History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 11

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc > Part 11

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Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be sus- pected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come to the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in White Hall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appear- ance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the sec- ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on the charge of having been in correspondence with the late King. He ap. pealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexa- tious suits apparently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Govern- ment, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Parliament subsequently de- clared a "cheat and an imposter." Seeing that he must prepare again for his defense, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he with- drew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye.

But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his . attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced retire- ment. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says:

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" My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly, but falsely against me."

His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commis- sioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Mark- ham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this division is disclosed in a letter to a friend in the province: "I left it to them, to choose either the government of the Council, five Commissioners or a deputy. What could be tenderer? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the three upper, but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken choice.

This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of all! *

* * for else the Governor of New York is like to have all, if he has it not already."

But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- siderable power in argumentation, but of overweaning self-conceit, attacked the Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of de- nial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet- ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. Whereupon he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of London. He afterward re- turned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final- ly fixed in a benefice in Sussex, England. On his death bed, he said, " I wish I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well with my soul."

But Keith had not been satisfied with attacking the principles and prac- tices of his church. He mercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, say- ing that "He was not fit to be a Governor, and his name would stink," and of the Council, that "He hoped to God he should shortly see their power taken from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed a mild-tempered man, and had befriended Keith, that he was "an impu- dent man and a pitiful Governor," and asked him " why he did not send him to jail," saying that " his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe." So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice of his conduct and to warn him to desist.

Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in En- gland. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity these troubles in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church, gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692, they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the province and territories under his government. There was another motivo operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the

HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

King and Queen to put the government of Pennsylvania under the Governor of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the English. Already the expense for defense had become burdensome to New York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but that through the influence of Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured.

Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19, 1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commis- sion and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having arisen between the Governor and the Assembly about the manner of calling and electing the Representatives, certain members united in an address to the Gov- ernor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and must be administered until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as good a right to be governed according to the usages of Pennsylvania as New York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Leg- islature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat of annexing Pennsylvania to New York, they mildly but firmly requested that if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly, and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usu- ally mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced.

Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assem- bly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, and concluding in these words: "That he considered their principles; that they could not carry arms nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their contin- ued friendship to their provinces." But notwithstanding the adroit sugar- coating of the pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a brief session in September closed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that he took an entirely different view of the subject from that which was antici- pated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for what he calls the common defense.

Through the kind offices of Lords Rochester, Ranelagh, Sidney and Somers, the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was asked to hear the case of William Penn, against whoin no charge was proven, and who would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William

HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark. ham Lieutenant Governor.

When Markham called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of the charter, assuming that the removal of Penn had annulled the grant. The Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions in the old charter that they desired to have changed. Accordingly, when the appropria- tion bill was considered, a new constitution was attached to it and passed. This was approved by Markham and became the organic law, the third consti- tution adopted under the charter of King Charles. By the provisions of this instrument, the Council was composed of twelve members, and the Assembly of twenty-four. During the war between France and England, the ocean swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was declared, many of these crafts, which had richly profited by privateering, were disposed to con- tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. Judging that the peace principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible seizure, they were accustomed to run into the Delaware for safe harbor. Complaints coming of the depredations of these parties, a proclamation was issued calling on magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so damaging to the good name of the colony. It was charged in England that evil-disposed per- sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not parties to it, and that the failure of the Government to break it up was a proof of its inefficiency, and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Penn was much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant Governor and to his friends in the Assembly, urged ceaseless vigilance to effect reform.

CHAPTER VIII.

WILLIAM PENN, 1699-1701-ANDREW HAMILTON, 1701-3-EDWARD SHIPPEN 1703-4-JOHN EVANS, 1704-9-CHARLES GOOKIN, 1709-17.

B EING free from harassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn de- termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex- pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the ocean. Just before his arrival in his colony, the yellow fever raged there with great virulence, having been brought thither from the West Indies, but had been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now disappeared. An observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of this scourge, writes thus of it in his journal: "Great was the majesty and hand of the Lord. Great was the fear that fell upon all flesh. I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty repartee to raise mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the lusts and desires of the flesh above measure; but every face gathered paleness, and many hearts were bum- bled, and countenances fallen and sunk, as such that waited every moment to be summoned to the bar and numbered to the grave."

Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arriv-

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al of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to stay. He met the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement season, he only detained them long enough to pass two measures aimed against piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could hear the Word. It is more than probable that he had fears from the first that his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to re- quire his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he never expected to meet them again. His greatest solicitude, consequently, was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisions of the first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past, and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in admin- istering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while the State should exist.

In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the In- dian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna aud to the Ononda- goes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands, be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the In- dians " by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English goods and merchandises."

Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which great harmony pre- vailed, and much attention was giving to revising aud recomposing the consti- tution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the House of Lords for reducing all the proprietary governmente in America to regal ones, under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap- pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a wilderness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my family and posterity in it. * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal), of some suitable expedient and provision for your safety as well in your privi- leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to the appoint- ment of a Lieutenant Governor. Penn proposed that the Assembly should choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the

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union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitution wys adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance, it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and always an object of his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his Deputy, he ap- pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and sometime Governor of both East and West Jersey, and for Secretary of the province and, Clerk of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of sin- gular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar.

Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den- mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing- ton. The bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was never again called up. During his leisure hours, he now busied himself in writing "several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects."

Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, for the safety of the colony.

The executive authority now devolved upon the Council, of which Edward Shippen was President. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in- terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish- ment of much, by way of legislation, in the Assembly which convened in 1703; though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. This separation proved final, the two bodies never again meeting in common.

Though the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority failed, yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors was so strong that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to consider the Queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extrac- tion, only twenty-six years old, a member of the Queen's household, and not a Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col- ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., who was elected a member of the Council, the number having been increased by author- ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election.

The first care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties, though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter so well that the lower counties, from which the difficulty had always come, were willing to return to a firm union. But now the provincial Assembly, having become impatient of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the dele- gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward remained separate in a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, under the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they con- tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted, and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of Delaware.

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During two years of the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord be- tween the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan on the one side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and little legislation was effected.

Realizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end that the inhabitants of this government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all per- sons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, per- mit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do pro- vide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist them- selves in the militia, which I am now settling in this government." The Gov- ernor evidently issued this proclamation in good faith, and with a pure pur- pose. The French and Indians had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north, and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn. The " fire-locks" were not brought out, and none enlisted.

Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious temper of the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious prin- ciples of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the nature of their Christian zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river, whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of the fair in Philadelphia, 16th of March, 1706, a messenger came, post haste from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city. Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an ex- cited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it had an immense effect. "The suddenness of the surprise," says Proud, " with the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw many of the people into very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as far as Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and much mischief ensued."

The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the more inconsiderate of the population that the consternation and commotion was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next year opposite this date was this distich:

"Wise men wonder, good men grieve, Knaves invent and fools believe."

Though this ruse was played upon all classes alike, yet it was generally believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of their

HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

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History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 11

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280