USA > Pennsylvania > The history of Pennsylvania from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
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
חר
Gc 974.8 C22h 1657230
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
L'
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02143 8103
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofpennsyl00carp_0
حكمة الدعاء
7
5:75 14 .
LIPPINOGTTS
CABINET HISTORIES.
..
1
Lippincott's Cabinet Bistories of the States.
PENNSYLVANIA.
THE
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
FROM ITS
Earliest Settlement to the Present Time.
EDITED BY
1
W. H. CARPENTER, AND T. S. ARTHUR.
PHILADELPHIA: LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO. 1854.
1657230
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON AND CO. PHILADELPHIA.
- ---
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
THERE are but few persons in this country who have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable history of their own or some other state.
The want here indicated is now about being sup- plied ; and, as the task of doing so is no light or superficial one, the publishers have given into the bands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in the title-page, the work of preparing a series of CABI- NET HISTORIES, embracing a volume for each state in the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we need not speak. They are no strangers in the literary world. What they undertake the public may rest assured will be performed thoroughly ; and that no sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of history.
The importance of a series of state histories like those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated. Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest of narrative will permit, the size and price of the volumes will bring them within the reach of every family in the country, thus making them home-read- ing books for old and young. Each individual will,
5
1+
6
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
in consequence, become familiar, not only with the history of his own state, but with that of other states: -thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old bonds cemented in a firmer union.
In this series of CABINET HISTORIES, the authors, while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of the domestic policy of each state, will give greater prominence to the personal history of the people. The dangers which continually hovered around the early colonists; the stirring romance of a life passed fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war- fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers; the keen watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack, and prompt retaliation-all these having had an im- portant influence upon the formation of the American character, are to be freely recorded. While the progres- sive development of the citizens of each individual state from the rough forest-life of the earlier day to the polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic- ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte- resting.
The size and style of the series will be uniform . with the present volume. The authors, who have been for some time collecting and arranging materials, will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their careful preparation will warrant.
1
-----
PREFACE.
THE older histories of Pennsylvania are usually considered obnoxious to the double charge of prolixity and dulness ; grave faults, which it is believed will be found to have been avoided in the present volume. The quiet and subdued character of the first settlers, their pacific doc- trines, their conscientious adherence to treaty stipulations, and unvarying kindness to their · Indian neighbours, leave their annals rarely marked by stories of war and bloodshed.
But the history of Pennsylvania is not with- out its own peculiar interest. The mild, saga- cious, and statesmanlike character of Penn, its founder; the disputes of the assembly with the various proprietary governors; and, above all, the solution of the grand moral problem of a
7
8
PREFACE.
State founded without violence, and growing rapidly in wealth and population without exciting the jealousy of the aborigines, are lessons in morals and policy which may be profitably stu- died even at the present day.
...
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
William Penn-His parentage-His birth-Circumstances of his youth-Politics and polemics-William Penn at Chig- well-Ilis early religious impressions-He is entered at Oxford-Thomas Loe-Penn is expelled for nonconformity -Forbidden his father's house-Sent to make the tour of the Continent-Encounter in Paris -- His reflections upon it -Reads theology with Amyrault-Returns a courtier-En- ters at Lincoln's Inn-He is sent to Ireland-He desires a military command-His father refuses to gratify him-Cor- respondence on the subject-Penn takes charge of his father's estates near Cork-Thomas Loe again-Penn joins the Society of Friends-Is imprisoned with others-Dis- charged by the President of Munster-Recalled to London -Difference with his father-Imprisoned for heresy-First imprisonment in Newgate-Second imprisonment in New- gate-Death of Admiral Penn-Penn becomes a trustee for one of the proprietors of New Jersey-Review of his
youth
Page
19
CHAPTER II.
Penn's position at the court of Charles II .- His personal rela- tions with all shades of faith and politics-Algernon Sidney -The royal grant of a province to William Penn-Abstract of the charter-Its resemblance to that of Maryland-Na- ture of Penn's tenure-Character of his powers-Mistake in his terms of sale-His estimate of the grant -- Philanthropic motives-Markham sent to America-King's proclamation, and Penn's letter to the inhabitants of his province-Lands offered for sale-Terms-Penn's conditions with purchasers
9
10
CONTENTS.
-Commissioners sent over-Their instructions-Site of a town-Letter of Penn to the Indians-Penn refuses to sell a monpoly-Notice of the Society of Free Traders-Their city property-Society Hill. Page 40
CHAPTER III.
Preface to Penn's Frame of Government-Consultations about the Frame-Antagonistic influences-Deed of release from the Duke of York-The territories-Penn's embarkation -- His fellow-passengers-Death of his mother-Farewell- Letter to Stephen Crisp-The passage-Sickness on board -Penn's arrival at New Castle-At Upland, now Chester -Reception-Preliminaries of government-Landing at Philadelphia-Intercourse with the Indians-Visit to New York-Treaty at Shackamaxon-Indian respect for Penn- Tradition of his speech-Presumed terms of the treaty- Pennsbury
59
CHAPTER IV.
First provincial legislature-Act of settlement-Act of union -Naturalization-Code of laws-Preamble and first sec- tions-Religious toleration-Abolishment of primogeniture -Privileges of citizens-Humanity of the code-Satisfac- tion of the people-The Maryland boundary-Points in dispute-Protracted controversy-Mason and Dixon's line .- Boundary troubles-Meeting of the council and assembly at Philadelphia-Adjustment of the Frame of Government -Leading particulars - William Penn's opinion of his powers-Laws passed and laws not passed-Treason-Style of acts-Only witchcraft trial-Trial of, a counterfeiter- Why was Anthony Weston whipped ?.
80
CHAPTER V.
Penn's return to England-Appointment of provincial judges and other offirers-Number and character of the inhabitants of the colony-Review of the Dutch and swedish occupa- tion-Henry Hudson-Captain Cornches Jacob May-Cap-
11
CONTENTS.
tain De Vrees-The Sweedish settlers-Wiccaco-Captain Sven -- The old Swedes church-The Dutch rule-Swedish intercourse with the natives-Minisink-The British acqui- sition in 1664-Grant to the Duke of York of the former Dutch possessions -- Extract of a letter from William Penn -Boundary dispute with Lord Baltimore-Indian treaties -- Selection of Coaquannock as the site for a town-Phila- delphia founded-Dwellings on the river bank-Annals of emigrants-Birth of John Key-Anecdotes of the early set-
Page 94 tlers-Experiences of Elizabeth Hard
1
CHAPTER VI.
Aspect of things in England-Penn's difficult position-Death of Charles II., and accession of James-Penn's account of events-Proclamation of James in Philadelphia-Impeach- ment of Nicholas Moore-His refusal to plead-Other colo- nial difficulties-Rumours with England-Extracts from Penn's correspondence- His influence at court-Mon- mouth's insurrection-Venality and cruelty-Vindication of Penn-Threatened colonial difficulties-Dangers to the proprietary governments-Penn appoints a board of com- missioners-Their instructions-Appointment of a lieu- tenant-governor-Stormy administration-Penn's embar- rassments-Neglect by the colony of the proprietary's wishes-Revolution of 16SS-Political suspicions against Penn-Persecuted by his enemies-He is compelled to abandon a visit to his colony-His forced retirement, and pecuniary losses
110
CHAPTER VII.
News of the revolution received in Philadelphia-Action of the council thereon-Separation of the territories from the province-Two deputy-governors-George Keith-The ju- risdietion of the governor of New York extended over Pennsylvania-Administration of Governor Fletcher-He appoints Colonel Markham his deputy-William Penn rein- stated-He continues Markham as deputy-governor-Death of Mrs. Penn-Of Thomas Lloyd-Markham's administra- tion-New act of settlement-Its democratic features- Charge of piracy and illicit trade-Arrival of William Penn in his colony-Ilis welcome-Birth of "The American"-
12
CONTENTS.
Penn meets the legislature-His activity in his government -- New charter of privileges-Charter of Philadelphia- Differences about titles and quit-rents-Failure to obtain money for colonial defence-Rumours of intended changes in the charters-Return of Penn to England. Page 127
CHAPTER VIII.
Governor Hamilton-Refusal of the territories and the pro- vince to unite-Growing opposition to the proprietary interest-First Episcopal church in Pennsylvania-Go- vernor Evans-His character-False alarm of invasion- Consternation and serious consequences-Heroism and con- sistency of the Quakers-Results of this foolish farce- Fort at New Castle-Bold conduct of a Quaker shipowner -- Recall of Evans-Events in England-Penn's position at the court of Queen Anne-His family, pecuniary, and other misfortunes-Governor Gookin appointed-Continued dif- ficulties with the assembly-Refusal to raise money for defence-The governor declines to pass the bills enacted- Incautious admission relative to the council-Logan pre- sents David Lloyd-The assembly acquit their speaker --- Logan arrested by the speaker's warrant-He is released by the governor-Letter of William Penn to the assembly -Election of a new house-Restoration of harmony-Close of Governor Gookin's administration. 142
CHAPTER IX.
Death of Queen Anne and accession of George I .- Decay of William Penn-His last hours-His religious and political character-Contemplated sale of the government to the crown-Management of affairs during Penn's illness- Penn's will and heirs-Protracted litigation-Governor Keith-His activity, sauvity, and tact-Meets the assem- blies of the territories and the province-His opening mes- sage to the latter-Good feeling on both sides-Liberal grant of money by the assembly-A chancery court esta- blished by proclamation-A militia created-Expulsion of Ashton from the council-Veto of naturalization law- Measures against convict passengers-Indian relations-
13
CONTENTS.
Prosperity of the colony-Difficulty between Keith and the council-The governor removes Logan from his offices --- Logan visits England, and returns with instructions for his reinstatement-Keith vindicates his conduct, and refuses to comply-He transmits the correspondence to the assembly -Logan memorializes that body-The assembly vote the governor one thousand pounds-Keith superseded by Go- vernor Gordon-Benjamin Franklin and Keith. Page 155
CHAPTER X.
Answer of Hannan Penn to the assembly's remonstrance -- Reflection upon Keith-Close of his life-Arrival of Go- vernor Gordon-Quiet temper of the assembly-Affirma- tions-Salt tax abolished-,Agent in England appointed- His usefulness and efficiency-Franklin commences busi- ness in Philadelphia-New emission of paper-Franklin's efforts to promote it-Opposition of proprietaries-Franklin clerk of the house-Commencement of the Philadelphia Library-Indian treaty expenses-Land purchases-Lan- caster county set off from Chester-Question of toleration of Roman Catholic worship-The court of chancery abo- lished-Arrival of Thomas and John Penn-An unlucky poet-Death of Governor Gordon-Logan president- Boundary dispute with Maryland.
171
CHAPTER XI.
Governor Thomas-His attempts to induce the assembly to make warlike preparations-Declaration of war between England and Spain-Instructions from England-The as- sembly frames a supply-bill, but adjourns without passing it-Enlistment of bond-servants-Disputes upon this sub- ject-Refusal of the house to vote money until the servants were discharged-Thomas Penn supports the governor- The merchants of Philadelphia and the council remonstrate with the assembly-The money bill passes, with condi- tions-The governor declines to avail himself of it-The house applies the money to the payment of masters who had lost their servants-Governor Thomas demands the equipment of armed vessels-The house refuses it-Thomas
2
14
CONTENTS.
Penn returns to England-Quarrel about the appointment of a port physician-Governor Thomas sweeps his oppo- nents from office-Election riot-Compromise between the governor and the assembly-Franklin's public services- Volunteer military preparations-Resignation of Governor Page 182 Thomas.
CHAPTER XII.
Exposed condition of the Delaware River-Arrival of Go- vernor Hamilton-The "Indian walk"-Penn's method of measuring land by pacing it-Movements of speculators- Exasperation of Indians-Production of old treaties-Spe- culative mode of pacing boundaries-The Indians remon- strate-Compelled to submit by more powerful tribes-Evil results-French intrigues-Disputes between the governor and the legislature-Franklin a member of the house- George Washington-Expedition against Fort Duquesne- Capitulation of the Virginians to the French-Governor Hamilton appeals to the assembly for supplies-Evasion of his request-Governor Hamilton superseded by Governor Morris-Conference with the Six Nations at Albany-In- dian opinions of the English and French-Unfortunate purchase by the Peunsylvania commissioners-Franklin's plan of union between the provinces-His account of Go- vernor Morris-The Pennsylvania Hospital-James Logan -- Reform of calendar-Restrictions on manufactures- Navigation Acts-Illiberal policy of the Board of Trade- Philadelphia ship building-North-West passage. 192
CHAPTER XIII.
Commencement of the dispute between Governor Morris and the assembly-Arrival of General Braddock-Services of Franklin in providing means of transportation-Action of the legislature-Aid to Massachusetts-Continued legisla- tive difficulties-Disastrous folly of General Braddock-His - defeat-Services of Washington as a volunteer-Dispute about proprietary taxes-Consequent embarrassment-The project to give bounty lands condemned by the assembly -Indian depredations-Continued disputes upon financial
.
CONTENTS.
15
matters-Petitions and remonstrances-Proprietary dona- tion -The Supply Bill passed - Excise Bill defeated- Franklin's Militia Bill-Course of the Quakers-Volunteer military -- Declaration of war against the Indians-Labours of the Quakers to promote peace-Council at Easton-Re- signation of Quaker members of the assembly-Close of Governor Morris's administration Page 213
1
. CHAPTER XIV.
Destruction of the Indian town of Kittanning-Important effects of this victory-Movements of the Quakers-Friendly association-Negotiations with the Indians-Formal de- claration of war between England and France-Governor Denny's instructions-Temporary submission of the house -Impolicy of the Penns-Review of the instructions of Franklin-His mission to England-His vindication of the province through the London press-The Historical Review -- The proprietaries appear before the Board of Trade -- Franklin appears for the province-The question decided in favour of the assembly-Franklin's advice in relation to the war-Pitt prime minister-Operations of the army- Capture of Louisburg, Fort Frontenac, and Fort Duquesne -Ticonderoga, Niagara, and Quebec-Capitulation of Mon- treal-Close of the war-Royal disapprobation and pro- vincial indifference-Renewed Indian murders-The fron- tiers depopulated-Relief of Fort Pitt-The Paxton Mas- sacre-Danger of the Moravian Indians-Manly conduct of Philadelphia-Vigorous measures to close the war -- Expedition of Colonel Bouquet to Muskingum-Restoration of prisoners-Peace with the Indians. 230
CHAPTER XV.
Governor John Penn-His construction of the tax law-Reso- lutions of the assembly-Petition to the crown-Franklin elected speaker-British policy toward the colonies-Frank- lin loses his election to the legislature-Sent to England as colonial agent-The Stamp Act passed-The effect in Ame- rica-"Sons of Liberty"-Arrival of the stamps at Phila- delphia-Union of the colonies-Non-importation-Phila-
16
CONTENTS.
delphia proceedings-Stamp Act repealed-Declaratory Act-New revenue laws-Awakened resistance-Pennsyl- vania resolutions-Non-importation again-Repeal of a portion of the obnoxious duties-The principle still main- tained-First bloodshed in Boston-The Wyoming dispute -Death of Teedyuscung-First Wyoming massacre-Dis- pute with Virginia-Death of Logan the Indian chief .. Page 252
CHAPTER XVI.
The tea difficulties-Indignation of the colonists-Destruc- tion of the obnoxious article-Meeting in Philadelphia- Retaliatory acts of the British Parliament-Quebec Act- Meetings in Philadelphia-Provincial conference-Instruc- tions to state assembly-Continental Congress-Massachu- setts supported-Declaration of rights-Articles of associa- tion-Petitions and memorials-Committee of correspond- ence-Action of state assemblies-Governor Penn's remon- strance-Proceedings of the British ministry-More oppres- sive acts-Lord North's plan of conciliation-Provincial convention-Testimony of Friends-Thomas Mifflin-Lord North's proposal rejected-Affair of Lexington-Excite- ment in consequence-Military association-Quaker Blues -Continental Congress-Franklin appointed postmaster- general-Pennsylvania assembly-Committee of safety- Governor Penn-Bunker Hill-Pennsylvania committee of safety-State of parties-Instructions to delegates in Con- gress-Military duty made compulsory-Evacuation of Boston-Popular excitement in favour of change-Congress resolve away allegiance to Great Britain-First war-alarm near Philadelphia-The assembly mect-The people pro- test-Resolution of Congress in favour of independence- The assembly rescind their instructions-Provincial con- ference-Declaration of independence-Pennsylvania con- vention-End of the charter government. 269
CHAPTER XVII.
Arrival of General and of Admiral Howe at New York- Failure of a commission to treat with the colonies-Read-
17
CONTENTS.
ing of the Declaration-The new State constitution-Re- treat of Washington through New Jersey-Philadelphia menaced-The battles of Trenton and Princeton-With- drawal of the British from Jersey-Landing on the Dela- ware-Battle of Brandywine-Affair at Paoli-Occupation of Philadelphia by the British-Fortification of the Dela- ware-Removal of Congress inland-Battle of Germantown -The storming of Fort Mercer-The British occupy Pro- vince Island-Forts Mifflin and Mercer evacuated by the Page 295 Americans
CHAPTER XVIII.
. Attempted surprise of Washington's camp-Skirmishing and retreat of the British-Manner in which the Americans were warned-Encampment at Valley Forge-Destitution and distress of the army-Embarrassment of the country- Treaties with France-Lord North's proposition to Franklin -His proposed measures of conciliation-Lord North's pro- positions circulated in America-Resolutions of Congress- Foraging operations of the British-Narrow escape of La- fayette-Evacuation of Philadelphia-Battle of Monmouth -Arrival of British commissioners-Refusal of Congress to treat with them-Tampering with individuals-Departure of the commissioners-Wyoming-Unadilla-Cherry Val- ley-British conquest of Georgia and South Carolina- Revolt of the. Pennsylvania and Jersey troops-Turn of affairs at the South-The Cowpens-Guilford-Yorktown -Close of the war
311
CHAPTER XIX.
Treason trials-Benedict Arnold-President Reed-Difficulties of his position-Philadelphia benevolence-The Wilson riot -Extinguishment of the Penn titles-Gradual abolition of slavery-Articles of confederation-Difficulties of govern- ment -- State of the public mind-Discontent in the army- Noble conduct of the disbanded troops -- Emeute in Phila- delphia-Military heroes- Franklin - Morris - Bank of North America-Indian difficulties ..
2*
323
18
CONTENTS.
-
CHAPTER XX.
Federal convention proposed-Adoption of a constitution for the United States-New constitution of Pennsylvania- Subsequent amendments-Political history of Pennsylvania -Democratic character of the people-Whisky insurrection -- House-tax - difficulties-Common-school law -- Internal improvements-Financial embarrassments-Integrity of the Pennsylvania legislators-Financial condition of the state -Coal trade-Iron, and other manufactures-Philadelphia -Its original extent-Present dimensions-Seat of govern- ment removed to Harrisburg-Conclusion. Page 343
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
CHAPTER I.
William Penn-His parentage-His birth-Circumstances of his youth-Politics and polemics-William Penn at Chig- well -- His early religious impressions -- He is entered at Ox- ford -- Thomas Loe-Penn is expelled for nonconformity- Forbidden his father's house-Sent to make the tour of the Continent-Encounter in Paris-His reflections upon it- Reads theology with Amyrault-Returns a courtier-Enters at Lincoln's Inn-He is sent to Ireland-He desires a mili- tary command-His father refuses to gratify him-Corre- spondence on the subject-Penn takes charge of his father's estates, near Cork-Thomas Loe again-Penn joins the Society of Friends-Is imprisoned with others-Discharged by the President of Munster-Recalled to London-Differ- ence with his father-Imprisoned for heresy-First imprison .- ment in Newgate-Second imprisonment in Newgate- Death of Admiral Penn-Penn becomes a trustee for one of the proprietors of New Jersey-Review of his youth.
THE first chapter in the history of Pennsyl- vania is the life of William Penn. Though so recent an historical character, yet it is remark- able that the circumstances of his life are not familiar. He holds a position in the popular mind indefinitely great, yet little understood.
19
20
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
[1644.
His personal character challenges respect. The anomalies of his proprietary government have exposed him to mistake, and, in some cases, to uncharitable animadversion. A calmly written and unprejudiced history of Pennsylvania is William Penn's best biography. The reader of such a history will rise from the perusal with definite ideas of the great services the "Quaker sovereign" has rendered to humanity. A dis- passionate review of his life, and of the history of his colony, alone can save him from the great injustice which he has suffered from the resultant effects of overpraise.
William Penn was born to wealth and dis- tinguished rank; advantages to which, in his youth, he does not appear to have been insen- sible, and which his characteristic prudence for- bade that he should ever entirely lose sight of. His father was Sir William Penn, an English naval officer of high reputation, won in constant and active service. His life was a series of suc- cesses. He defended the naval honour of the Commonwealth under Cromwell, was promoted under the Protectorate, and knighted at the Restoration. The son of a naval captain, at one- and-twenty he was appointed captain ; at twenty- three, Rear-Admiral of Ireland; at twenty-five, Vice-Admiral; at twenty-nine, Admiral to the Straits; and at thirty-one, Vice-Admiral of England.
21
LIFE OF PENN.
1644.]
The birth of William Penn took place on the 14th day of October, 1644, in the parish of St. Catharine's, Tower Hill, London. His father was early married; and Penn's birth taking place about the time of his first promotion, as the lad increased in years, his young ears were filled with the eclat of his father's advancement in honour. Under all the circumstances of his early life, we can but wonder at his successful resistance of the world's temptations. Far from being surprised at his evident hesitancy at seve- ral periods, whether to embrace preferment or deny all for his principles, we might be astonish- ed at his final victory, were it not that the founding of a commonwealth afforded him at last the opportunity to reconcile ambition with duty; and while he innocently gratified the former, made it subservient to the higher de- mands of the latter. It was a compromise which has profited the world, and conferred posthumous fame on William Penn. But while he lived it only increased the mental "exercise" which made his days weary, without bringing that rest for which his soul thirsted.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.