DE KALB-Served in the French armies forty-two years. Sided with the Americans, Was killed at C'ainden, S. C., 1778.
:4. Da Wy Saperx-Der'of the founders of the University of Pennsylvania, and an early protre ver in that institution.
TO. GEN. ANDREW JACKSON-Born 1767-died ISES. Was the 7th President of the United States, and a military hero.
SO. BARE. GENERAL Z. M. PIKE-Fell at the capture of York, Upper Canada, in 1513. He was an accomplished disciplinarian.
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LIST OF PORTRAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL.
S1. JONATHAN BAYARD SMITH-Was a Colonel in the army at Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine. An exemplary man.
82. Gov. WILLIAM FINLEY-Governor of Pennsylvania, and United States Senator. He was an able officer.
83. Cor. TENNANT-Served our country's cause-went back to France, and returned as a minister here.
84. GEN. DANIEL MORGAN-Rendered efficient service to his country during the Revolutionary struggle.
85. Gov. SIMON SNYDER-He was Governor of Pennsylvania three terms. He gave general satisfaction.
86. WILLIAM FINDLEY-Was the author of the history of the " Whiskey Insurrec- tion," a member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
87. GEN. HENRY DEARBORN-A gallant officer of the Revolution, Secretary of War, and a Major-General in 1812.
83. ELIAS BOUDINOT-President of Congress in 1782. He succeeded Rittenhouse as Director of the Mint.
89. DR. JOHN HANSON-Way President of the Confederacy. He was a vigorous and energetic patriot and statesman.
90. RIFts KING-Was a member of Congress in 1784, also Minister to England, and a man of superior abilities.
91. GEN. HENRY KNOX-An officer in the army of the Revolution, and Secretary of War in 1789. He was a brave general.
92. Cor .. T. FORREST-Was distinguished for his bravery during the severe coutest for independence.
93. GEN. OTHO WILLIAMS-By his intrepid military feats obtained the rank of Brigadier-General in the American Army.
94. GEN. SUMPTER-Was a native of South Carolina, and enthusiastic in the cause of the Colonies.
95. GEN. WILLIAM CLARK-Was Governor of the Missouri Territory, and Surveyor- General of Public Lands at St. Louis.
96. GEN. HORATIO GATES-The hero of Saratoga. He was a very useful officer in the country's service.
97. DR. DAVID RAMSAY-Member of Congress from South Carolina for several years. Author of the American Revolution.
98. CORNET REAL-Was a distinguished officer in the Struggle for American Independence.
99. CAPT. JOSHUA BARNAT-An officer in the Navy during the Revolution, of great forethought and vigor.
100. COMMANDER JOHN RODGERS-Whose brilliant exploits in the Navy won for him an enviable reputation.
101. JOSEPH HEISTER-Governor of Pennsylvania. Wasa very able administrator of the office.
102. CAPT. JOHN PAUL JONES-The celebrated Naval hero, who performed many brilliant exploits.
103. GEN. RICHARD MONTGOMERY-Born 1737-fell in the attack on Quebec, Decem- ber 13, 1775.
104. GEN. JOSEPH WARREN-This distinguished man fell at the battle of Bunker's Hill, during that struggle.
105. GEN. THOMAS MIFFLIN-A warin patriot, a Governor of Pennsylvania, and a pure statesman.
106. WILLIAM RUSH-Was a soldier in Washington's army, and won many distin- guished laurels.
107. HENKY CLAY.
108. TRIUMPHAL ARCH.
109. PENN'S TREATY.
110. WH. WHITE.
111. LORD STERLING.
112. Gov. SPRICHT.
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PREFACE.
INDEPENDENCE HALL! How impressive are the associations that cluster around this sacred Temple of our national freedom ! They inspire the thoughtful patriot with veneration-they enhance devotion to the institutions of our country. As we gaze upon the portraits of those stern old heroes who declared that " these united Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States," our minds go back to, and are busy with, events that signalized the " times that tried men's souls." In the reflective mirror of retrospection we behold them in solemn council deliberating upon the momentous issues that called them together-we hear the thunders of their eloquence ringing around the walls of this consecrated chamber-we see their eyes flash with earnest desire for liberty, and their brows lower with con- tempt at the aggressive despotism of King George. These silent- representatives of the past still speak to us in unmistakable patriotism, while we pay homage to the Cradle of American Liberty, bidding us preserve and keep sacred the costly inheri- tance bequeathed by them. When we consider the sacrifices they made-the trials they endured-the privations they suffered -the struggles through which they passed-and remember that they were passing those fiery ordeals to secure the blessings of independence for us-how can we look upon their sublime features without properly respecting their efforts ? We should feel that these patriots of the Revolution scrutinize our thoughts and actions from the canvas upon which they are made immor- tal. The venerable appearance of the Hall itself has an awe- inspiring sanctity about it that makes us realize we are treading hallowed ground-while the carefully arranged relics and memen- toes excite our inquiry and deeply interest our thoughts. Every
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PREFACE.
thing about the room teems with historical reminiscences. Every relic in this sacred Fane has some historical peculiarity worthy of our profound veneration. Yet, thousands upon thou- sands visit Independence Hall-pass hours in looking at and examining the relics there, more from idle curiosity than other- wise, and consequently return to their homes little better versed in the histories connected with them than they were before. The principal reason for this is, they can obtain nothing to aid them in acquiring the information they may need in this respect. For the purpose, therefore, of obviating this disadvantage, and, in order to furnish an authoritative history of Independence Hall, with accurate descriptions of all its contents, we have placed before the public, in this work, the result of many years' labor among the dusty records of past incidents respecting In- dependence Hall. We have not sought to make it a mere Guide- Book-the magnitude of interests which all feel in this, the Mecca of our country's greatness, forbade us adopting such a plan-our object has been to give it a high-toned national char- acter ; to place in the hands of our patriotic countrymen facts connected with the causes that led to the prosperous condition of our free and happy land-and to inspire a deeper love for the sacred Temple wherein our nation's infancy was cradled and defended. In the prosecution of this arduous task, we have consulted sufficient standard authorities to give our work reliable accuracy in every particular, and we return our thanks to such friends as have aided us-likewise are we indebted to Mr. Lossing, for many facts concerning the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence. The places which beneficent spirits have sanctified remain hallowed to all time ; and, while we contemplate the Hall where the actors in the great drama of the Revolution performed their most stupendous work, we feel the force of the language of Horace, Privatus illis census erat brevis, commune magnum, and bow meekly in adoration to their exalted virtues.
D. W. BELISLE.
Camden, N. J.
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY, 13
I .- Incentive Associations, 27
IT .-- Primitive Settlers and Public Edifices, 37
III .- " The Old State House," 50
Iv .- Independence Square, 66
v .- The Old State House Bell, 81
VI .-. Washington's Statue, 89
VII .- Alexander Hamilton, 96
vir .- Convention of 1776, . 111
x .- The Declaration of Independence, 118
x .- Remarks on the Declaration, 128 XI .- John Hancock, 134
XII .- Thomas Jefferson, 143
XIII .- Richard Stockton. 154
XIV .- Dr. Josiah Bartlett, 160
xv .- Samuel Adams,. 165 XVI .- William Whipple, 170
XVII .- John Adams, 174
XVII .- William Huntington, 181 XIX .- Oliver Wolcott, 186 Xx -Robert Treat Paine 191 XXI .- Philip Livingston, 190
XXII .- Francis Lewis 201
Xx !!!.- John Witherspoon 206 XXIV. Robert Morris,. 212
Xxv .- Elbridge Gerry 220
XXXL .- Benjamin Rush
226
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CONTENTS.
XXVII .- Benjamin Franklin, 232
XXVIII .- Francis Hopkinson . 242
XXIX .- Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 245
xxx .- John Hart-Abraham Clark-John Morton- George Clymer,. 250
XXXI .- James Smith-George Taylor-James Wilson- George Ross, 262
XXXII .- Cæsar Rodney-George Read-Thomas M'Kean -Samuel Chase-Thomas Stone-Wm. Paca, .. 272 XXXIII .- William Floyd-Lewis Morris-William Wil- liams-Matthew Thornton-Stephen Hopkins- William Ellery-Roger Sherman, 286
XXXIV .- George Wythe-Richard Henry Lee-Benjamin Harrison-Thomas Nelson-Francis Lightfoot Lee-Carter Braxton, 303
xxxV .- Edward Rutledge-Thomas Hayward-Thomas Lynch, Jr .- Arthur Middleton,. 319
XXXVI .- Burton Gynnett-Lyman Hall-George Walton, 331 XXXVII .- William Hooper-Joseph Hewes-John Penn,. 341 XXXVIII .- Washington's Pew, 350
XXXIx .- Franklin's Desk, 357
XL .- A Singularly Historical Chair, 361
XLI .- The Triumphal Arch, 365
XLII .- The Bible in 1776, 370
XLIII .- The Charter Oak, 377
XLIV .- Old Documents, 332
XLV .- Portrait of Washington woven in Silk, and other
interesting Mementoes, 385
XLVI .- Conclusion,.
390
INDEPENDENCE HALL:
ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS.
INTRODUCTORY. .
"Our country's welfare is our first concern : He who promotes that best, best proves his duty." Harvard's Regulus.
"THE places sanctified by beneficent spirits," says Schiller, "remain hallowed to all time" -- they are still sacred, though invaded by robbers. They are in- vested with associations calculated to inspire the thoughtful with sentiments of veneration-to awaken feelings of patriotism-to strengthen researches after historical incidents, and to revitalize heroes and states- men whose actions gave character to the scenes of their exaltation, and the ages in which they flourished. Thoughts obtrude on the reflective mind, and peculiar emotions swell the heart, as sensitively refined patriots and scholars contemplate fields whereon heroes strug- gled, and on which victories have been achieved. To such the powers of local association address themselves with awful impressiveness. It was this that led Cicero, when he visited Athens, to exclaim : "Shall I
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INDEPENDENCE HALL :
ascribe it to a law of our nature, or to a delusive habit of mind, that, when we look upon the scenes which illustrious men of old frequented, our feelings are more deeply excited than even by hearing the record of their deeds, or perusing the works of their genius ? Such are the emotions I now experience, when I think that here Plato was accustomed to discourse; these gardens around me not only recall the idea of that sage to my memory, but place, as it were, his very form before my eyes. Here, too, Speusippus taught- here Xenocrates-here his disciple Polemon : this is the very seat he used to occupy."
Similar emotions seized the feelings of Dr. Johnson when he arrived at Icolmkill, in his "Tour to the Western Islands." A retrospective view of the inci- dents which had occurred around him in ages far remote, elicited the beautiful sentiment: "We are now treading upon that illustrious Island which was once the luminary of the Caledonian regions, whence savage clans and roving barbarians derived the bene- fits of knowledge and the blessings of religion. To abstract the mind from all local emotion would be impossible if it were endeavored, and foolish if it were possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of the senses-whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me and from my friends be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us, indifferent and unmoved, over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue. That man is little to be envied, whose patri- otism would not gain force on the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not glow warmer among the
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ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS.
ruins of Iona." Associations such as these have been surrounded with irresistible attractions to the culti- vated and reflective of all ages, and the best writers of antiquity have feelingly alluded to them. "They snatch the soul away in rapture, as if it had already traversed the tomb, and on the bosom of immensity imbue it with the inexhaustible glories which Jehovah has diffused through the universe." Germanicus wandered amidst the ruins of Athens, and looked with veneration upon its moldering architectural piles ; Atticus felt an undefined reverence when he paused among its tombs and monuments; in the swelling emotions of patriotic zeal, Julian shed tears on quit- ting its groves and bowers; and so awe-inspiring were the associations that came gushing to the memory of Leo Allatries, that he wept over the ruins of a house once in the possession of Homer. And our own great statesman of the North, Daniel Web- ster, felt its power when he exclaimed: " We shall not stand unmoved on the shore of Plymouth, while the sea continues to wash it; nor will our brethren in another and ancient colony* forget the place of its first establishment, till their river shall cease to flow by it. No vigor of youth, no maturity of manhood, will lead the nation to forget the spots where its in- fancy was cradled and defended." Again : in the work De Finibus of Cicero, is the following remarkable passage :- " Often, when I enter the Senate house, the shades of Scipio, of Cato, and of Lælius, and in par- ticular, of my venerable grandfather, rise to my im- agination." All great and refined intellects experi-
* Jamestown.
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INDEPENDENCE HALL :
ence similar emotions, when meditating upon the same or similar important and thought-inspiring localities. Hence the remark of Southey : "He whose heart is not excited upon the spot which a martyr has sancti- fied by his sufferings, or at the grave of one who has largely benefited mankind, must be more inferior to the multitude by his moral, than he can possibly be raised above them in his intellectual nature."
Almost every great advantage which mankind have derived even from science and education, had an origin in some local incident. Gibbon informs us that, "it was in the church of St. Maria d' Ara Coeli, on the Capitoline IIill, at Rome, on the fifteenth of October, 1764, as he sat musing amidst the ruins of the Capitol, while the barefooted friars were singing vespers, the idea of writing the decline and fall of the city first started to his mind." The thoughtful traveler, who perambulates the subterranean streets of Pompeii, is filled with associations of the most
.
thrilling character. He remembers that that city was well stricken in years when the Light of divine truth first dawned upon the world, and the "Sun of Right- eousness arose with healing in his wings"-that it is a city which lay entombed for two thousand years, while nations passed and repassed over its monuments-and that for centuries its sculptured figures, its domes and palaces remained in a well-preserved condition be- neath the surface of the earth. He remembers, too, that, within its walls, along its avenues and streets, the ever-surging tide of humanity, with all its hopes and aspirations, its joys, its sorrows, once swept with unrestrained hilarity, unconscious that a doom of fearful magnitude impended over their city! There.
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ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS.
too, he sees the temple, with its Doric columns yet standing, its walls painted with emblems commemo- rative of the services of their deity, the sacred vessels, lamps, and table of Isis still remaining. And while he is contemplating these monuments of the past, and memory hurries backward in its rapid gyra- tions, he might exclaim as a cotemporary of Augus- tus: "I greet thee, oh my country! My dwelling is the only spot upon the earth which has preserved its form ; an immunity extending even to the smallest objects of my affections. Here is my couch, there are my favorite authors. My paintings, also, are still fresh as when the ingenious artist spread them over my walls. Let us traverse the town; let us visit the drama. I recognize the spot where I joined for the first time in the plaudits given to the fine scenes of Terence and Euripides. Rome is but one vast museum ; Pompeii is a living antiquity." He likewise recalls the sad but truthful picture which Pliny gives in regard to the destruction of its inhabitants. "A darkness suddenly overspread the country-not like the darkness of a moonless night, but like that of a closed room, in which the light is of a sudden ex- tinguished-women screamed, children moaned, men cried; here children were anxiously calling their parents, and there parents were seeking their chil- dren, or husbands their wives ; all recognizing cach other only by their cries. Many wished for death, from the fear of dying. Many called on the gods for assistance; others despaired of their exist- ence, and thought this the last, eternal night of the world. . Actual dangers were magnified by unreal terrors. The earth continued to shake, and men, half 2%
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