History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 67

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992

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" In these cold shades, beneath these shifting skies, Where Fancy sickens and where Genlus dies- Where few and feeble are the Muse's strains, And no fine frenzy rlots in the veios -- There still are found a few to whom belong The fire of Virtue and the soul of Song, Whose kindbing ardor still can wake the strings When Learning triumphs and when Gifford siogs. To thee, the lowliest bard his tribnle pays --- His little wild-flower to thy wreath conveys; Pleased if permitted round thy unme to bloom -- To boast one effort rescued from the tomb !

" While this delirious ago eochanted seeme With hectic fancy, desultory dreams- While wearing fast away is every trace Of Grecian vigor and of Roman grace- With fond delight wo yet our bard behold, As Borace polished and as Persius bold ; Recloim the art, assert the muse divine, And drive obtrusive Dullneas from the shrine!

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AUTHORS AND LITERATURE OF PHILADELPHIA.

Since that great day which saw the tablet rise A thinking block, and whisper to the eyes, No time bas been that touched the muse so near, No age when learning had so much to fear As now, when love-lorn ladies light verse frame, And every røbus-weaver talks of fame !"

Charles Brockden Brown was born in Philadelphia, Jan. 17, 1771, and was a nephew of Charles Brockden, who for over sixty years was recorder of deeds and master of the rolls at Philadelphia. Brown was edu- cated at the school of Robert Proud, the first historian of Pennsylvania, and studied law in the office of James Wilson. His first literary efforts were a series of essays under the title of "The Rhapsodist," pub- lished in the Columbian Magazine. In 1797, he pub- lished " The Dialogue of Alcuin," in which the topic of marriage was discussed. In 1798 he commenced a series of papers in Waters' magazine,1 entitled “The Man at Home." In the second volume of that magazine he commenced the novel of "Arthur Mervyn," which was founded npon incidents of the yellow fever of 1793. Before that time he had published, in New York, " Wieland ; or, The Transformation." "Or- mond; or, The Secret Witness," was published in 1799. "Edgar Hunt- ley ; or, The Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker," was pub- lished in 1801. Brown was the publisher of the American Magazine, com- menced in 1799, which lasted about a year. Sev- eral novels followed, with other literary work. His style was clear and ner- vous, "with little orna- ment, free from affectation, and indicated a singular sincerity and depth of feeling." He exceeded in nar- rative which was eloquent and exciting. He died in 1810. His novels were nearly all reprinted in Eng- land, and were well received. He never realized much from his talent. Writing to his brother, James Brown, in 1800, he said,-

C. B. Brown

Dr. Benjamin Rush, chiefly known as a medical writer and lecturer, wrote, in addition to scientific essays, upon political and literary subjects. In 1798 a volume was published from his pen entitled " Essays, -Literary, Moral, and Philosophical." They were principally papers which had appeared in the Museum and Columbian Magazine. He wrote " An Account of the Life of Christopher Ludwick, the Baker-General of the United States Army during the Revolutionary War." This was published in Poulson's Advertiser in 1801. It was republished some years ago by the Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Sup- port of Charity Schools. His "Life of Anthony Benezet" is a pleasant specimen of writing. Dr. Allibone enumerates twenty-six topics upon which Rush wrote more or less copiously. He was a busy man, and, whether in his profession or in the field of literature, gave himself but little rest.

Rev. John Blair Linn, who in time became an assistant of Dr. John Ewing in the pastorship of the First Presbyterian Church, had previously been intended for the pro- fession of the law, and had studied for that pur- pose. He had some lite- rary taste. He was the author of " Bourrille Cas- tle; or, The Gallic Or- phan," a play, acted in New York, and published in 1797. He was the anthor of two volumes of miscellany and verse, which were published anonymously. He wrote a poem on "The Death of Washington," in 1800; " The Powers of Genius," a poem, in the same year ; and a poem in blank verse, called " Valerian," which was published in 1805, after his death, with a biography by his brother-in-law, Charles Brockden Brown.

A very large number of authors appeared between 1780 and 1820. The Portfolio, Literary Magazine, Re- pository, Analectic Magazine, and other periodicals in- vited cordially the literary talent of the city to ex- hibit itself in their pages. Thomas Brannigan was an industrious writer on subjects chiefly religious. Some of his publications were the following : "An Essay on the Oppression of the Exiled Sons of Africa," and " A Letter to Napoleon Bonaparte;" "Serious Remonstrances on the Slave Trade, with a Plan of Colonizing Free Negroes," 1805; " The

" Book-making, as you will observe, is the dullest of all trades, and the most any American can look for in his native country is to be reim- bursed in his unavoidable expenses. . . . The salability of my worke will much depend upon their popularity in England-whither Caritat has carrled a considerable number of 'Wieland,' 'Ormond,' and ' Mer- vyn.'"

1 The Weekly Magazine, by James Waters. It ran about a year.

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HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

Penitential Tyrant, or Slave-Trader Reformed," a pathetic poem, 1807; " Avenia, a Tragical Poem on the Oppression of the Human Species and the In- fringement of the Rights of Men, with Notes Ex- planatory and Miscellaneous" (written in imitation of Homer's Hliad , 1805; " Political and Theological Disquisitions on the Signs of the Times," 1807; "The Curse of Christendom, or Bigotry and Bitterness Ex- posed," 1808; "The Excellency of the Female Char- acter Vindicated," 1808; "The Beauties of Philan- thropy, or the Moral Likeness of God delineated in Miniature," 1808; "The Excellency of Virtue Con- trasted with the Deformity of Vice," 1808; "The Pleasures of Death Contrasted ;" " A Concise View of the Varions Religious Denominations of the United States, with Notes ;" " Miseries of Human Life," 1809; " A Beam of Light in a Dark, Degen- erate, and Deluded Age," 1814; "The Charm of Benevolence, or Patriotic Mentor," 1814; "The Ce- lestial Comforter, or a Collection of Scripture Prom- ises," 1814; "Right of God written for the Benefit of Man, or the Impartiality of Jehovah Vindicated," 1815; "The Pleasures of Contemplation, or a Jus- tification of the Ways of God to Man." Probably Brannigan was a native of Ireland. His name ap- pears in the directory for 1810, the business given being that of an accountant; residence No. 167 Coates Street. In 1811 he is at the same number as a publisher. In 1816, after his name, is added, "author of 'Avenia,' No. 363 North Third Street." In 1824 he had become a collector. Of his writings it may be said that, though they do not show marks of genius, they are respectable. As a poem, " Avenia" will take rank with most productions of the kind. The dietion is pure, and the sentiments are highly moral.

In 1803 was published in London "Meditations written during the Prevalence of the Yellow Fever in Philadelphia, which proved Fatal to Upward of Four Thousand of its Inhabitants. By Joshua Cres- son, of Philadelphia, of the People called Quakers, and one of the Latest Victims of the Disease.

" Good when lle gives, supremely good, Not less when Ile denies ; Even crosses from llis sovereign hand Are blessings in disguise."

Mr. ('resson commenced these " Meditations" on the 16th of September, 1798, and continued them until the 11th of October. He was attacked with the disease on the 15th of that month, and died on the 21st. The manuscript was, after his death, sent to London, and, attracting great attention among the Quakers, was printed.

received his degree as M.D. About the year 1794 he built a very large and elegant inansion for that time, on the lot at the northwest corner of Eighth and Chestnut Streets, which occupied the western part of the ground, reserving considerable space along Chest- nut Street and along Eighth to Grape Street for the purposes of a garden. He resided there until about 1797 or 1798, when, in consequence of being involved by the cost of the building, he was sold out by the sheriff. In 1804 he published a book entitled “A Collection of Facts, etc., on the Yellow Fever, in a Serial of Letters addressed to the Inhabitants of the United States, by Thomas Ruston, M.D., of the Uni- versity of Edinburgh and of the Royal Incorporated Medical Society ; A.B. of the College of Nassau Hall of Princeton, in the State of New Jersey ; Member of the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, and Honorary Member of the Royal Society of Friends of their Country at Valencia, in Spain. Omni tulit punctum qui misruit utile dulce." This vol- ume was dedicated to Mrs. E. Powel, of Powelton. The most remarkable thing connected with it was that, after having exhausted his matter of an argu- mentative and statistical nature in the letters, Dr. Ruston winds up his work with a long poem which is entitled " A Tolerably Picturesque Poetical Descrip- tion of the Horrors of the Year 1798," a composition peculiar, at all events, if not highly poetical.

Gen. Jonathan Williams, who was superintendent of West Point Academy, member of Congress from Philadelphia, and resident at one time at Monnt Pleasant (now in the Park), published, in 1799, " A Memoir of the Thermometer in Navigation ;" "Ele- ments of Fortification," 1801; "Kosciusko's Man- œuvres for Horse Artillery," 1808.

Joseph Sansom, in 1805, published, in two volumes, " Letters from Europe during a Tour through Switzer- land and Italy in the Years 1801 and 1802." In 1817 he published "Sketches of Lower Canada," which were considered of sufficient. importance and interest to be published in Sir Robert Phillips' collection of travels. Sansom was a merchant, and was in busi- ness with his brother Samuel. He was a member of the Society of Friends.

Harriet Fenno, a daughter of John Ward Fenno, editor of the United States Gazette, wrote poetry with taste and feeling, her contributions appearing in the Portfolio under the signature of " Violetta." Among her best productions was an address to Mr. Malbone on his painting a miniature likeness of a friend.

Dr. Nathaniel Chapman, more distinguished as a physician, yet devoted some of his time to literature. He was a native of Fairfax County, Va., and was born May 28, 1780. It is said that he imitated some of the early efforts of Pope, and paraphrased the " Odes of Horace" when he was not more than eight years old. He became a contributor to the Portfolio, under the signature of " Falkland," while yet a hoy.

Dr. Thomas Ruston, who was probably an Ameri- can by birth, as he graduated in Princeton, N. J., as Bachelor of Arts, was a resident of Philadelphia as early as 1791, at which time he lived at No, 321 High Street, and practiced medieine. Ile had studied that science at the University of Edinburgh, where he In 1807-8 he published a work entitled "Select

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AUTHORS AND LITERATURE OF PHILADELPHIA.

Speeches," forensic and parliamentary, in five vol- umes. It was a compilation embracing the most celebrated oratorical efforts of famous men. The work of Dr. Chapman consisted not so much in the arrangement of the speeches as in the illustrative re- marks and criticisms upon them. These speeches were followed by a collection made by Stephen Cul- len Carpenter, published iu two volumes in 1815, en- titled "Select American Speeches." Dr. Chapman's great activity as a medical writer, together with his numerous professional cares, did not allow him to de- vote much time to lighter literature.

Tench Coxe devoted his attention principally to subjects of political economy. He was a son of Wil- liam Coxe, of Philadel- phia, and Mary, his wife, who was daughter of Tench Francis, attorney-general of Pennsylvania before the Revolution. Tench Coxe was born in Philadelphia, May 22, 1755, and died July 17, 1824. He was edu- cated at the University of Pennsylvania, was brought up to business, and became partner in the mercantile firm of Coxe, Furman & Coxe. He held various public offices. He was a member of the Continental Congress, assistant secre- tary of the treasury, com- missioner of revenue, and purveyor of the public sup- plies of the United States. He wrote frequently in pamphlets on public ques- tions. He was author of an " Address on Manufac- tures," "An Inquiry into the Commercial System of the United States," in 1787 ; " A Brief Examina- tion on Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Com- merce of the United States, with two Supplementary Notes on American Manufactures," in 1792; " A View of the United States of America," in 1794; "Thoughts on Naval Power and the Encouragement of Commerce and Manufactures," in 1806 ; " A State- ment of the Arts and Manufactures of the United States for the year 1810;" "Memoir on the Cultiva- tion, Trade, and Manufacture of Cotton," in 1807; " A Memoir on the Navigation Act," in 1809; and papers on other subjects of public importance.

Charles J. Ingersoll will be found fully noticed in the chapter on the Bench and Bar. He was a man of great versatility of talent, and, in the midst of professional studies and pursuits, devoted a consider-

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able portion of his time to letters. While studying for the bar he wrote the tragedy of " Edwy and Elgiva," which was played at the Chestnut Street Theatre on the 2d of April, 1801. He also pub- lished, in 1800, in the Portfolio, " Chiomara," a poem. In 1808 he published a pamphlet entitled “The Rights and Wrongs, Power and Policy, of the United States of America," which was in defense of the commercial policy of Mr. Jefferson. Iu 1809 he pub- lished an anonymous work entitled "Inchiquin, the Jesuit's Letters ; being a fragment of a private cor- respondence, accidentally discovered in Europe, con- taining a favorable view of the manners, literature, and state of society in the United States, aud a refu- tation of many of the as- persions cast upon this country by former resi- dents and tourists. By some unkuown foreigner." "Inchiquin" represents a variety of description, criti- cism, narrative, and reflec- tion, rendered agreeable by a vein of ridicule and humor. Literature and politics were particularly attended to. This work was reviewed in the London Quarterly, and a reply to that article was made by James K. Paulding. In- gersoll contributed to va- rious newspapers, among them the Democratic Press and the National Intelli- gencer, of Washington, in relation to the controversy with England out of which originated the war of 1812. Several of his speeches on the war, while a member of Congress, were published. In 1823 he delivered an ad- dress before the American Philosophical Society on " The Influence of America on the Mind." It was republished in England. His latest work was " A Historical Sketch of the Second War between the United States of America and Great Britain," in four volumes. It was published between 1845 and 1852. He died in 1862.

His brother, Joseph Reed Ingersoll, a distinguished lawyer, also mentioned in the chapter referred to, though less prominent in literature than his distin- guished brother, yet contributed occasionally to it. He translated the treatise of Roccus, "De Navibus et Nauta." His speech before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Bowdoin College, on "The Advantages of Science and Literature," and other similar discourses, were highly praised on their production. Another

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HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

brother, Edward Ingersoll, wrote for the Portfolio a series of poems entitled " Horace in Philadelphia," and contributed articles on political subjects to Walsh's Gazette.

Condy Raguet, who was born in Philadelphia Jan. 28, 1784, graduated at the University of Pennsylvania and studied law, but gave up that pursuit, and, entering a counting-house, was sent at the age of twenty years to San Domingo as supercargo of a vessel. In 1805 he published " A Short Account of San Domingo, and a Circumstantial Account of the Massacre there." He corresponded with the Portfolio, and a letter of his, written in 1810, will be found in volume vi. of that periodical. He wrote "an account of the operations of the volunteers on the Delaware" after the return of the Advance Brigade in 1814. In these operations he was captain of a company of volunteers, and was promoted colonel before the troops returned. Mr. Raguet's thoughts were directed in the latter portion of his life to subjects of finance and political economy. He was the author of " An Inquiry into the Causes of the Present State of the Circulating Medium of the United States," published in 1815.

Zebulon Montgomery Pike, a native of New Jersey, who was employed in the government survey of Louisiana Territory in 1805, published in Philadel- phia, in 1810, an "Account of Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi and through the western parts of Louisiana, from 1805 to 1807, and a tour through the interior parts of New Spain when con- ducted through those Provinces by order of the Cap- tain General, in the year 1807." This was printed in 1810. On the breaking out of the war with England, Pike received a colonel's command. He was next year made brigadier-general, and was mortally wounded during the attack on York, Upper Canada, on the 28th of April, 1813.

Alexander Wilson, the ornithologist, performed his literary work in the United States almost entirely in Philadelphia. He undertook, in 1804, a pedestrian tour to the Falls of Niagara, in company with two friends, one result of which was the poem, " The For- esters," published in the Portfolio, which describes a journey in October through Pennsylvania and across the Alleghanies.

In 1806, William Bradford engaged Wilson to su- perintend the publication of " Rees' Encyclopedia." The salary was liberal, and enabled him to give up the drudgery of teaching, and to urge upon Bradford the publication of the "Ornithology."

Wilson wrote "The Solitary Tutor," published in the Literary Magazine of Charles Brockden Brown ; an oration ou "The Power and Value of National Liberty," 1801; a song called "Jefferson and Lib- erty," and several pieces printed in the Analectic Magazine, published by Moses Thomas. In 1810 he wrote "The Pilgrim, a Poem on a Voyage down the Ohio River." The "Ornithology" has attracted the praise of scholars and men of science in all parts of

the world, while Wilson's energy has been frequently commended. Lord Brougham said of him that he had " penetrated through the vast territories of the United States with an enthusiasm never excelled." Cuvier declared that his " History of the Birds of the United States" equaled in elegance the most beauti- ful European works. Blackwood's Magazine, speaking of his style, said, " By the mere force of native genius and of delight in nature he became, without know- ing it, a great and good writer." The " Encyclopedia Britannica," eighth edition, said, "With regard to the literary merit of his 'American Ornithology,' passages occur in the prefaces and descriptions which, for elegance of language, graceful ease, and graphie power, ean scarcely be surpassed."

George Ord, the naturalist, who was born in Phila- delphia in 1781, was a warm friend of Wilson, and after the latter died, added a supplement to his orni- thological works. He also contributed a biography of Alexander Wilson, which is the source from which almost everything that is known of that child of genius is derived. Ord took a warm interest in the life of his friend, and his biography is considered an elegant and interesting memoir. Mr. Ord also wrote memoirs of Charles Alexander Le Sueur and of Thomas Say. He became president of the Academy of Natural Sciences, and held that dignified post until his death in 1866.

A curious composition published in 1801 by R. H. Hall was " The Powers of Chemistry in Relation to Things Visible and Invisible; or, a Walk through the Laboratory of the Skies through the Indulgence of the Goddess of Science. Dedicated to the Faculty of Pennsylvania. By Isaac Abrahams." " Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." In the copy in the Philadelphia Library, which belonged formerly to James Cox, the artist, it is written that the composition was by - Austin. It was dedi- cated to Professor Wood, of the Chemical Society.

Thomas Dobson, bookseller and publisher, was the author of "Letters on the Existence and Character of the Deity, and on the Moral State of Man;" " Thoughts on the Scriptural Account of Faith in Jesus and Life through His Name," 1807; "Thoughts on Mankind," 1811.

Roberts Vaux was an active citizen, and wrote fre- quently upon subjects of public interest and philan- thropy. He was born at Philadelphia on the 21st of January, 1786, and died in 1836. Between 1809 and 1825 he published the following : " Eulogium on Ben- jamin Ridgway Smith," 1809; " Memoirs of the Lives of Benjamin Lay and Ralph Sandiford," 1815; " Me- moirs of the Life of Anthony Benezet ;" "Address before the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture," 1825.

Jacob Rush was a brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush. He was born in 1746, and graduated at Princeton Col- lege in 1765. He was president judge of the Court of Common Pleas at Philadelphia from 1806 until 1820,

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AUTHORS AND LITERATURE OF PHILADELPHIA.

Although he was much engaged by his legal and judi- cial duties, he found time to indulge in authorship on other subjects. He was the author of "Charges on Moral and Religious Subjects," published in 1803; " The Character of Christ," 1806; " Christian Bap- tism," 1819.

Rebecca Rush, daughter of Judge Rush, wrote "Kelsey," a novel, by a lady of Pennsylvania. This book was published by Bradford & Inskeep in 1812. They gave Miss Rush one hundred dollars for the manuscript.

Mordecai M. Noah, born in Philadelphia, July 19, ; History and Politics." In 1813 he published " Cor- 1785, was apprenticed to a mechanical business, which, respondence Respecting Russia," between himself and Robert Goodloe Harper, and "An Essay on the Future State of Europe." In 1817 he was editor of the American Register. In 1819 was published his most important work, "An Appeal from the Judg- ments of Great Britain respecting the United States of America. Part I. Containing a Historical Out- line of their Merits and Wrongs, and Strictures on the Calumnies of British Writers." This book went through two editions in America, and was twice reprinted in London, being the object of extensive criticism. The Legislature of Pennsylvania passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Walsh, and resolved that copies should be purchased for its members. In 1821, Mr. Walsh became editor of the National Gazette, which he continued to conduct until 1837. In the mean time he did other literary work. He was editor of the Museum of Foreign Literature and Science, which was established in 1822. He contrib- uted to Delaplaine's Repository some of the biograph- ical notices, among which was one on Benjamin Franklin. not liking, he abandoned and engaged in the study of the law, but in which he did not long persevere. He removed to Charleston, where he engaged in politics, but came back to Philadelphia before the year 1810, and established himself as a merchant at No. 41 North Fourth Street. He remained in Philadelphia until 1813, and during that time obtained the title of " major," which he held the remainder of his life. He received it in an election for militia officers, which, as he afterward told with glee, was attended only by himself and two other persons. In 1813 he went to Morocco as United States consul, and was taken prisoner by a British frigate. After his return to the United States he published a volume of travels in England, France, Spain, and the Barbary States. In New York he edited the National Advocate uutil 1826, when he established the New York Enquirer (subse- quently the New York Courier and Enquirer). Noah was also connected with the following New York newspapers : Evening Star, 1834; Union, 1842; and the Sunday Times and Messenger. In a letter written to William Dunlap, in 1832, Noah relates some of his adventures in Philadelphia, particularly in relation to theatrical affairs. He was a member of a Thespian company which performed in the old South Street Theatre, together with George Helmbold, afterward editor of the Tickler. He was a regular attendant at the Chestnut Street Theatre, and wrote a melodrama called " The Fortress of Sorrento," which was never acted ; and " Paul and Alexis; or, the Orphans of the Rhine," performed at Charleston, and afterward called " The Wandering Boys." He wrote for an actress "She Would be a Soldier; or, the Battle of Chip- pewa." His subsequent plays were " Marion ; or, the Hero of Lake George;" "The Grecian Captive," and "The Siege of Tripoli."

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History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 67

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 992

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992